An Inner Fire

by Jacki Delecki

  “Yeah, me too.” He leaned over to stroke the dog’s head.

  It was more than liking; it was a connection, a force. When Grayce had looked into his eyes, he had a sensation of transparency, as if she peered deep into his soul. He’d had the same unfamiliar sensation when she’d gazed at his dad’s picture in his office. She understood his loss; somehow she knew he had suffered when he could do nothing to stop the agonizing progression of his dad’s bone cancer.

  Oblivious to the rain, he crossed Fremont Avenue. What had the receptionist said? Grayce was always taking care of everyone.

  She had rushed to the rescue of an injured dog. It wasn’t hard to imagine Grayce Walters consoling anyone in pain. Obviously, the receptionist was one of her charity cases. But who took care of Grayce Walters?

  During this visit, like in his office, she had appeared worried. Was her fear more pronounced today or was he more attentive? He had the same gut reaction then. Grayce Walters was hiding something. He didn’t suspect for a minute she was involved with the wharf fire. There was nothing criminal about the sensitive woman.

  For the first time in his career, he doubted his ability to be objective about a witness.

  * * *

  Grayce sat at her desk. Flashes of heat followed by goose bumps galloped through her body. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms in an attempt to warm herself. A simple explanation for today’s sensations was that she was coming down with the flu, but she knew better. She had absorbed Mitzi’s fear for her owner. She had always been able to sense the energy states of all kinds of creatures, but she had never experienced the transfer of an emotion from an animal for their human owner.

  She had felt peril surrounding the lieutenant in his office. Mitzi, his defender, was still fearful and had been injured protecting him. How was she, an animal healer, supposed to help a dog protect her owner? Especially an owner whose job was to apprehend criminals?

  Chapter Nine

  Davis pulled his jacket collar up to stop the rain from dripping down his neck. He avoided the fire department’s spot and walked across Jackson Street to his own hideout joint. He needed a caffeine fix before heading to Fisherman’s Terminal and some time alone to sort out his impressions of the investigation. In his office, he kept getting distracted by the mental image of a small woman with luminous green eyes and a short skirt.

  The funky coffee shop was crowded with tuned out Seattleites pouring over their computers. With the days dark and dreary, the coffee shops filled with people needing caffeine and a connection—that is if you considered sitting by someone while staring at a computer screen a connection. He spotted Niles scrunched in a worn chair in the corner.

  “Niles, you hiding out?” Davis asked.

  Niles’ head jerked up. The sleepy-eyed look that gave him the appearance of a gentle giant was gone. Instead, a pair of steely gray eyes stared at Davis. “No.”

  “I haven’t seen you around the department.” Davis pointed to the adjacent chair. “Do you mind company?”

  Niles looked down but not fast enough for Davis to miss the wariness in the chaplain’s eyes. “No, join me.”

  “I needed to get out of my office.” Davis sat down on another worn chair. “Take a break from my investigation.” And take a break from his adolescent mooning over Grayce Walters.

  “Any leads?”

  “None. But I’m still convinced a pro set this fire. In your exit interviews, anyone come to mind that’d be willing to turn for money?”

  Niles chuckled, sending ripples through his generous belly. He was the only department member who didn’t pride himself in looking like a professional jock. “I’m counseling these guys about their career and personal mistakes. Do you think they’d share any criminal plans with the chaplain?”

  “It would’ve been so easy if someone confessed,” Davis said.

  “Even if someone did confess, it would be privileged information. I’m the chaplain after all, but no one has given me any indications they’d set any fires, or were planning to turn to a life of crime.

  “I’m not giving up on my theory.”

  “That’s what I like about you, Davis. You’re determined.”

  “Maclean would call me a stubborn son of a bitch. What am I talking about? Maclean has called me stubborn son of a bitch.” Davis laughed.

  Niles nodded but didn’t laugh.

  “Sorry for the shop talk. What kept you away from the department?” Davis asked.

