by Piper Stone
She didn’t bother looking into my eyes even once and as she walked away, I stood exactly where I was, trying to push away my anger. Wherever she’d gone, she’d been wearing a dress. I was able to see a portion even though she had the same raincoat she’d worn to my house wrapped tightly around her. What in the fuck was going on?
I didn’t wait for the rest of the crew, instead heading to the station before everyone else left the scene. I wanted to take an opportunity to pull the names of the owners of the buildings from the recent fires. Everything was quiet as I walked in, not a soul in the place. I headed to the captain’s office, turning on the light. I wanted to see if I could make any direct connection. Genevieve couldn’t discuss her work to any regard, not that we’d bothered to discuss business to any degree. Perhaps we should have.
She was rattled when she arrived, her actions less about acting to hide our relationship and more about hiding something else. I searched through the files, writing down various names and just as I slipped the last folder into place, I heard the bay doors opening. I barely had time to make it into the locker room before the crew strolled in.
“You ran out on us. Can’t take a morbid scene?” Wally shot out, laughing as he punched Jake on the arm.
“Maybe he ran given the sight of one bodacious broad.” David make a lewd gesture.
I threw open the door to my locker, metal hitting metal.
“Whoa. I think we struck a nerve,” Kyle chortled as he strutted by, sneering.
“Yeah, why did you leave?” Jake flanked my side, peering over my shoulder as I slid the piece of paper under my clothes.
The moment I turned to give him some shit, I could see the captain’s face as he stopped just in front of his door. I’d accidentally left on the light. He never did. He shifted his gaze in our direction, his eyes falling directly on me. While he didn’t say anything, I could sense he knew I’d been in his office.
“No reason to stick around.” My answer held no inflection and Jake took a few seconds before he shrugged and walked to his own locker.
“Yo, Tompkins. I don’t think Miss Gregory has a boyfriend. She could sure use one with that stick she’s got up her ass. Needs to be replaced with something else hard and long.” Wally made the crass statement and the others burst into laughter, slapping hands and whooping as if this was some game.
I felt the heat of Jake’s eyes as he watched for my reaction. He took his time with his gear just as I was doing and when the others had gone into the shower room, he headed in my direction, sliding next to my locker.
“You wanna tell me the truth?”
I peeled off my shirt, tossing it into the bottom of my locker. “About what?”
“You know about what. Genevieve. You never stopped seeing her, did you?”
I rolled my eyes and thumped down on the bench to remove my boots. “Nothing to say.”
“I knew it. You took my advice. For once. Hell, you’ve been distant these last few days. Not like you.” He held up his hands when I gave him a nasty glare. “None of my business. I get it. But...”
Of course, he allowed the last word to drag as he took several backward steps. “But what?”
“Nothin’, my friend. Just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” I heard the bitter anger in my voice and backed down, tossing my boots with enough vehemence that the entire locker shook.
“Whoa. You really like this girl.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about. Just stay out of it.”
“Fine. But I heard she’s dating some guy. Rumor mill says it followed her here.”
I snarled under my breath. “What in the hell are you talking about and how the fuck would you know?”
“You know the rumor mill. Some folks been checking up on the fine-looking lady. Heard she’s into some heavy-duty kink. Also heard she had a couple friends die in a suspicious fire. Seems like danger follows the lady around. Might want to ask her what happened.”
I slowly tipped my head in his direction. “Nothing I would know about.”
“Okay. Have it your way. I’m just saying you need to watch yourself.” Jake backed off, shaking his head.
How in the hell would anyone be able to find out anything about her private life? People enjoyed talking smack and I wasn’t going to fall victim to the kind of crap that everyone else seemed to wallow in. But I would find out.
I slammed the locker door and grabbed a towel. The mystery surrounding both the fires and the woman I... I hissed under my breath. Maybe Jake was right, and I needed to be careful. Falling in love with the girl could turn out to be deadly.
* * *
I didn’t try her cell phone and I certainly had no clue where she lived; however, I did know where her office was located. I hadn’t been able to get any sleep so by nine in the morning, I was determined to find out what mystery she was purposely hiding. I drove into the parking lot, searching for her car. She was here. I’d done some of my own searching with the names I’d taken from the captain’s office. I’m certain that what she’d discovered was exactly the same thing. No connection. However, I dug deeper. There were some pieces that I found interesting.
I waited, studying the front of the building as if I expected her to walk out. I’d seen the news and the connection had been made to the mayor. Seemed Mr. Fabios had been a close supporter both financially as well as personally to the mayor’s campaign. The press certainly liked a good story and this one reeked, especially since there was already speculation that Mr. Fabios has been murdered. I couldn’t care less about politics, but damn if this shit didn’t stink.
I entered the building, locating her office number on the address board and walking up the three flights of stairs. I waited at the receptionist station, glancing up and down the empty halls. There was no one around and so I simply walked down the hallway, determined to find her.
And I did.
I tapped on the open door, waiting in the doorway. Her expression was one of surprise, a darting glance to the window connecting the hallway then a smile crossing her face.
“What are you doing here?” Genevieve asked as she rounded the corner of her desk. She looked harried, as if she also hadn’t slept.
