Firestorm (Missoula Smokejumpers Book 4)

by Piper Stone

  “Task force?” Stoker questioned.

  The sheriff nodded. “Anything having to with the military and they send in personnel.”

  “How do they know it’s actually military in design?” Stoker challenged.

  Captain Phillips gave Stoker a harsh glare. “I doubt the sheriff has all the details.”

  “Yeah, I wish I did.” Sheriff James didn’t look Stoker in the eyes. “Why I think the help is needed.”

  Riker had the distinct feeling the sheriff knew more than he was telling.

  “He’ll be glad to help,” Captain Phillips answered, raising his eyebrow. “Stoker, you go with them. Your innate military knowledge might come in handy.”

  “Yeah. Fine.” Riker thought about the case from the past. He was certain the bomb was similar. He also knew the asshole who’d torn apart the city had an ulterior motive, killing off men from his previous unit and the Marine had been almost completely successful. The perpetrator always had a distinct reason for their method of kill and reasons why.

  “Sure. I wasn’t involved with the detail handling them, but I know the basic actions, how the operation is put together. If this guy is military, he’ll follow standard procedures,” Stoker offered yet he had a curious look on his face.

  “That’s excellent, especially since we have no idea what we’re dealing with. The caller no doubt disguised his voice,” Sheriff James huffed. “That shit we don’t need. The mayor is breathing down my neck.”

  “I might be able to offer some thoughts too,” Antonio said as he stepped up.

  “Task force. Sounds pretty damn serious. Whatever helps. We’re happy to do our part, Sheriff.” The Captain gave him a waning smile. “I know how Mayor Falk can be.” A strangled laugh bubbled up from his throat.

  Riker glanced at Landen. The captain also knew something was up.

  “I appreciate it. The woman is tenacious. I don’t blame her given what her office has been dealing with this past year, but Jesus. I’m understaffed as it is, and the task force has too much on their plate. Two people thinking they can handle the entire state,” Sheriff James snarled. “Sorry. Just exhaustion talking. I’ll leave you guys. Scully. You have a second?”

  Captain Phillips nodded. “Sure, Brennan. Come into my office.”

  The team remained silent until they left.

  “Whew. A military bomb. That’s some shit,” Stoker said under his breath. “Military guy. This whole thing seems quick on the switch. Possible but why call in a fake threat?”

  “Maybe a cover up for another crime?” Boone offered.

  “Can’t you tell that something else is going on?” Zane laughed. “I can read that sheriff easily.”

  “He’s a good guy working too many cases,” Steel stated quietly.

  “Yeah, but Zane is right. They ain’t telling us something.” Moose shook his head. “I don’t like being in the middle of something when we’re not told the truth. Gets people killed.”

  “From what I can tell, we’re not in the middle of anything. Well, maybe Riker and Landen are.” Garcia grinned.

  “Landen and I were having lunch and answered the call. We’re not getting involved,” Riker said far more forcefully than the conversation warranted. Yeah, his sixth sense was in high gear.

  Garcia opened his eyes wide. “Testy today, boys?”

  “Cut it out. Riker is correct. We have a job to do and if the sheriff asks for our help, then we give it to him,” Sawyer stated, his tone authoritative. “Been around this block more than once. Whatever is going on, we’re here as back-up. Just like always.”

  “Yeah, he’s right,” Garcia mumbled.

  “Riker, when you’re done with Landen, let’s talk. I might know something about this bomb you saw.” Antonio kept his voice low as he shook his head. “No more hot-headed shit. Got it?”

  Landen chuckled and rubbed his jaw. “I think we’re finished.”

  “Sure.” Riker hung back as the others left. The tension between he and Landen was palpable.

  “What do you think is going on?” Landen asked after a few seconds.

  “I honestly don’t know and I’m not certain I want to know.”

  He nodded, a sigh pushing past his lips.

  Riker huffed and clenched his fists. “All right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have taken a swing at you.”

