Twisted Fire

by Joanne Ellis

  Carrie became like a sister to him and he was besotted with her wisdom and kindness. He was looking forward to attending Lucas’ wedding in the coming months as Nathan and Carrie were both in the bridal party along with their children Mabel and Tommy.

  As he won yet another hand, the bell sounded. His crew slid down to the garage below, threw on their gear and piled onto the truck. Jared commanded a truck and its crew when he was on shift.

  They sped through the streets to a warehouse fire that appeared to be burning out of control. They pulled in and prepared their equipment while Jared determined the best course of action and issued each man his tasks.

  Even though the building had been evacuated, a small crew was dispatched to check for any signs of life and to fight the fire from within. The remainder of the crew doused the fire externally.

  They fought the blaze until it simmered and smouldered. Once it was clear to enter the building for investigation, Jared headed in to check for any evidence of arson. He searched each room and discovered the cause of the fire to be an electrical fault, therefore deeming it to be accidental.

  After making sure once more the building was secure, Jared instructed his men to pack up and they headed back to the station. On the ride back he thought about the last arson fire he’d investigated. It had occurred about seven months prior at a house fire. His crew had discovered a charred body amongst the debris. Seeing a burned body had always been the hardest part of his job. She’d only been a young women and it transpired smoke inhalation was the cause of death.

  After Jared investigated the home, it became apparent the fire had been deliberately lit and appeared to have been the murder weapon. He’d uncovered an accelerant was used to start the fire and he’d been a liaison for the police in their investigation at the time. The detectives had been unable to make an arrest to date. There were few leads and no suspects and the case had gone cold. Lucas had phoned Jared earlier that day to advise him they were looking into the case once again. He hoped they were able to have more luck this time around.

  Fortunately a repeat of the incident hadn’t occurred so they weren’t looking for a serial arsonist and killer. It may have purely been a crime of passion or opportunity. Jared sincerely hoped it was a one-off as he believed an evil mind using fire to kill could be very dangerous indeed.

  Back at the station, he completed the paperwork on the building and documented it as an accidental fire. Max, his trusty German shepherd, lay on the floor next to his desk as Jared went through his reporting procedure. He was never far from Jared’s side.

  Jared had saved Max from a house fire when he’d still been a pup a few years prior. They had been inseparable ever since. Jared was a little concerned about him today as Max hadn’t been eating and seemed to be a bit despondent. Since he had the next three days off, Jared decided he would visit the vet the following morning.

  “Hey, Max,” he said, patting him affectionately. “We’ll go and visit the doc tomorrow and get you fixed up.”

  Max looked up at him with sad eyes and Jared’s heart lurched; he hoped he was alright.

  * * *

  Jared and Max arrived home a few hours later and although he always considered his house a sanctuary, he found the stillness and quiet lonely. It would be nice to have someone to come home to.

  His house was spacious and open planned with comfortable furniture and a relaxing ambience. It comprised of three bedrooms and a large family room with all the luxuries of a home theatre. His large kitchen was where he spent the most time as he loved to cook. It was conventional, industrial and contained all the luxuries and necessities of a chef’s kitchen. The back yard was landscaped with a spacious seated patio area where he also spent considerable time.

  Once he’d cooked up a feast, he grabbed a beer and sat outside with Max to watch the sunset. As the sky turned dark and the wind blowing off the water surrounded him with the scent of summer rain, Jared wondered if he would ever find the right girl to share it with.

  Chapter 3

  Max

  Charlotte awoke feeling energised. Today was her first day at Dr Shaw’s clinic and she was anxious to begin. Normally Charlotte was not a morning person and it would take her up to an hour and a couple of cups of coffee before she was ready to start the day. This morning however she was filled with renewed vigour.

  After eating breakfast alone - both Chelsea and Lucas were not working today therefore had yet to surface - she headed off to her new job. As it was only a short distance from home she decided to walk – which was also unlike her – but she felt like taking in the sights and sounds. It was a brisk, overcast morning and although it appeared as though it might rain, the sun pushing through the clouds suggested it could turn out to be quite warm. She walked quickly to avoid the rain and being late. She cruised in the door just in time to set up.

  Dr Shaw hadn’t arrived yet as he didn’t have any appointments first thing. As a result he’d entrusted Charlotte to have everything ready before opening. While working with her Mum over the last few years she’d become accustomed to procedure and therefore breezed through the set up.

  Charlotte would initially be doing basic check-ups and diagnoses, giving immunisations, setting limbs and stitching wounds, thus undertaking a role where she would be doing more than assisting.

  Her new role still entailed continuing to aid in surgeries, as she did with her mother, however as the year progressed she would begin conducting operations herself and by year’s end she would be fully qualified. Once qualified, she would be treating her own patients without support. It had been a long hard road and she longed to be helping her animal patients in all capacities without support.

  She was in one of the consultation rooms completing the last of the restocking of supplies when the front bell jingled. Charlotte rushed to the front, excited to assist what could be her first new patient. What she found at reception took her breath away.

