Before the Dawn

by Gail Chianese

  “I’m taking it slow, so as not to scare her away. She’s interesting, smart, brazenly honest, but I think she’s also scared of someone.” He scratched at his head. “I’ll bring it up tomorrow night on our date.”

  “Well, well, a second date and in the same week. Doesn’t sound like you’re taking it too slow.” She kept her voice light and fun.

  In all the time she’d known Vinnie, she’d never seen him so serious. He’d always had a love-‘em-and-leave-‘em-weeping-for-more attitude when talking about women. Not that he dated. Vinnie didn’t talk much about the afterlife or other spirits. Lexie and she thought it was because it depressed him. Totally understandable. Being dead would depress most people.

  But his straight face and the lack of his usual sarcastic humor had Kat wanting to know more about the mysterious Marilyn.

  The next three interviews followed the same pattern, revealing nothing new. Pressure built in Kat’s chest, squeezing it from the inside out. Tears of frustration burned the back of her eyes.

  “There’s no such thing as a perfect crime, Kat. Someone will remember him or know something to help us,” Vinnie said.

  She hoped he was right because she had a feeling their arsonist wouldn’t stop until he was caught. Fear curled around her heart. How many more lives would he take?

  “I know. I need to close this case before I start at the school. It’s not fair to make Lexie come back and clean up my case.” She felt bad enough leaving, even with Ashley there to take up her share of the work. Maybe she could change her mind? Tell Principal English she’d changed her mind? But then, that would put the school in a bind. She just wished she knew that what she was doing was the right thing.

  Taking a deep breath, Kat scanned the ladies’ department of the store, seeking her mother’s blond hair and signature French twist. She knows. The timing of this shopping trip was too perfect. Normally, Emily Jones didn’t listen to town gossip. Too busy with her various charities, foundations and committees, the woman was constantly on the go. Except for the one time Kat needed her to be busy.

  Not that it would matter. Her parents, while supportive, hadn’t been thrilled about her going into the private investigative business. Neither had Lexie’s, until recently. Both sets of parents had naturally worried. Until six months ago, those fears had been for naught. Emily Jones had probably sighed with relief when word reached her of Kat’s new job. Who could blame her?

  Standing over her child in ICU after a near-fatal car accident had taken a toll on Emily. As had Kat’s breakup with the cheating rat-bastard and her betrayal by a good friend. Surprisingly, neither Emily nor Nick Jones had nagged their daughter about changing careers when she had been released. Kat figured they were practicing reverse psychology on her. It wouldn’t have been the first time.

  If so, they had failed.

  Well, not really. It had just taken a while to take effect.

  Kat blamed the concussion. It had scrambled her brain matter and made it harder for things to sink in and her consciousness to become aware.

  Whatever the reason, she was sure her parents were ready to celebrate the news.

  “Darling, there you are.” Her mother enveloped her in a quick hug. “I’m so glad you had time to meet up with me. I feel like I haven’t seen you in weeks.”

  “I had dinner with you and Dad on Sunday. It’s been four days.”

  “Well, it feels longer. You’ll understand someday when you have kids and they grow up and get their own lives.”

  First, she’d have to find someone whom she’d want to have a kid with, and preferably a long-term relationship to boot. “So, what are we shopping for?” Kat looked around. “New exercise class?”

  “Mmm, sort of.” Her mother held up a pair of activewear pants with fleece lining. “Would these be good to keep up with little kids, do you think?”

  “I guess. I mean, you’re more of an expert in that area than I am.”

  Her mom laughed. “True. You and Lexie did keep me and Susan on our toes. I’ll probably need a regular pair for inside too.”

  Confusion, party of one. Had she missed a conversation on Sunday? “Mom, are you starting a preschool or something?”

  “No, darling, of course not.” She grabbed another pair of pants off the rack and turned to the sweatshirts. “You know I’m on the elementary school board now, right?”

  “Yes,” Kat said slowly.

