Hawk: A Rough Romance

by Piper Stone

  When Hawk remained quiet, the chief seemed uncomfortable.

  “I’m so sorry for your loss, Jake,” the chief continued. “Drake was a wonderful guy and one of the best firefighters I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. He might have been a volunteer, but he gave every shift his all. He had a natural gift, as well as a drive to fight back the beast more than any man I’ve ever known.”

  “The beast?” I asked.

  The chief smiled. “The majority of firefighters refer to every fire as a living thing, a creature. Have a seat if you like.”

  I’d often seen men reduced to dark and brutal emotional states given whatever horrific news they’d been told, but Hawk remained stoic, rigid, as if the words of sentiment hadn’t registered.

  He also remained standing.

  “Then you know why I’m here,” Hawk said as he stood behind the chair offered.

  “I’m Bryce Myers,” I said in passing.

  The disdain on the chief’s face was apparent. “I know who you are, Ms. Myers, and I obviously know what you do for a living, although I can’t say I’m a fan,” he stated dryly.

  “Today, I’m just here as a friend,” I retorted.

  “As I was saying,” Hawk half barked. “I have some questions about the fire.”

  “I’m sure you do, given the ridiculous article in the paper,” he retorted, shaking his head. “All I can tell you is that the fire was tragic, but it was an accident. There were no accelerants found, no explosives of any nature or even gunpowder located. The fire investigator was very thorough.”

  “Then what caused the fire?” Hawk demanded.

  “Chemicals. The building was in the process of being renovated and a careless worker left several cleaning chemicals together overnight. It didn’t take long for a reaction to occur, enough so that it blew out an entire half of the building,” Chief Kincade continued. “As you likely can understand, chemical fires burn hotter. While my crew is highly trained to deal with those kinds of situations, there was no way to prepare for the condition of the building. A floor gave way, taking your brother and another firefighter down three flights. They didn’t have a chance.”

  Hawk took a deep breath, staring at the man as if trying to determine whether he was lying. I couldn’t stand the silence, the tension that surrounded the man. He was suspicious of everything, unforgiving on every level.

  “And the other two suspicious fires?” I pressed.

  The chief turned his head slowly in my direction. “I wouldn’t know about that, Ms. Myers. The two fires I think you’re talking about were in another jurisdiction.”

  “Do you think there is a chance that I can tap you for an interview, Chief? As you might imagine, I’d like to make certain the real story gets out.” My words were instantly met with harsh glares from both men.

  “Ms. Myers, I learned a long time ago that talking to the press is like willingly jumping into a pit of venomous snakes. I have no intention of providing any kind of interview. However, I do suggest that you retract your story before things get ugly. The people of Missoula have long memories and the last thing they need is some crazy fear about a serial arsonist.”

  “I would think that the people of Missoula would want to hear the truth. There is something fishy about the other two fires and I intend on finding out exactly what that is. That’s called good reporting. I would hope that if any evidence is found regarding the fire where your men died that you’d hunger for the information,” I shot back. “And just so you know, I’m a big girl who can handle herself. If you’re trying to threaten me, that’s not going to work.”

  Hawk sucked in his breath, a snarl curling on his lip. “You’ll have to forgive Ms. Myers. She often spouts off without thinking.”

  “I can handle myself, Hawk, thank you very much,” I said under my breath.

  “I’m not threatening you, Ms. Myers. I’m just warning you that you might not be well received in all locations in town. Just something for you to think about,” the chief added.

  I was ready to issue a cheeky reply then decided against it. I certainly didn’t need to fan the flame. Hawk was right, this wasn’t about a newscast.

  At least at the moment.

  However, I didn’t like the man very much. If I went on my gut, I’d say he was hiding something.

  “Just out of curiosity, the second firefighter who died. Were he and Drake close?” Hawk asked, making me more than curious.

  The chief sighed. “They were best buddies. As a matter of fact, Camden introduced Drake to the volunteer program.”