  “I’ve been busy with family matters.”

  “I’ve never heard you talk about your family.” Niles was over sixty and single. The scuttlebutt in the department was that Niles was either divorced or had never recovered from a bitter relationship.

  “I didn’t have a family until last week.”

  Davis tried to read the inscrutable expression on Niles’ face to see if this was a joke. Niles never clowned around with the guys. He distanced himself from the male crew’s crude jokes.

  “How can you have a family and not know it?”

  Niles’ face turned crimson. “I have a son.”

  “A son?” Davis shifted in his chair. Niles never spoke about himself. He had a way of deflecting anything personal.

  Niles slapped his thigh. “Davis, it’s going to be hard to forget the expression on your face.”

  “You had a baby? I mean your girlfriend had a baby?”

  Niles’ broad smile melded into his dimples. “That’s good, Davis. No, I have an adult son. After my football injury and the end of my prospects of playing pro-ball, I went a little crazy partying, drugs. You know what I’m saying…and there was an exchange student.” Niles shook his head. “She went home and never told me.”

  Davis relaxed, leaning back in the leather chair. “How did you find out?”

  “My son, Nicholas, contacted me after his mother died.”

  Davis noted the warmth in “my son”.

  “Nicholas grew up believing his father had died. On her death bed, his mother told Nicholas the truth. Neither of us knew about the other.”

  Niles paused and stared at a distant point somewhere in the room. “Nicholas is married and has a six month old son.” Niles’ voice turned incredulous. “I learned I was a father and a grandfather on the same day.”

  Davis shut his mouth with a snap when he realized it hung open.

  “At first, I just couldn’t believe it. Then I could think of nothing else but getting them out of Russia.”

  “Russia?”

  “Galina had relatives here. It’s why she came to study in Seattle.” Niles took a large gulp of his coffee. “I hardly gave her another thought after my senior year. What she must have suffered. I’m going to make it up to Nicholas and his family.”

  Niles had always been totally devoted to the department. He treated every member as family, and now he had his own. Davis wanted to slap him on the back. “This is great news.”

  “It’s going to look a bit irresponsible to have discovered at this late age that I’m a father. Can you put the best spin on the news when it spreads in the department? The crew respects you.”

  Davis felt Niles’ intense regard and the emotion underlying his words. He flashed back to two years ago when his dad lay dying, and he spilled his guts to Niles. The chaplain had been there in those long hours.

  Davis smiled. “Sure Niles, whatever you need.”

  Niles stood up and shook his hand. “I knew I could count on you.”

  “Let me know if there’s anything else I can do.”

  * * *

  Leaning into the wind, Davis and Mitzi made their way along the dock. With the big gusts, the dock actually shook. Seattle’s fishing fleet bobbed in the dark grey waters all around them.

  Unlike yesterday, no one approached them when they arrived at the wharf. With the gusts blowing at forty miles per hour, the fishermen didn’t appear to be in a convivial mood. Protected by yellow slickers, they worked under tarps, repairing their nets.

  He followed
Mitzi onto the fishing vessel. “Hey, anyone around?” Davis doubted anyone could hear him over the wind. He spotted a man in a flannel shirt and rubber overalls coming on deck from mid-ship. Davis extended his hand. “I’m Lieutenant Davis from the fire department. I’m investigating the shed fire.”

  The older man crossed his arms over his chest. “I recognize you.”

  Davis didn’t need investigative skills to know how this was going to play. “I didn’t get to meet anyone yesterday.”

  The older man glanced up at the rushing storm clouds overhead.

  “I’m looking for Mike. He was on the wharf yesterday when I was talking with the men.”

  “What do you want with him?”

  “Is he around?”

  Mitzi pushed against the calloused man’s hand. The fisherman rubbed the dog’s head but refused to look at Davis.

  “Mike’s not here today. Some problem with his car.”

  “When do you expect him back?”

  “Is he in some kind of trouble?” The man jutted his chin, his shoulders stiffened.