  “It’s been years since I’ve actually been in the classes and around the kids. I figured if I want to really know what’s going on and what those kids need, then I need to get involved. Get my hands dirty, sort of. Mrs. English agreed with me. I’m going to monitor the kids during recess and lunch and then help out in a few classrooms a couple of times a week.”

  “That sounds like a big commitment.” Hmm, a few classrooms. Like hers perhaps? What was her mother up to? She’d never been the kind to butt in before, but maybe the near-death of her only daughter had changed things. Whatever her mother was up to, it didn’t help the doubts already plaguing her regarding her decision.

  “Yes, but this way when the teachers say they need new books or computers, I can be their advocate, because I’ll have seen firsthand what they do need. Isn’t that great?” She handed Kat a couple of shirts to hold.

  “When did all of this come about?”

  “Yesterday. We were discussing the needs of the school. Budgets, supplies, staffing.”

  Her mom hummed around the racks, pulling out and putting back items, but Kat totally caught the distinction on that last need.

  “And did Principal English mention anything else to you?”

  “Like?” Her mom’s head came up and stared at her, all doe in the headlights. Emily Jones did not do innocent well.

  “Mom, I know you know about the job offer. I was going to call, but I’ve been busy trying to solve this case before Lexie comes home.”

  Her mom sniffed and went back to looking at the racks. “It’s fine, darling. You might want to try a few of these on yourself, for PE days.”

  “Mom.” Kat laid her hand on her mom’s arm. “I wasn’t trying to hide this from you. In this town, that would be impossible. It’s just been really busy at the office without Lexie, even with the new intern.”

  “New intern?” Her mom reached for the clothes Kat held for her. “I didn’t realize you hired someone already. I mean, I knew you mentioned wanting to hire someone, but that was fast.”

  “We got lucky. She’s a former cop from New York. But back to the teaching job. I thought you’d be happy about it. It’s not like you really wanted a PI for a daughter. You’re the one who insisted I minor in education.”

  “Darling, that was when you were eighteen and fresh out of high school. Your and Lexie’s heads were filled with ideas that you’d be the next Nancy Drew and I, oh, I don’t know. Whatever hot new detective show was currently on. We were worried. It’s not steady work, there are shady characters involved, and it’s dangerous.”

  “And you were right.”

  “No, I wasn’t.”

  “Mom, I almost died.” She didn’t get it. Shouldn’t her mom be happy?

  Kat dropped down onto the bench inside the large dressing room. Had her mom forgotten the ICU? Because Kat hadn’t.

  “Trust me, my love, I remember. But you didn’t die and you love being a detective. You love owning your own business and working with your best friend. And you’re really good at it.”

  The words pierced Kat’s heart, filled her with love and so much pride that this amazing woman was her mom but, unfortunately, they didn’t fill her with the confidence she needed.

  “Thanks, Mom. What’s the plan? Volunteer at the school where you’ll be in my face every time I turn around so I won’t take the job?”

  Laughing, her mom surveyed her own appearance in the first outfit. “No, I actually volunteered before I saw the list of applicants. If I wanted to make sure you turned down the job, I would have sat in on your interview.”


  Yeah, that would have gone over well. It was bad enough Vinnie had popped in, even if the principal couldn’t see him.

  For the next hour they shopped, picking out new clothes and shoes for Kat that would be second-grader friendly. Stilettos really weren’t meant to chase seven-year-olds. Her mom didn’t bring up the job switch or mention again that she thought Kat was making a mistake. Again, Kat wondered if reverse psychology was in action. She wasn’t sure what her mom’s ultimate goal was. As it stood, Kat was more confused now than she’d ever been. Was she making a mistake?

  Done shopping, they headed to their favorite restaurant, Ilio’s, for dinner—only to walk in and find none other than Dr. Nick Jones waiting for them.

  “Dad, what a surprise. Shouldn’t you be at the hospital saving somebody’s life?”

  He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Actually, I thought it more important to see why you’re destroying yours.”

  So much for reverse psychology.

