Scorch (Missoula Smokejumpers Book 6)

by Piper Stone

  “You don’t have a choice, and everyone deserves a fair trial. That’s law school 101.”

  “And why is that?” Of course, everyone deserved a fair trial, but she had an inkling there was another reason she was being pushed.

  “As I said, there is no one else whom I can trust to handle this.” Roger narrowed his eyes. “You have a meeting with your new client in thirty minutes. I have everything you need to know in a file on your desk. Katrina is due in court tomorrow for her pleadings. Then you have a full two weeks before the case goes to trial. I know it’s not much time, but you can do this.”

  “Conflict of interest. I’m friends with one of the victims.” At least this would end his request permanently.

  He sucked in his breath, no doubt weighing his options. “Full disclosure and there will be no issue.”

  “Are you kidding me?”

  “I’ll take the lead on this case with you as second chair. We’ll disclose your relationship and if the judge has any issues, then you can stay in the background.” Roger ground his teeth, his eyes full of venom.

  None of this was making any sense to her. “Wait a minute. Everyone wants her convicted, slide this under the rug but with reduced charges that I’m going to convince her of. Right?”

  “I’m not saying or suggesting that at all. You have to do what’s best for your client. She could have some serious mental issues.”

  “Who’s paying you, Roger? Who?” My God. She should have known.

  He moved around his desk, getting in her face. “How. Dare. You.”

  Reese held her breath before taking a step back, regaining her personal space. “Roger, I don’t want to do this. I can’t, and I won’t. This isn’t ethical,” she insisted.

  “Then you can find another job. Besides, there’s a fine line in the method of ethics, especially with regards to who you work with or sleep with.”

  The statement wasn’t as much shocking as leaving a bad taste in her mouth. He knew about Christopher. Blackmail. She was reeling from the realization. “You’re kidding me.”

  “No. You work for me.”

  “Why, Roger? Tell me the truth.”

  His eyes flashed. “I don’t need to have a reason other than I own this firm.”

  She knew by his contrite attitude that there was more but fighting him in any manner would only get her fired. At this point, she needed the job; however, she refused to allow him to get away with this. Given the mood of just about everyone in town, finding another job at this point in time would prove to be difficult. Play along. She calmed her nerves before answering. “Fine, but as soon as this case is over, I’m taking an entire week off.”

  He hesitated, as if thinking of issuing another threat. “That can be arranged. That is all I need. Good luck. I know the mayor is very interested in how this goes.”

  “The mayor. O-kay. Thank you, Roger.” She gave him a nasty look before charging out of his office. She’d use the week, whenever that was going to be, to find a new job. If she could tolerate the bullshit the entire length of time.

  As she sat down to read the case file, she had a strange prickling sensation wash over her. Glancing over her shoulder, she had to crane her neck. Was there a person in the parking lot, standing near her car? She jerked to her feet, crowding over her credenza in an effort to get a better look. Even the window was fuzzy, long since needing to be replaced. Blinking, she narrowed her eyes. There was no one there.

  Breathe. Calm down.

  Great. Now, she was having the heebie-jeebies. Rubbing her arms, she resisted falling into the same madness she’d experienced long ago. She was shivering, her heart thudding and she was suddenly claustrophobic. Was it possible after all these years? No. A rush of memories jabbed at her very soul. She could still see his face, the smile he always wore and could almost hear his laugh.

  He’d been her teacher. Her mentor. And her friend. He’d also been her lover. And he was dead. The past was too horrific to allow back into any portion of her life.

  Not again. Not ever. Huffing, she sat down, making certain to keep away from the window. The file was far too thin for a case of this nature. However, the arrest seemed solid, the evidence found enough for a conviction, at least in her mind. There had to be a hell of a lot behind the scene.

  What in the hell was she going to tell Stasha or Boone? Then there was Sawyer, who she had no doubt was a righteous man. Sighing, she dropped her head into her hands. Whatever Roger was in the middle of had made the man sweat. She’d seen that with her own eyes. Who was he connected with? Dinner with Sawyer. She could talk to him about everything. His voice of reason could help.