  “Yeah, you should have. You had every right. I’m sorry I’m so damn out of sorts.” He hesitated before continuing. “Shannon and I had a fight and I left her house, went to a bar by myself. You know the rest. Fell into a bottle.” Landen walked over to the set of weights, chuckling as he bent down. “I haven’t done that since I got here. Not once.”

  “So, what happened?”

  He issued a long breath and struggled to pick up the weights, placing the bar back on the rack. “She doesn’t want to see me any longer. She said we’re growing apart.”

  Riker exhaled. “Women have a funny way of telling you they just need some space. Give her that then buy her flowers.”

  Landen rolled his eyes. “Says the matchmaker.” He huffed. “I don’t mean anything by that. I really don’t. I just have no idea what to do or what to say to her. You know how stubborn she can be. By the way, was I hallucinating or were you with the sexy blonde we met at the store?”

  “You weren’t hallucinating but I don’t want to hear any shit. I can’t take it.”

  “She’s sexy. Whew baby. I was drunk but not so much, I didn’t catch her in the shirt.”

  “She’s interesting.” A second of jealousy popped into his mind.

  “You do know she’s an actress, right?”

  Riker nodded. “She told me.”

  “I mean as in an academy award winning actress?” Landen jabbed.

  He wasn’t certain he cared. The realization that she’d seen the picture, the look of sadness, even pity on her face was too much for him to deal with. So, he’d turned into an asshole, allowing her to walk out the door without even finding out her phone number.’

  “You like this girl.”

  “She’s okay.”

  “Wait. Riker, you really like her. Don’t you?” Landen walked closer. “Come on, buddy. It’s me you’re talking to. We can’t seem to be able to lie to each other.”

  Riker half smiled. “I like her. She’s different, somehow understanding me even when I don’t talk.”

  Landen nodded and glanced toward the door. “I heard the guys talking. Seems like Zane has a crush on Trinity.”

  “How the hell does he know her?”

  “Something about flying in at the same time she did. He was at Ziggy’s the other night too. Shannon said he was hovering around the new girl and she only had eyes for you, Mr. Hero.”

  “Very funny!” Riker growled.

  “Look, I didn’t mean to interfere. If I’d had any concept that you were with someone, I would have gone somewhere else.”

  “Yeah? Where?”

  Landen grinned and dropped his head. “I have no idea. Maybe Stoker’s place.”

  “Right. You, sleeping on the couch when Jessica is pregnant. I think Jess would have thrown you out herself.”

  “I think you’re right.” He hesitated before winking. “You going to see Trinity again?”

  “I…”

  “You, what?” When Riker didn’t answer, he groaned. “You didn’t get her number. Did you?”

  “She knows about my wife.”

  “What do you mean she knows?” Landen frowned.

  “She saw the picture on my nightstand. I just can’t deal with telling her the story.”

  Landen closed the distance, placing his hand on Riker’s shoulder. “You’ve been full of guilt and regret for far too long. I don’t know much about Rose other than the little bit you’ve told me, but I have to believe she’d want you to live again. To love again.”

  Riker bristled.

  “Don’t do that. You deserve to find someone.”

  “You’re giving me that line of shit?”
>
  He dropped and shook his head. “I guess we are just two losers. I heard she was at the bar the other night. Why don’t you ask Shannon if she can find the lovely actress? She knows everybody.”

  “Why don’t you ask her? Your girlfriend?”

  “I’m… Not yet. Time. Remember?”

  Riker snorted. “You guys are going to have to talk.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Landen took a few steps toward the door. “Any chance I can stay at your place tonight?”

  “What, your place not big enough for you?”

  “I rented it out for a couple of weeks. I didn’t think I’d have to worry. You know?”

  Lifting a single eyebrow, he gave Landen a harsh look. “One night. Then you’re going to talk to her or I’ll kick your ass.”

  He rubbed his jaw. “You already did. Hey, what about this accident you had?”

  “Let’s just say that Trinity and I had a run in. Totaled the bike. The deputy assigned sure had a good laugh.”