  Chapter 5

  Heading back to the station house, Shawn couldn’t shake the pressure bearing down on his shoulders. If he’d done his job better, Samuel Oakheart would be on his way to a new job, a new start on life. Son of a bitch. Life sucked sometimes, taking every opportunity to pound you back into the ground when you’d just gotten your toes on the foothold. Oakheart was one of those unlucky victims, but he didn’t have to be. Not right. Not fair. The man deserved someone in his corner to fight the fight he no longer could. And Shawn was determined to be his champion.

  The hospital had already broken the news, but that didn’t stop the man on the other end from breaking down. Shawn promised Oakheart’s cousin he would find the person responsible. That call had been the hardest thing he’d ever done in his life, and it had pissed him off.

  Once at the house, he’d share this new information with his fellow inspectors, the police, and every agency he could think of who might have a lead. There was also the hope his mysterious caller would reach him today. Most cases were solved by a witness tip. Or perhaps Kat would discover a lead he’d missed. Kat. There was something about her, something that touched him deep inside. Something that made him want to risk it all.

  Whatever it was didn’t make sense. Nothing in his life did at the moment. But that thing created a deeper connection than he’d ever experienced before when meeting a woman. It was like they’d met before—and he didn’t mean at the state fair.

  Like two souls connected through the ages, always finding each other in every new life. He’d always thought stuff like that a bunch of garbage. He didn’t believe in love at first sight. Lust at first sight, yeah, a hundred percent. Science, chemistry made sense.

  This made none.

  Sure, she was amazing. Caring. Soothing. Funny. And yet he sensed more. Drowning in baggage. Like a steamer trunk on a sinking ship. They both were and maybe that was the thing. They’d both had their hearts broken. Maybe not Kat, though. Who would dump her? But even if she’d dumped the guy, it had to hurt. He remembered the way she talked about her boyfriend when they’d first met. She’d been head over heels for him, which meant he was probably a total douche for hurting her.

  His loss. But Shawn didn’t see how it could be his gain either.

  If only the timing didn’t blow . . .

  Now wasn’t the time to think about a social life. He had a case to solve and a job interview to slam dunk. Living in Connecticut didn’t suck, although it wasn’t home. If he hadn’t followed Debi when the Navy transferred her, he’d be in Washington State with his family. He missed his mom and grandma and especially his cousin, Sutter. The guys at the station here were great, welcoming him into their fold—after the initial razzing period—but he had a lifetime of friends waiting for his return.

  He missed being one of the guys. Missed that easy camaraderie, the trust, the knowledge that they’d have your back no matter what. Missed being able to grab the phone and within minutes have one or more of his buddies meet him for a beer, play a game of pickup, or hang out to shoot the breeze.

  The guys at the station had his back at work, but when the end-of-shift whistle blew, they were out of his life until the next time they worked together. A lot of that was on him. After Debi left, he closed himself off to everyone.

  But if all went as planned, he’d be on the road, heading west soon.

  For now, he put all that aside. He had a job to do and a case to solve.

  Two preschool vans sat in the parking lot at the station house and by the number of cars, a full crew was on duty today. Spotting Rodriguez in the lounge, Shawn stopped and headed in that direction.

  “Hey, any calls come in for me today?”

  Not taking his eyes off the giant screen, he replied, “What do I look like, your flipping secretary?”

  Shawn crossed his arms, leaned into the doorjamb. Several other guys sat at the table playing cards, seemingly ignoring the exchange, but he knew better.

  “You know, Miguel, put you in a skirt and heels, you could be the station secretary. But with those hairy-ass legs of yours, we’re better off with you fighting fires.”

  A middle-finger salute shot up in the air. Snickers circled through the card game along with a few other jabs. All in a day’s work. He’d miss these guys when he went back home, but he needed his family. Surprised and pleased to find his office empty, he sat at the crowded desk and thumbed through a few messages. None from his mystery caller. Shoving all else aside, he filled out the report on this morning’s interview and emailed a copy to his captain and the police detective working the case.