  Wait a minute. What could she say to him? His friend would be called to the stand to testify. This just couldn’t happen. A strangled hiss was replaced by a nasty growl. Her minute of respite turned into several and by the time she looked at her watch, she knew she was going to be late. Just what she needed, another discussion with a nutcase.

  She raced down to her car, narrowly avoiding another vehicle trying to park. As she headed for the driver’s door, she noticed the note stuck strategically under her windshield wiper. Turning in a full circle, she scanned the entire parking lot as well as the adjacent street. There was no one waiting in the shadows, no person hovering to see what she’d do.

  Her actions tentative, she crowded closer, picking at the white piece of paper. There was nothing special about the note itself, merely white copy paper, the kind found in any office supply chain. As she unfolded the note, she took another look, scanning every corner, every building. She sucked in her breath as she read the words. A darkness settled in, a rush from the past, true evil lurking. Waiting. Hungering.

  Things had just taken a turn. Someone wanted her dead.

  “You’re late,” Antonio snapped the moment Sawyer came in the door. “We have a meeting with the captain as well as the fire investigator in ten minutes.”

  “I have my reasons,” Sawyer muttered under his breath as he headed for the locker room. “Why is Fred paying us a visit?”

  Antonio walked closer. “My guess? Some words about the explosion at Engine 6 yesterday. Nearly took out one of the paramedics. Plain box left in front of the door in the late afternoon.”

  “Whoa,” Zane walked closer. “Any idea who did it?”

  “From what I heard. No one saw anything or any suspicious people hanging around, but interesting timing, if you ask me.” Antonio stole a look at the captain’s closed door.

  “Why interesting?” Sawyer asked.

  Antonio gave him a once over. “I heard things. Don’t go spouting off anything either. Just my thoughts. That’s why being late isn’t in your best interest.” He pointed a finger at Sawyer, his eyes flashing disapproval.

  “Christ, Antonio. Give the poor, old guy a break. Didn’t you hear about our boy’s escapades from last night?” Boone grinned as he flanked Sawyer’s side.

  “Escapades? That sexy woman from the bar?” Stoker laughed.

  “A girl for Sawyer? No freaking way,” Zane piped in.

  Sawyer cringed. The last thing he needed was additional ribbing. “Nothing happened.” He had an odd, fleeting thought and one he would absolutely keep to himself. However, he’d read as much as he could find on the Tatum case and knew that Engine 6 had been called to the scene on two of the three murders. While the sickening feeling could mean zero, he would mention it to Reese. His cock ached just thinking about her. At least they were having dinner later.

  “As I said, interesting timing.” Antonio mumbled under his breath.

  “That’s not what I mean, although they were getting it on while doing a little dirty dancing at Ziggy’s. Our boy here,” Boone made certain his voice was booming, “helped rescue a firefighter.”

  “Yeah?” Garcia fell into the conversation, looking back and forth between the men.

  “Been a very busy guy this week,” Riker snarked.

  Sawyer exhaled all the hot air and grabbed his gear. Today was al
l about removing debris from a recent fire. Not their favorite operation but the hard work might help get his mind off the bullshit racing through every thought.

  “Actually, I heard what happened,” Landen joined them. “You saved a man’s life, maybe more than one.”

  “What gives?” Moose asked.

  “Does everybody have to know my damn business?” Sawyer heard the cutting edge in his tone, but between the conversation with Mike and the instincts he had regarding an intruder, he was ready to lash out at anything and anyone. He walked into the locker room, knowing everyone was following him, hanging around as if the story was big news.

  The room was quiet for a few seconds.

  “What you did was admirable as well as heroic. Don’t sell yourself short.” Boone patted him on the back.

  “What are we talking about?” Stoker narrowed his eyes and slid next to the locker.

  “A car accident. An engine from company 12 was involved. They’re okay. One of the guys was tossed off the ridge and broke his leg. Nothing more.” Sawyer tried to push his way through the others.