  “Ouch. Well, think of it this way, the deputy who took your statement will have the address of where she’s staying.” When Riker gave him a look, he held up his hands. “I’m just saying. Karma is a funny beast.”

  Karma. Fuck karma. An unsettling feeling fell into the pit of Riker’s stomach. He wanted nothing more than to see her again, the woman who could set him free. His thoughts had remained on Rose since the morning, visions of her face, her sweet smile filling his mind with memories. He’d never let go, never asked her if she would mind if he learned to live again. Maybe it was time. Maybe he could find a way to leave the past behind him.

  There was too much to think about. As he headed toward the showers, he decided that he would at least find Trinity and apologize. If nothing else, the woman deserved to understand why he was such an ass. He headed to his locker, yanking out his phone. After rubbing the screen for a full ten seconds, he dialed the number of the sheriff’s office.

  Time to stop being a fucking coward.

  Chapter 8

  “There you go, Marvin. Send it to the asshole.” Trinity read the email message three times, then four, her fingers shaking as she crouched in front of the computer. She was going to have to leave the house just to be able to hit send. Right now, all she wanted to do was crawl under the covers. The words were the best she could come up with, even though they said almost nothing about the incident in the past or address the full level of accusations thrown at her.

  Still, the statement could be enough to get Jack and her agent and the entire movie world off her back. However, she had a feeling she was going to have to have a conversation with David. The realization left a bad taste in her mouth. She knew nothing about David’s new life, one he’d forged only recently. She’d severed all ties, telling the man in no uncertain terms that he was never to contact her again. But she knew where he was, where he’d landed.

  Groaning, she grabbed her keys and headed out the door. She could use this as an excuse to grab a bottle, no three bottles of wine. A pity party she was allowed tonight. All. By. Herself. She started the engine and roared down the driveway, the tires skidding on the gravel just before she hit the main road.

  As soon as she was a half mile down the winding path, her cell phone rang. She was utterly terrified to look at the screen. Seeing Ana’s phone number, she breathed a sigh of relief. “Ana. At least a happy voice.”

  “Happy. I’m not happy at all right now. Just had a lovely and caustic visit from that man you dated.”

  “Chance?”

  “Oh, you bet. He’s looking for you. Says you are the love of his life and he will find you,” Ana said then chuckled. “He didn’t take kindly to me throwing him out at gunpoint.”

  “You did not!”

  “I did too. I told you no man was going to give me shit ever again.”

  “That’s why I adore you,” Trinity purred. “Do you really think he’s going to try and find me?”

  “Honestly, I do. I hope you haven’t been recognized.”

  “Not so far. Seems Missoula is far removed from the glamorous life of Hollywood. The truck is interesting.”

  “Ah, come on. You fit right in.”

  “Yeah, you’re right about that.”

  “Jack’s been sniffing around too. I don’t think he knows you’re out of town yet. The guy isn’t so bad. Just has a fixation on you.”

  Trinity made several grunting sounds. “Jack is a pinheaded peon.”

  Ana laughed. “I understand. Hey, would you like some company?”

  “If the person doesn’t have a cock between his legs. You bet.”

  “Do I want to know?” Ana asked, her voice holding a lilt.

  “That’s for a bottle of wine or maybe tequila.”

  “You’re on. I thought I’d come spend a couple of days. I know what you’re dealing with. I know what you’re going through. Nothing is a secret in this town.”

  Trinity cringed. “I think I could use a friend.”

  “Good. I can’t make it for a couple of days, but I’ll let you know when I book the flight. Have that tequila handy. I think we’re both going to need it.”

  “Oh, I will. Call me.” She wanted to toss the phone out the window. If Chance found her on top of everything, she would absolutely leave the country.

  She pulled into the parking lot and sat for several minutes before she managed to look at the email one last time. There was no doubt Marvin would be on the phone in a matter of minutes, but by that point, she’d be nursing her first glass of wine. “Here goes nothing.” Her finger hovering, she said a silent prayer then hit enter.