  Judas Priest’s “Love Bites” sang out on his cell phone, a perfect reminder of the importance of the call. Taking a deep breath to clear his mind, Shawn grabbed his phone and plunged into his future. Twenty minutes later he clicked off, relief washing through him. The call had gone well. So much, in fact, that the job was his. He had one month to report to duty. Less than thirty days to catch a deadly firebug.

  Soon he’d be back home. Once again on the line, fighting the beast, saving lives. Although he drew the line at giving a chicken CPR like a friend had. The only way his mouth was getting that close to a chicken was after it had been plucked and fried.

  Pulling up his task file on the computer, he looked over the week’s schedule. Besides handling the arson investigation, most of which had led him to a dead end, he had business inspections to perform and a fire safety class at one of the local elementary schools. With the information from Oakheart, he planned to go back through old case files—again—and see if he could find any similarities. Whoever their culprit was, these four fires weren’t his first. Shawn would bet his left nut on that fact.

  Deep in thought about the case and all the other items he needed to take care of before moving, he didn’t notice the office phone ringing until Rodriguez stood next to his desk and answered.

  “Fire Marshal’s office, can I help you?” He paused, listening. “No, this isn’t the hot fire inspector, I’m his secretary. Is he here? Let me check.” He put the phone to his chest. “Are you here?”

  Shawn grabbed the phone away. “Fire Marshal Randall.” He glared at Rodriguez, who’d planted his ass on Shawn’s desk. Didn’t the guy have a truck to wash or KP duty?

  A young, female voice responded so softly he strained to hear.

  “Yes, I’m the one working the fire in Pawcatuck,” he said in response. “Do you have information that can help us find the person who set it?”

  Listening, he drummed his fingers absently on the desk. “When?” He scrambled to grab a pen and jotted down an address. “I’ll be there.”

  “Hitting the playground for your dates these days, Randall?”

  Asshole.

  “Cram it, Rodriguez. That was our mysterious witness on the fire.”

  All playfulness left Rodriguez’s face. The guy would give you shit about anything, but he took the job seriously. “She see who did it?”

  “Says she knows something that will help, but woul
dn’t say what. Wants me to meet her tonight over by Sully’s Bar in Pawcatuck. Ever been there?”

  “Total dive. Owner’s been busted a few times for serving minors. If you ask me, he serves them more than alcohol. You’re not going alone, are you?” Rodriguez must have seen something that gave away what Shawn was thinking. “You’re kidding right? Call the detective who’s working the case. This is out of your job description and that’s a dangerous area at night, Shawn.”

  Drumming his fingers, he thought about Rodriguez’s words. “She said she wouldn’t talk to anyone else. Don’t worry, I’m not stupid. I’ll call Detective Daines. He can do surveillance or whatever.”

  The office phone rang again, and again Rodriguez grabbed it, playing secretary. Handing Shawn the phone he said, “Some other chick, Kat Jones. Sounds hot. Damn. What is it about you that draws all the women?”

  “My boyish good looks and charm. And the fact that I don’t whine like a two-year-old.”

  “Up yours, Randall.”

  “Right back at ya.” Shawn smiled as he brought the phone to his ear. Yeah, even though they weren’t close, he’d miss these guys. “Hey Kat, you still free tonight?”

  “I’m never free, Marshal, but I am available to meet you to go over the case. How about five thirty, my office?”

  “I was thinking maybe I could pick you up and we could grab some dinner while we talked about the case.”

  The line went silent. Listening intently, he could hear her breathing. Good, still there. “Kat, hello? Dinner?”

  “I think it’s best if we met at my office to do this.”

  He could work with that. “Okay, see you at five thirty.”

  Lost in thought, Kat didn’t see the man standing in front of her desk until the tantalizing aroma of Chinese food penetrated her brain and made her mouth water. Standing before her desk, dressed in worn-out jeans and a Judas Priest T-shirt and holding two big bags, was Shawn. Looking as scrumptious as the food smelled.