  “I just want to ask him a few questions.”

  “Mike didn’t start that fire.”

  Davis shook his head. “I’m not thinking he did.”

  “He’s a good kid.”

  “I’m sure he is.”

  The big guy stepped closer to Davis. “Mike didn’t start your damn fire. Go harass someone else.”

  Davis’ hard wiring for domination surged through his circuits, but he restrained himself from going nose-to-nose with the captain. These fishermen thought they knew something about intimidation. He said, “Just want to tie up a few loose ends.”

  The man stood with his legs apart, braced against the rocking of the boat. “He’s family. Everyone on this boat is family. So if you’ve got a problem, I wanna know.”

  Davis shrugged. “Look, this is no big deal. If you tell me how to contact him, I’ll get out of your way.”

  Mitzi continued to sit next to the captain with her head leaning on his leg.

  “He just moved down here from Alaska. He’s been crashing on the boat.”

  Davis pulled out his card. “Tell Mike to call me. If he doesn’t, I’ll be back. Pleasure meeting you, too.” Davis heard a grunt when he turned to leave. “Come on Mitzi, we’ve got lots to do.”

  Chapter Ten

  Grayce quickened her pace through the Friday night party crowd in Belltown. Dinner with her dad had been the perfect antidote for her worry, but spending the latter half of the night with her best friend, James, would make her forget her insane week. She was back in balance, no premonitions about violent men and no nightmares about Lieutenant Davis.

  James was seated at a front table at the outside bar separated by a small fence from the sidewalk. He was absorbed in watching the people who paraded in front of him. His eyes glimmered when he spotted her. Standing, he kissed her on both cheeks.

  “Darling, you look fabulous.” He gestured with his manicured fingers. “We’re both going to find gorgeous men tonight.”

  Grayce grinned at James’ standard Friday night promise. “You always do. I’m not sure I’ll be as lucky.”

  “Do you mind sitting outside? I do love watching the boys stroll by.”

  She pulled her coat around herself. “As long as I can sit under the heater…this little black dress isn’t that warm.”

  He pulled her coat apart. “You wore this delectable creation by Helene for dinner with your dad?”

  “I wore it for my two favorite men.”

  “How is the old man? Still wanting you to go to med school?”

  “James, play nice. I’ve incredible news. You’re going to go crazy.”

  “You met a man?”

  “What? Why do you say that?”

  He leaned forward, preparing his response.

  She raised her hand. “No, don’t answer.”

  James always had plans for Grayce’s romantic life. He had been her friend since ninth grade chemistry class in high school. They were lab partners and both had secrets to hide. James liked wearing his mother’s dresses and Grayce had unusual gifts. She never revealed the extent of her awareness, but James understood why she hid her sensitivity just as he hid his proclivities. Now as adults, Grayce maintained her self-protection while James abandoned his.

  Grayce tapped her finger on her lips as if pondering her words. “Seems my reputation has spread to Hollywood.” She watched James’ face, waiting for the change in his usual cool aplomb. Her good friend had two passions: movie stars and fashion. “I got an interesting phone call this morning.” She paused building the moment. “From a movie star…someone you might have heard of.”

  “A movie star?” James, master of the sardonic tone, shouted. “What movie star?”

  “Elizabeth Marley.”

  “Elizabeth Marley!” His voice pitched high, almost squealing with excitement. “Tell me everything, and don’t leave out one word.”

  “Her vet recommended acupuncture for her dog’s fatigue.”

  “My God, you’re going to Hollywood to meet a star.”

  “I’m going to Hollywood to treat her dog.” Grayce moved her chair directly under the patio lamp.

  James sat by her side, angling for a better view of the people walking down First Avenue. He enjoyed men of all shapes, sizes, and orientation.

  Just then, the waitress, who wore a revealing V-necked tee and tight skirt, came by for orders.

  “Come on, Jamesie, Grey Goose Martinis to celebrate? It’s been an intense week.” Tonight was about laughing and enjoying the company of the men who knew her best.