  He was tall, quite a bit taller than her which was rare, with wavy light blonde hair and the bluest eyes she’d ever seen, deep blue like the depths of the ocean on a clear day. His mouth looked deliciously full and there was a crevice in his plump lower lip. His hard lean body was easily noticeable beneath his t-shirt. He appeared fit and muscular therefore absolutely delectable. Charlotte found herself, for the first time ever, tongue-tied.

  * * *

  Jared decided to go to the clinic early, with the hope that Dr Shaw would be able to fit Max in, seeing as he didn’t have an appointment. Moments after walking into the clinic an incredible blonde strode in from the back and he became instantly stupefied. Her hair tinged with strawberry was curly and unruly. An intense urge to bury his hands within it overcame him.

  Her large eyes were the colour of liquid chocolate and her wide full glossy lips were the shade of cherries. The desire to taste them became his strongest emotion. She was tall and slim with legs that went forever while her skin, the colour of malted milk, evoked an urge to discover the silkiness. Lust, an infrequent emotion for Jared, stirred in the pit of his stomach.

  “Hey there, handsome,” he heard her say. “What’s your name?”

  Her deep husky voice mesmerised him for a several seconds.

  “Um, Jared Mon … ” He stopped when he realised she’d crouched down. He’d been upstaged by the dog. “His name is Max.”

  * * *

  The sound of his bass-filled voice continued to stupefy her and Charlotte found herself unable to string any words together, a strange and uncommon occurrence for her as being over-talkative was her usual, natural response to a handsome face. Where was her quick wit and flirtatious side when she needed it? The easiest way to stall for time and gain her composure was to continue to play with Max.

  “Well, hello, Max,” she cooed. “What seems to be your trouble?”

  As ready as she was ever going to be, she stood up and stuck out her hand.

  “Hi, I’m Charlotte.”

  * * *

  He took her long s
lim hand and hoped his palms weren’t sweaty. She was stirring strange and unfamiliar emotions within him.

  “I’m Jared and you’ve met Max.” He smiled. “I’m a little concerned. He’s not eating and seems a bit listless.”

  “Well let’s take him through and see what’s up.” She smiled and his heart lurched.

  As he followed her through to one of the consultation rooms, his eyes were drawn instantly to her amazing legs. He found himself incapable of looking away. She picked up Max and sat him on the examination table. He watched her as she continued to pat and cuddle him. For the first time since getting Max, Jared became envious of the attention he was getting.

  “OK, Max,” she said. “It’s time to take your temperature. Now I know it isn’t pleasant, sweetie, but I promise you a cuddle after.” Her affection towards Max caused his mind to cloud over with continued envy. He wanted to feel her long slender fingers on him.

  * * *

  “So, big guy, what you do?” she asked Jared while waiting for the thermometer.

  “I’m a fire fighter.”

  “Wow, so you have a big hose then?”

  “Yes,” he replied in a serious manner. “But I don’t think fire is something to joke about.”

  “Of course not,” she said a little surprised by his tone. Men usually didn’t resist her charms. “Sorry, pretty lame joke, I know.” She felt her cheeks warm. “I guess you’ve heard that one before.”

  She removed the thermometer and checked the reading.

  “His temperature is normal.”

  She took out a pocket light and checked his eyes and all was well there too. Charlotte proceeded to check his mouth.

  “Aha,” she said while peering in Max’s mouth. “I have found the culprit. He has a loose broken tooth in the back that is probably causing some pain. It will need to come out.”

  “Sure, whatever you need to do.” Charlotte avoided his eyes as they spoke, her embarrassment and sudden shyness wanted to evade the scorn which seemed apparent in his voice.

  “Would you like me to give him a local so it doesn’t hurt when I pull it out?”

  “Whatever you think is best.”

  “OK,” she said giving him a fleeting, puzzled look. His expression was unreadable and his voice filled with contempt. She wondered why he seemed to have taken an instant dislike to her.

  * * *

  She went about preparing the local anaesthetic and the tools needed to remove the tooth. While she did this, Jared studied her. Even though she was extremely beautiful, she appeared to be a little flippant and he concluded she probably wasn’t what he was looking for. Even as he was telling himself this, he couldn’t help but notice how intriguing she was, despite this. The way her curls bounced as she moved, the long stride in her lean legs and the rosy colour high in her cheeks sent shockwaves of desire through his body.

  “OK, this might sting a little, Max.”

  When she gave him the injection, Max hardly flinched.

  “We’ll just give that a minute to work.” She paused. “So, Jared, what do you do when you’re not fighting fires?”

  “Not much really, spending time with my family. I like to cook too.” Her eyes met his for the first time since entering the room. He kept his face impassive as she furrowed her brow briefly as though confused. Then colour rushed to her face again. His heart threatened to leap out of his chest.

  “I like a man that can cook,” she said. “I burn water.”

  “I find it therapeutic.”

  “That is how I feel about shopping.”

  “I’m sure you do,” he said to her caustically.

  Shallow and beautiful, what a surprise.

  “Let’s pull this tooth shall we as you seem eager to get on with your day,” she said frostily. Her brow crinkled.