  Then she became chilled to the core.

  “Thank you all for coming in.” The male voice was clipped, even bored, as if their presence wasn’t necessary. “I’m Lieutenant Yancy and this is Lieutenant Sloan. We’re working on the task force investigating the recent bomb threats.”

  “Riker Sheffield,” After shaking hands, Riker looked at the two investigators sitting behind the table and nodded. Goddamn, they were smug. This particular task force was small, but he had no doubt they’d been made aware of the situation in lowly Montana the second the first bomb threat was made. Interesting how they were only minutes away after the second call had been made. He knew little about their operation except they went by the book. At least the threats were being taken seriously. “Sure.”

  “Antonio Giovanni. My expertise is, or I should say was working with bombs out of New York. Small fire department, but we had our share of follow-up calls.”

  Antonio had concurred that his concept of the bomb being one used by the military was spot on, but that in itself didn’t mean shit. Anyone could build a bomb based solely on information found on the internet. For all they knew, a kid could be flexing his wings. Up to this point, no real harm had been done. “I’m not certain what any of us might be able to add. We’re smokejumpers,” Riker said.

  “I understand you’ve had experience with this type of bomb during your stint in Baltimore,” Lieutenant Sloan commented as she glanced at Riker.

  The woman wasn’t going to address his statement. “Yeah. We had a particularly nasty case involving the same type of mechanism, the only difference being the bombs were detonated, killing almost a dozen people.” Riker had recalled as many of the details as possible, even though his entire working past he’d pushed behind him. “Remote detonation through a phone, a radio signal, etc. However, the difference being, the person sending the signal isn’t required to be in close proximity.”

  “Exactly what was and is currently being used in military applications. However, from what I’ve heard, the bomb that went off at Best Buy was older in design, no longer used. I was able to confirm that from my old sergeant.”

  Riker looked at Stoker. They’d come directly from the Hangar to the makeshift office in the government administration building. There would have been no time for Stoker to call anyone. Why was the man bluffing?

  “We are aware of how it works, Mr. Sheffield a
nd Mr. Hansen, we suspect the perpetrator isn’t on active duty.” Lieutenant Sloane looked at her partner, a knowing expression on her face.

  “Then why are we here?” Antonio challenged.

  When the two investigators remained quiet, Stoker leaned across the table. “This isn’t about the bombs. Is it?”

  “The bombs are a cover up.” Antonio sat back in his seat, his dark eyes penetrating.

  Both investigators looked uncomfortable.

  “This is an active investigation and as such, we can’t divulge any details.” Lieutenant Yancy kept his eyes locked on Riker.

  “I repeat, why are we here?” Antonio jerked up from the seat.

  “I think we should go, gentlemen.” Stoker did the same.

  “Hold on. Unfortunately, the bomb was detonated, the pieces destroyed prior to our arrival on the scene. Mr. Sheffield. You were the only person to see the actual device. At minimum, we will need a detailed sketch.” Lieutenant Sloan’s tone was suddenly softer, encouraging.

  Riker rose to his feet, a smirk on his face. “I’m certain we can do better than that. With Stoker’s help, we’ll get you an actual color photograph of the device used for your records. Will that help?”

  “A great deal. Thank you. I think that’s all we need.” Lieutenant Yancy smiled as he stood. “Here’s my card. You can email that photograph. As soon as possible.”

  “Of course.” Grabbing the card, Riker stuffed it into his back pocket without taking a glance.

  “Thank you so much for coming in.” Lieutenant Sloan had already shut down, closing her notebook.

  Antonio chuckled. “We’re happy to help.”

  Riker was the last to leave the office and he stood just outside the door, trying to catch any additional conversation. Their voices were hushed. When he was outside, he glanced back at the building.

  “What in the hell was that about?” Stoker asked.

  “A waste of time,” Antonio huffed, cursing under his breath.

  “They were fishing, but why?”