  “Interesting,” Hawk whispered.

  I could tell that there was more to the question. Perhaps my concerns were getting to him.

  The chief lifted a single eyebrow then smiled warmly. “I do have Drake’s things if you’d like them. I wasn’t certain what to do with them.”

  Hawk finally faltered, at least enough I could see his hand shaking. “Sure. I appreciate that.”

  “I’ll get them for you.” The chief gave him a nod of respect before walking out the door.

  I could feel Hawk’s increasing anger from where I stood. He rubbed his eyes but said nothing.

  “Just say it, Hawk. I didn’t follow your orders. I made a fool out of myself. I’m not winning any friends.”

  “I don’t think I need to say anything to you, Bryce. You’re not doing yourself any favors, but I admire your verve more than you know.”

  The words couldn’t have been any more surprising.

  “Why did you ask about the second firefighter?”

  Hawk exhaled. “I have my reasons.”

  Of course he did.

  The chief walked back into his office, carrying a single banker’s box. “There are some pictures and some of Drake’s clothes in here, as well as a hat he seemed to wear anytime he wasn’t working a fire.”

  Hawk hesitated before taking it from him. “Thank you.”

  “Look, I know that your brother didn’t want a funeral, but a few of the firefighters have approached me about a memorial of some kind. I know it’s too soon, but maybe something you want to think about for the future. You know him best.”

  “No, Chief. It would appear that I didn’t know my brother at all.”

  The chief frowned. “All I can tell you is that he adored his little girl. She was the brightest little star, such a joy to be around. I just... I hope that everything will be all right for her.”

  “I do too. Thank you for your time.” Hawk moved toward the door, leaving without another word.

  I hung back, watching him walk away. He wasn’t the kind of man who wanted to get to know anyone.

  Including me.

  “Let me offer you a piece of advice, Ms. Myers. I’ve been fighting fires since I was eighteen years old. It’s all I ever wanted to do. Sometimes bad things happen, but life has to move on. I suggest you try and remember that.”

  “You’re right, Chief. Things do need to move on. I have one question for you then I’ll leave you alone.”

  He eyed me warily. “I’ll answer if I can.”

  “I understand there was a witness who noticed something unusual around the fire your firefighters handled. Is that true?”

  He seemed genuinely confused. “Ms. Myers. When we roll up to a scene, by that point there are often dozens of people watching. If I stopped to pay attention to even one of them, people could lose their lives. The business of fighting fires isn’t a game.”

  “Neither is the business of arson.”

  His nostrils flaring, he shook his head. “Have a good day, Ms. Myers.”

  I’d been ceremoniously dismissed.

  There was more to the story and I knew one person who might able to help.

  * * *

  As I walked into the café, I felt like all eyes were on me and none of them were friendly. Maybe Hawk was right and the hornet’s nest I’d stirred would come back and zap me. I remained furious with Jason, his tactics unethical. While he hadn’t gone so far as to
mention any names, the overall impression I’d gotten from reading the story alluded to the fact there was some kind of conspiracy.

  I noticed my friend sitting at one of the rear tables, sequestered from view from the all-glass front. She hadn’t wanted to come to lunch at first, citing her workload, but I’d been able to read between the lines, finally pushing her into joining. I knew her well enough to realize that she had information on the fires. However much she could share could prove helpful. As I approached, she tried to offer a smile, her gaze immediately scanning the small space.

  “Becca. Glad you could meet with me.” I squeezed her arm before sitting, surprised to see she’d ordered us both a glass of white wine. Drinking on a workday certainly wasn’t Becca Sampson’s style. As an up and coming attorney for the district attorney’s office, she had her sights set on a political career. She was also the only person I’d spent girl time with since my arrival, her ability to knock back margaritas impressive.

  “I can’t say that I was surprised to get your call given the tone of your article. I’m not sure how I can help you,” Becca said louder than I would have expected, immediately reaching for her wine.