  She pulled out Max’s tooth and he appeared not to notice. This was preceded by a lick to her face from Max as she gave him cuddles for being brave. His heart went in his throat and the slow burn of desire surged through him again. I have to get out of here before I do something I regret.

  “Well done, Max. All finished.”

  She lifted him off the table and he danced around friskily.

  “He seems his normal self again, Charlotte, thank you.” His mind yelled, get out but his limbs remained steadfast.

  “You’re welcome.” Her confident stride took her towards reception and he decided it was in total contradiction to the blush in her cheeks.

  As he followed her out the front, Dr Shaw came in the door.

  “Hey, Jared, how are you?” Dr Shaw said. “Is Max ok?’

  “He is now, Dr Shaw, Charlotte fixed him.”

  “Thank you, Charlotte.” Dr Shaw smiled at her. “No charge for Jared on Max’s visits.”

  “Oh, OK, no problem. All done then. I’ll just go and clear up out the back. Nice to meet you both,” she said before crouching down to have another cuddle with Max. “You come and visit me again soon, handsome.”

  For the third time he was struck down with jealousy. She stood up and Jared’s gaze followed her discretely as she disappeared out the back. He chatted with Dr Shaw for a few minutes, wanting to catch another glimpse of her. When she didn’t resurface, he decided to leave.

  As he headed to Nathan’s he found he couldn’t shake her from his mind.

  Jared pulled up at their large stone front house before walking around the back to deposit Max in the yard. His knock on the back door was answered by Carrie who bestowed him with a big hug.

  “Well, hello, it’s my favourite brother in law.”

  “I’m sure you say that to Mitch too.”

  “I do, you’re both my favourites,” she said with a wink. “Come in, I’ve just made coffee.”

  Nathan strolled into the kitchen from the study as Jared sat down at the table.

  “Hey, little brother, how’s things?”

  “Pretty slow actually. I’ve been using the opportunity to clean out the guys.”

  “So still the card sharp, then. That is why I stopped playing with you years ago.”

  “What can I say, you’re easy to read, big brother. How are Mabel and Tommy?”

  “Same as always, loud and beautiful,” Carrie said, bringing a smile to his face.

  “How’s Max?”

  “Good now. I had to take him to the vet this morning. He needed to have a tooth removed.”

  “Oh, poor thing. Did he fight it?”

  “No the vet was very gentle and he didn’t seem to notice.”

  “Dr Shaw was gentle?”

  “No, he has a new vet working for him,” he said cautiously.

  “Was she pretty?” Nathan asked him, grinning.

  “How did you know that?”

  “I know when you’ve met a pretty girl. You have that guarded look about you. I can see right through it.”

  “OK, she was beautiful but she appeared a little too superficial for my liking.”

  “You really don’t like girls flirting with you, do you?”

  “No, I don’t. From personal experience I have found they are usually shallow and have no real substance.”

  “Just because she seemed that way, doesn’t mean she is. Besides you can be unfriendly and difficult to talk to,” Carrie informed him.

  “Pardon?” he asked her with one eyebrow raised.

  “Don’t take that tone with me. Just because she may flirt a little doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t something else beneath. You’re very abrasive on the outside but you’re not really like that. What if everyone took you at face value?”

  “That’s telling him, honey,” Nathan said, laughing.

  “You might be right but until I see differently, I’m not interested.”

  “She got to you,” Carrie observed.

  “It was just because I was attracted to her. I’m attracted to a lot of women.”

  “If you say so,” she said handing him a mug.

  “Anyway,” he said, wanting to change the subjec
t. He didn’t understand his feelings towards the delectable Charlotte and he was certain he didn’t want to discuss them. “How are Lucas and Chelsea’s wedding plans going?”

  “Great. I’m going shopping with Chelsea this afternoon to pick out a dress. I can’t remember the last time I went to a wedding. I’m so pleased my brother is happy again.”

  “Chelsea is definitely a great girl. Just the kind I’m looking for,” he said pensively.

  “Don’t let Lucas hear you say that,” she said with a laugh. “She has a sister you know.”

  “No matchmaking, Carrie,” warned Nathan.

  “Is she like Chelsea?” he asked, his interest sparked.

  “Yes and no. She is kind and compassionate like Chelsea, but sassier and blonde.”

  “Yeah, blonde I like, sassy not so much.”

  “You did with Emma.”

  “Yeah and that is how I learnt to stay away from women like that.”

  After they finished their coffee and caught up on other news, Jared said he had some errands to run and would try and catch-up with the kids on the weekend.

  Once he’d gone Carrie remembered something Chelsea told her.

  “Oh my God, Nathan,” she cried. “Charlotte is working for Dr Shaw. Do you think that is who he met today?’

  “A flirtatious, beautiful blonde? Absolutely.”

  “Well maybe he might do sassy after all,” she grinned.

  * * *

  After the unfriendly but handsome Jared left, Charlotte was kept busy for the remainder of the day with her new patients. By home time she was exhausted.

  When she walked in the door, she heard Chelsea and Lucas talking and laughing in the kitchen. She felt a familiar tug at her heart again.