  “Wait a minute. Engine 12?” Garcia half whispered then walked closer. “That’s our old company.”

  “Bunch of good guys,” Stoker added. “You’re sure they’re okay?”

  “Yeah.” Sawyer nodded, turning slightly to face them. “One of the guys suffered a heart attack. He’s stable and in the hospital. Used to be a smokejumper. Guy, I knew a long time ago.”

  “Wow. Sorry to hear that. Least you were there, Sawyer,” Moose said quietly.

  “Yeah, I know. Let it go. Okay?” Sawyer glanced at every one of the men. “Okay?”

  Moose held up his hands and backed away, dragging Zane with him.

  The others followed.

  “Sure, Sawyer. Whatever you say.” Garcia gave Stoker a knowing look. “Need to call Captain Banyon and check with the guys.” Stoker answered as the men walked out.

  “Still. You did a good thing, buddy.” Landen gripped his shoulder before leaving the room.

  A good thing. How many times had he heard this in a single week?

  “Okay, spit it out. What in God’s name is wrong now? You saved a man. That should make you smile. Hell, you saved my life this week.” Boone grinned until he noticed Sawyer’s face. “Talk to me. I’m your friend. The helicopter ride with the horse. Your mood.”

  Sawyer looked down at his hands, remembering the rope as it slipped in his hands all those years ago. “The man I saved was my best friend. Years ago, we worked together. I had no idea he was back in town. Just brought back some pretty horrific memories.”

  Boone nodded several times before answering. “Look. I know you’re a private man. You don’t talk about your past to any degree. Whatever happened all those years ago is what’s keeping you on edge. And don’t try and tell me otherwise either. I know you about as well as anyone can.”

  “I don’t want to talk about it but thanks for giving a shit. Something I need to deal with.”

  “Sawyer, is that why you’re thinking about retiring? I mean this past creeping into everything in your life?”

  Sawyer had no idea how to answer, let alone if he wanted to even bother. “There’s a lot about me that you don’t know.”

  “We both have a past. Every man here has a demon eating at their soul.”

  “You’re right. We all have a past. I don’t talk about anything because it’s nobody’s business.” He realized his tone was terse and rubbed his forehead. “I don’t mean to take this out on you. I really don’t. You’re a great friend.”

  “Then treat me like one,” Boone demanded. “Allow me in past that damn shell you have so tightly wrapped around you. We’ve lived and breathed for each other, almost died together more than once. Whatever you feel you can’t share with me is eating you alive.”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “But you won’t freaking let me in.”

  Sawyer remained quiet.

  “Fine. We have a meeting to get to.” Boone waited, his eyes boring into Sawyer’s. When his friend said nothing else, he took a step toward the door. “Be careful, Sawyer. You’re pushing everyone you care about out of your life. You might end up very much alone.”

  When Boone stormed out of the room, he closed his eyes. Maybe that was the best thing to happen.

  After all, he was a murderer.

  Chapter 9

  “All right, everyone. Gather around,” Captain Phillips called.

  Sawyer was the last one in the main room. He slid against the wall, studying the fire investigator’s face. Frederick Nelson was considered a tough man, but those who knew him understood the reasons why. He’d worked with the fair but opinionated investigator almost his entire career. He had to wonder how Fred had enough mental stamina to face another tragic situation. Deputy Worth stood beside him, his emotions masked.

  “This about the explosion at Engine 6?” Antonio asked, cutting to the chase.

  “Explosion?” Steel hissed.

  “Yeah, injured one of the paramedics,” Stoker added as he shook his head.

  Investigator Nelson chuckled and raised his eyebrow as he glanced at the captain. “Can’t keep a secret in this town.”

  “No, you certainly can’t.” Captain Phillips huffed in Antonio’s direction. “Listen up, boys. As you can imagine, we’re all concerned about what this means.”

  Fred took a few steps forward, his eyes pinned on Sawyer.