  “As I mentioned,” I said in a quiet tone, “I didn’t write it. My producer did.”

  “Why would he do that?”

  “Ratings.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Men are all pricks.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh, my thoughts drifting to Hawk. “They can be.”

  “Look, Bryce, I don’t know what kind of information you want from me, but I can’t divulge details about an ongoing case.”

  “That means your office is investigating the persons behind several fires listed as accidents?”

  She wagged her finger at me. “Don’t be a reporter here or I won’t answer a single question. I can’t and you know that.”

  “People are dead, Becca, including the father of a five-year-old girl who lost her mother to a horrific fire two years ago. Doesn’t that seem strange to you?”

  When Becca nibbled on her bottom lip, I could tell just how nervous she was. “Drake Travers. I knew his wife, Jaime.”

  I pushed my wineglass aside, leaning over as far as possible. “Fires destroyed a family. Everyone is acting suspicious. What the hell is going on?”

  Her hand was shaking as she lifted her glass, surprising the hell out of me. Becca wasn’t afraid of anyone. Ballsy and opinionated, nothing seemed to ruffle her feathers.

  “I heard there was a witness at the recent fire. Did you talk to her? Did you find out anything?”

  Becca exhaled. “I can’t share that with you.”

  “Uh-huh. Why don’t I try my hand at this? The land underneath these buildings is worth more than spending time and money to renovate them, insurance likely to cover the fires since they were deemed accidental. If a single entity owned all of them, that would certainly be motive to have them torched. However, that might draw so much attention that the fires were investigated again by experts hired by the insurance company. But three owners are listed on the titles and from what I could tell, there is nothing that connects them. They are different ages, came from different backgrounds. Hell, I even checked what colleges they went to. No connection whatsoever. Then we have a firefighter, volunteer I might add with a young daughter he’s raising by himself. Grandparents dead. Estranged brother in the Marines in another country. Wife killed in a horrible accident. Multimillion-dollar ranch to run. Yet with all those variables, he decides to become a volunteer firefighter and winds up dead in a tragic fire. Now, his brother is forced to come home to a city he no longer knows in order to run a ranch he stopped giving a damn about and suddenly becoming a father, which is something he never wanted. Am I raising any hackles yet?”

  “You’ve been doing your homework,” she finally offered, barely darting a look in my direction.

  As a waiter approached, I waved him off. I definitely wasn’t hungry.

  “I’ll continue. Your office is investigating but of course it’s all on the down-low because those suspected to be involved are prominent members of society, probably including the fire inspector, paid to provide false reports. How warm am I getting?”

  “You need to back off, Bryce. I’m telling you. Just walk away from this story,” Becca half whispered.

  “That’s not something I can do.”

  “Why, your work ethic? It’s dangerous.”

  “This isn’t just about work, Becca.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Wait a minute. I know you far too well. Is this about Jake Travers?”

  I shot her a look, already feeling a warm flush threatening to give me away. “This is about truth and justice.”

  “It is about Jake. Wow. Jake Travers.”

  “Sounds like you know him.”

  Becca smiled. “One of the resident bad boys of Missoula. He ran with a group of boys who caused all kinds of trouble. I’d heard he’d joined the military.”

  “My turn to say that it sounds like you were sweet on him.”

  Her faraway look gave me an answer I was surprised bothered me. “Jake was one of those guys that every girl longed for, drooled over. He was eye candy on steroids, girlfriend. He just had a wild streak.”

  “And you were into bad boys,” I half whispered, finally taking that sip of wine.

  “For a magical summer,” she breathed, fanning her face. “I take it that means he has returned to town and you’ve talked with him.”

  I couldn’t have felt any more uncomfortable. “I’ve talked with him.”

  She narrowed her eyes, finally slapping her fingers over her mouth. “Oh, no. Don’t tell me. You’re seeing him.”

  “He’s been in town a couple days. We’re not seeing each other.”