“I wanted to see you.” I walked further inside and hated the tension that seemed to be between us.
“About the fire? I don’t know anything yet except for the fact you were right. An accelerant of some kind was used. I can definitely call Mr. Fabios’ death a murder investigation.” She swallowed and crossed her arms.
“I didn’t come here about the fire.”
“Then why did you come?” she said the words under her breath, taking yet another glance at her door. She moved around me, taking a wide arc and closing her door. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“I’m one of the firefighters on the investigation.”
“I know, but...” She exhaled and shook her head as she walked closer. “I hate not being able to shout to the world about our relationship.”
“Do we actually have one?”
“I...” She inched even closer. “What does that mean? Of course we do. We both discussed this and decided to keep what we have private.”
“Yes.” I suddenly felt like an idiot even asking her the question. “Is there someone else, a man from Atlanta?”
“No. I told you that already. I haven’t been dating anyone. You can ask Karen. Why?”
“Heard things.”
She shook her head. “What things?”
“About someone you were dating in Atlanta. I also read your text last night. Something about you belonging to him?” I was instantly sorry I’d brought it up this way, especially in the middle of her office. She paled, blinking several times then her mouth became flat, anger furrowing into her brow.
“You read my text?”
“By accident.”
She looked away, tapping her foot. “I had a life. Yes. But there is nothing going on w
ith anyone else. If you don’t trust me, then we have a serious problem. We don’t have a commitment. From what I can tell, you can’t stand the thought of a commitment.”
The words stung but her vehemence was justified. “I wanted to ask because some folks are checking on you. Don’t know what they managed to find, but you should know they’re digging.”
“Bastards. Goddamn fucking asshole bastards!” Her voice level increased, the exasperation written clearly on her face. “I can’t live a normal life. I’m sick of it. I’m fucking sick of it!”
When she threw down her hands, she knocked over her lamp. The crashing sound made her jump, an exclamation flowing from her mouth.
“Hey. It’s okay.” Taking her into my arms, I pressed my hand against the back of her head. She was trembling with anger, but I could almost taste her fear. “Talk to me, baby. Let me help you. What is going on?” She nuzzled against my chest, her shoulders heaving.
“It’s complicated,” she said, stiffening when the door opened.
“Genevieve. Is everything all right in here?”
I heard the clipped voice, the northern accent and hissed as she clamored to get out of my arms. Joseph Zane took his position to an entirely new and very sordid level. I hated being disturbed, especially by a pompous asshole who believed his shit didn’t stink. I narrowed my eyes in a commanding manner, trying to keep her in the same position, but she had the kind of expression that reeked of annoyance.
“I’m fine, Mayor Zane. Just last night was deeply troubling.” She issued a slight shake of her head before taking a step back, rubbing her eyes. “This is one of the firemen on duty last night.”
My upper lip curling, I turned around to face him. Maybe I wasn’t a good judge of character, but I’d had my doubts about his integrity from the first press conference he’d given, announcing his candidacy for mayor in a blaze of glory. The event had been more like watching a rodeo than a typical run of the mill political episode. However, he’d either won the hearts of Charlotte or bullied them into submission. My bet was on the latter. That’s one reason I couldn’t figure out how Genevieve knew him well enough to receive his staunch backing and approval.
“Ah, yes. I know you, don’t I, son?” Mayor Zane didn’t extend his hand at first, but his eyes roamed over me in a distinct fashion.
The fucker was trying to figure out what side I was on.
When we did finally shake hands, there was no doubt about his perceived air of authority. I almost crushed his hand in an unsaid reply. “I don’t think so.”
“Yeah, I think I do. Aren’t you the boy brought in from Texas?” Mayor Zane grinned.
“Born and bred outside of Dallas.”
“Well, we certainly have experienced our share of excitement these last few weeks, but nothing in comparison to what you’re used to.”
I really am a nice guy, at least I like to think so, but this man I could crush like a frigging bug. “I’m used to many things, Mayor Zane. You’d be surprised what little difference there actually is in the two cities.”
“Did you need something else, Mayor? I have a long day ahead of me.” Genevieve moved closer to the middle of us, her composure completely restored.
“Just a couple minutes of your time, Genny. As you can imagine, the reporters are breathing down my neck about Nick’s murder.” Mayor Zane seemed adamant about moving closer to Genevieve. Not Genny, you jerkoff.
“That’s right. You knew Mr. Fabios. A friend of yours?” I couldn’t resist asking.
“My unofficial campaign manager. Sad loss to all of us. Nick was a great friend.” A shadow crossed the mayor’s face. Why did I think the entire thing was more about his excellent acting skills?
I waited to see if Genevieve would say anything. When she gave me a curt smile, I headed toward the door. I knew when I wasn’t wanted.
“We should talk later, Lieutenant. I need the full report on last night’s fire.” Even her voice was bland, devoid of any emotion.
“Of course. I’ll be at the fire station after one. You can call or drop by.” I had my hand on the doorknob and the last thing I wanted to do was leave. I only did after she gave me an encouraging smile. When I walked out, I issued more than a few curse words under my breath. Damn her. Damn everything.