  Boone shot Sawyer a look, mouthing ‘what’.

  Sawyer shrugged. What the hell could he know about the incident?

  “All right. There was a suspicious box left at the front door. No markings. No indication of the sender and even though there are security cameras, whoever left knew that there was a blind spot. We have nothing to go on and since the bomb inside exploded, we’re picking through shards.”

  “At least the paramedic didn’t sustain any life-threatening injuries, although given the direct contact, I’m not certain why,” Deputy Worth said from the background.

  “Are you insinuating the bomb was more of a threat?” Landen asked.

  “At this point, we’re not insinuating anything. Too early yet, but the front of the building did receive some fire damage. They even dispatched another engine company to go to the scene.” Fred darted his eyes in Sawyer’s direction again.

  “Which engine company?” Sawyer knew the answer.

  Fred moved closer. “15.”

  “Whew…” Garcia huffed. “The engine involved in the wreck?”

  “The very one.” Fred rubbed his forehead. “When they couldn’t arrive, another was dispatched.”

  “Fred. You don’t think this is a random attack, do you?” Exasperation rode the captain’s face.

  “I just find coincidences to be curious,” Fred answered. “From what I know, there was no particular reason for the accident to occur. The road was clear, the stop light working, and the car just plowed into the engine. The early estimate is that the car had to be exceeding the speed limit by at least thirty miles per hour if not more.”

  Sawyer thought about the accident. “A medical condition?”

  “Well,” Fred took another step closer. “I certainly haven’t heard the final medical report, but from what I heard, nothing was wrong with the driver, although she is still unconscious. However, there’s another reason I’m telling you.”

  “You’re worried this has something to do with Katrina and Bo Dreyfus, aren’t you?” Boone shot out.

  Fred pointed his finger at the jumper, a slight twinkle in his eye. “Bingo.”

  “Yeah, we’ve been hearing some chatter through various connections that there could be a hit on anyone connected to Katrina’s case. Witnesses. Folks involved in the fire at Boone’s place.” The deputy seemed exasperated.

  “That would mean Engine’s 6 and 15,” Boone said quietly.

  “And 12,” Stoker countered. “They came in last.”

  “And the Jackals,” Riker added.

/>   Everyone turned to look at Riker.

  “Shit. That’s true.” Garcia exhaled. “Any evidence?”

  “Working on a theory. Takes time,” Fred answered. “Heard something about the Saudi being back involved, but that’s out of my jurisdiction.”

  Sawyer gave Boone a hard look and could tell his buddy knew what he was thinking. Find out any details from Colton Spencer.

  “Just keep your eyes and ears open. We certainly don’t need a revenge situation with Katrina’s trial starting in a week or so.”

  “Someone’s made a direct threat,” Landen whispered and Sawyer overheard. That was a plausible theory. He also had another theory and one he loathed even thinking about.

  “Anyway. We’re making the rounds. Going to visit 12 next. If you see any suspicious packages, call the sheriff and keep clear. Don’t be heroes on this. If I know this kind of sick, fucked up mind, the incidents will escalate.” Fred nodded then held out his hand, turning the meeting back over to the captain.

  “Thanks, Fred. We’ll keep a watchful eye.” Captain Phillips exhaled. “Something else to keep in mind. I’ve been notified that we may have a horrific weather pattern rolling in. Severe thunderstorms. Supposedly three fronts colliding together. If this happens, there will be elongated periods of dangerous lightning. Now, it’s too early to tell, but something to keep an eye on, so be ready in case.”

  “I’ve been watching this system for a couple of days,” Cooper added. “Rolling in from the west and given the recent fires, there’s a hell of a lot of dry fuel ready to take portions of the mountainside.”

  “Ugh,” Garcia mumbled.

  “Just what we need,” Landen snarked.

  “All right, boys, time to head out. Nothing we can do and it’s a beautiful day outside,” Captain Phillips said as he winked. “Perfect day for dealing with all that fuel we just mentioned. You have your duty roster today.”