  “You’ve twisted my…”

  “James…Let’s agree not to discuss body parts tonight.” Grayce spent a great deal of time reacting to James’ outrageous comments. They both enjoyed the game.

  “Spoilsport.” James moued masterfully. “Now tell me what was Elizabeth Marley like? Bitchy? I guess not, since you’re treating her dog.”

  “Definitely a chain smoker, her voice is gravelly. I liked her sense of humor. And, she loves her dog.”

  “She must be so depressed, her husband is already living with his co-star.”

  “Really? She said there were changes in her household. She probably assumed I would know the Hollywood gossip.”

  “Well, her husband has definitely run off with his co-star and hasn’t attempted to hide the affair. The press is going wild, painting her as the older wife, kicked to the dumpster for a hot younger woman.”

  “I didn’t know it was that bad. I guess I haven’t been spending enough time in the check-out line at the grocery store.”

  “You can’t go to Hollywood in your usual Northwest style or, should I say, Northwest lack of style. I need to come over and help you pack.”

  “Would you? I hate making those decisions.” Of course James knew all of her fashion deficiencies. “I don’t have that many choices for a warm climate.”

  “If this becomes a regular gig, we’re going to shop on Rodeo Drive. Don’t you have those strappy Balenciaga sandals your mother gave you?” James could hardly breathe, plotting her Hollywood look. Her mother and James were onto her secret infatuation with designer heels. She never admitted to any correlation between her height and her closeted love of high heels.

  “Remember when we found that little red dress at Macy’s for the Prom. I thought my mother was going to pass out.”

  “The look on your mother’s face when you came down the steps was hysterical. You were hot. That was the night I lost you to Mike Mallus. I still remember how his jaw dropped when we walked into the dance. Poor Lucy Vaughn—he never looked back.”

  “It was at that moment I think my mother finally decided you were a bad influence on me.”

  “God, I hope so.”

  They both laughed. She loved when James really laughed. Not the one he affected for drama but the laugh that softened the tense lines around his eyes and mouth.

  “I still wish I could’ve seen
your mother’s face when you told her we were just friends. It took her a while to get used to the idea.”

  “She wasn’t upset that you were gay, but she regretted that I didn’t have a boyfriend.” Having a boyfriend was a sign to her mother that Grayce was beginning to recover from her sister’s death.

  “God, look at this guy coming down the street, and walking a poodle…my kind of man.”

  Grayce recognized Lieutenant Davis, heading straight toward them. Her heart rate accelerated. His face was calm, but his eyes never stopped watching the crowd. Moving away from the light, she leaned back in her chair.

  James spoke in a sotto tone. “Oh God, all that dark hair.”

  “Mitzi, stop.” Davis’ sharp command didn’t slow Mitzi from pulling on her lead toward Grayce.

  James eyed the lieutenant and said in a voice loud enough to be heard at the next two tables. “What a great specimen.”

  Mitzi planted her two front paws on the wood beam separating the bar from the sidewalk and yelped.

  Grayce leaned forward. No hiding now.

  “Mitzi, get down.” Davis’ voice dropped low, almost to a growl, unconsciously acting as the alpha of the pack.

  The dog sat.

  Grayce willed her hammering heart to slow. Of all nights, why tonight? Tonight was about being with the men who cherished her, men who didn’t give her nightmares and premonitions, men who didn’t make her heart race into tachycardia.

  “Grayce…Dr. Walters. What a surprise.” Mitzi continued to yip, straining to reach her.

  “Hello.” She pushed her drink to the side to pet the poodle. “How are you, Mitzi?”

  “Darling, introduce me to this dreamy fellow.”

  Davis gave no indication that James had said anything out of the ordinary. “James Dewitt, this is Lieutenant Ewan Davis and Mitzi.”

  Davis bent and shook James’ hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  Mitzi pulled on her lead, trying to reach Grayce.