  “You’re fucking. Even better,” she quipped. “Wow. I don’t know what to say.”

  “Just tell me what the hell is going on. I have a very bad feeling about this.”

  “And you should. I meant what I said. Stay as far away from this as you can.” Once again she appeared uncomfortable. “I’m telling you this as a friend only. The people who are involved are dangerous. They won’t hesitate to eliminate any threats they have. That would include a reporter hell bent on getting her name in lights.”

  “You know I’m going to keep digging.”

  Becca huffed, shaking her head as she looked away, scanning the café. I’d never seen her so nervous. “I can’t help you with any details about this other than to say there is a case being built. These things take time. Far too much time if you ask me, but my boss is methodical.”

  “You mean two years’ worth of time?” I asked. Becca knew exactly what I was talking about. “What would cause a man with everything to live for after two years to suddenly change careers?”

  I noticed a bead of perspiration trickling down the side of Becca’s face. Whatever she was working on had her spooked as hell.

  “Just tell me this, Becca, and it isn’t for an article. This is to help a man release years of guilt and anger. What happened to Jaime? Was her death really an accident?”

  “I can’t, Bryce.”

  “Come on. That was two years ago.”

  “Damn it.” Becca closed her eyes and as she began to relay a story, she kept her voice quiet, but I could hear the fear increasing.

  Somehow, I knew all hell was going to break loose.

  And more people could lose their lives.

  Chapter Nine

  Hawk

  A simple box full of pictures and clothes.

  A house that I barely recognized.

  A brother who I should have gotten to know.

  All three were kicking me hard in the gut. My brother had lost his life in the same way as his wife. The irony was... I wasn’t certain I bought it. Hell, I wasn’t certain about anything at this point. However, I didn’t believe in coincidences. Drake had wanted to fight fires for a reason and not just in memory of his dead wife.

  I’d placed the lightweight box in th
e middle of the coffee table, unable to peel away the tape in order to look inside. I wasn’t entirely certain I wanted to know what Drake kept in his locker at the firehouse. Just hearing that he’d talked about me only added to the level of guilt, the horrendous feeling keeping me on edge. While I wanted to believe that there’d been no foul play with regards to his death, my gut remained on high alert.

  I snickered and rolled my eyes, moving into the kitchen in order to grab a beer. Bryce’s influence seemed to be rubbing off on me. There was no doubt she was going to keep digging, no matter how many orders I issued or promises of punishment given. She was that kind of gal.

  In your face.

  Refusing to take no for an answer.

  So damn beautiful my cock hadn’t stopped aching all day.

  She was the kind of woman for whom you had to wrap your fist around her hair as a reminder of who was boss. Soft curves and long legs, a mouth meant to kiss on a summer’s day for hours and one hell of a sweet pussy.

  I grabbed the bottle of beer, popping the top as I turned around, eyeing the kitchen island. The wicked round of passion at her place had left me hungering for more. Shit. I couldn’t keep my mind on the decisions that had to be made. How the hell was I supposed to stay in Missoula in order to give Ashley a good home? I hadn’t worked the ranch in far too many years to be confident I could handle the place by myself.

  I glared at the file I’d brought from the attorney, finally ready to read all the various details. I’d have to look over the ranch tomorrow, although I still wasn’t certain what I should do with it. Drake’s last words had been right. I’d never cared about the ranch, preferring to play bad boy of Missoula with what I’d called my posse.

  Right now, I could use Mustang’s advice. Hell, I could use his friendship. Sighing, I moved to the file, taking a deep breath before opening it. The pictures were even more dramatic now that I’d accepted what my brother had left me. I was so damn proud of him and his accomplishments. If only I’d told him even once.

  After taking another pull of the beer, I shifted to the rest of the documents. There was a copy of his will and the custody papers I’d yet to sign. There were also corporate records, including tax returns. As I looked at the bottom line, I froze. “What the hell?”