If she was a player, she had another think coming. I had ways of punishing her that would leave her begging for more, her little pussy so damn wet.
Yeah, I wanted this girl something fierce and I wasn’t sure I gave a shit who I’d have to fight in order to make her mine. And I was just the man to do it.
Chapter Nine
Genevieve
Fuck this bullshit.
The tension in the room I could have cut with a knife. Then again, I might have used the sharp blade on the mayor instead. He always found a way to intrude, his timing impeccable. I folded my arms once again, moving around my desk. I needed a barrier between him and me. I couldn’t get over the feeling that I owed him for something, maybe for the job. I wasn’t the kind of girl who allowed strings to stay attached. I should have listened to my gut regarding taking the position in the first place.
Then I wouldn’t have met Blaise. The cowboy. The fireman.
My daddy always said things happened for a reason. Maybe I was required to go through my share of discomfort in order to find happiness. I almost snickered at the thought. And pigs fly in winter. I wasn’t allowed to be happy, not like everyone else. But Blaise was worth fighting for. I just had no idea in what capacity.
“Mayor Zane, I really do need to get back to the crime scene. I also have other cases to work on.” Which you continually keep me from doing. “What do you want to talk about?”
His smile died, replaced with a condescending look as he crept closer, leaning over my desk. “Little girl, I own you. You work for me.”
“Fuck you!” I spit back. “And I’m not your little girl.” The words seemed to echo. He gave me a giant sneer, as if I was an ungrateful bitch. Yeah, I was pressing my luck but right now, I didn’t care. This city, this man right now was oppressive, and I was about to lose my cool.
“Hear me and I’m not going to say this again. You work on whatever case I tell you to and if I choose one as a priority, you jump to it. You jump anytime I call. That’s the way it works. This case is now personal, and no bastard is going to defy the good work I’m doing here. Do you understand clearly, Investigator Gregory?”
To say I was riled was the understatement of the year. He was lucky I didn’t punch him in the nose. Or the nuts. Ah, but I wanted to. I heard what he was saying, and I was no fool. I’d seen the mayor’s list of friends and Nickolas Fabios was near the top. I’d heard all the stories about how the man had funded the mayor’s campaign almost solely. There were even rumors that Nick had been courting the man for years, finally convincing Joseph to bring his brand of leadership to North Carolina. I’d also heard more than my share of reasons why Nick might have been murdered. Nick wasn’t well liked or respected. There were supposed ties to mafia stemming all the way from New Jersey, but that was none of my business. I wasn’t a cop, but I did care about hunting down the arsonist. I had a feeling he or she had a hand in the recent fires. Thousands of jobs had been lost, families scrambling to make ends meet.
While there was still no direct connection, I could feel it in my bones. I was close to finding out. I hadn’t been able to tell Blaise and I certainly wasn’t going to tell the mayor that the threats had started again last night, almost the instant I’d left Blaise’s house. Two last night and one this morning. Nothing overt had been said, simply dead air, but I knew the scare tactics were back on.
“Mayor, I respect your position and I am saddened for the loss of your friend. However, in order for me to be able to help the police investigate and bring the person responsible for Mr. Fabios’ death, I need time. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
He sniffed, a strange glint appearing in his eyes. “As I said to you before, I fear there are going t
o be additional deaths.”
“This is the only death that I’m aware of with regard to the recent fires. Is there something you’re not telling me?” The tension just kicked up a notch or two.
“You have no idea who you’re dealing with, Miss Gregory. There are people who would stop at nothing to make certain I don’t succeed in this town.”
I wanted to laugh. The man had enough bodyguards that no one could penetrate his impressive force. “Are you telling me that you’ve been threatened, Mayor?”
“I’m telling you that there are some unscrupulous factions of people. I don’t want you to get caught up in the mess, little girl. You’re too valuable to me but things happen.”
I yanked back my head almost as forcefully as if he’d slapped me. “That sounds very much like a threat, Mayor. I don’t take kindly to being threatened.”
His smile returned. “Honey, I don’t have to threaten anyone. You should know that by now.”
I was forced to clench my hand to keep from striking him. “I’ll make certain I watch my back. Now, if you’ll allow me to get back to work, I’m certain I can ascertain the guilty party, even if there’s more than one.” I knew my smile was laced with venom, but it seemed to disarm him, at least for now.
“Very well. As soon as you find anything, you will let me know.”
“Absolutely. You’ll be the first.”
“There’s one more thing.” He raked his eyes down my neck, settling on my breasts. “I mentioned there are a couple firehouses that are bad seeds.” He reached into the pocket of his jacket. “This is all the information you need.”
When I didn’t grab whatever crap he wanted to give me, he tossed it on my desk, sneering.
Mayor Zane hiked up his pants then stormed toward the door. He stopped short, very slowly turning his head in my direction. “You owe me that dinner and I do plan on making certain that happens. Remember, jump, little girl.”
Oh, my fucking God, I was going to find a way to destroy him. I didn’t give him the satisfaction of reacting but as soon as I was alone, the door closed and his heavy footsteps pounding down the hallway, I crumpled into the chair. Everything was already one big, fat, ugly mess.