Scorch (Missoula Smokejumpers Book 6)

by Piper Stone

  The location certainly suited a fiery attorney. Chuckling, he pulled the duffle bag from the back seat, hoisting it over his shoulder. A drink with the girls. This was definitely not something he wanted to let get out at the hanger. He was surprised when he walked inside that the building wasn’t secure, but then again, this wasn’t a crime infested area of town either.

  The elevator still rattled, a reminder of the continuing restoration needs. The hallways were wide, adorned with gothic style sconces and vibrant art. Yeah, he could potentially live here. The thought giving him a chuckle, he walked to her door, almost ready to knock. The sound of laughter was boisterous. This would be an interesting evening.

  Tap. Tap.

  He heard the sound of music but nothing else. No voices. No laughter. The ring of his cellphone drew his attention. Yanking the phone from his pocket, he answered quickly. “Boone.”

  “Hey. I talked to Spence and he confirmed that the Saudi is still in the picture. While he couldn’t go into details, he did say that there were two other ranches torched in Idaho, several of the prized horses stolen. Others killed. Similar as to what happened in Missoula. There’s also some interest in the Mustangs. Several organizations are trying to get them to safe ground. That’s why you noticed them at the fire in Yellowstone. Damn shame.” Boone’s voice sounded rattled.

  “I hear a glitch in your voice. There’s more.”

  “Yeah, well, there’s been a few sightings of Bo Dreyfus. He’s wanted for murder in the death of a prominent rancher in Wyoming. And the scuttlebutt is that Bo wants to finish what he started here. There was a direct threat made, a note sent to a news station. The authorities have tried to keep it quiet, but given Katrina is going to be arraigned tomorrow with a not guilty plea expected, you know the press is going to be all over the case, clamoring for any news. The threat is going to leak. I hate this shit for all of us.”

  “How’s Stasha taking it?” Sawyer sighed. A suspicious package, an approaching storm front and now this.

  “I haven’t told her anything yet. She’s at Reese’s place, planning a bachelorette party for Shannon. Wanna grab a beer or five? I need to release some tension.”

  Sawyer heard a noise behind him. Seeing Reese standing in what could only be described as the most incredible red dress he’d ever seen, he was only half listening to Boone. “What? I’m sorry. What did you say?”

  “Uh-huh. I can tell you’re preoccupied. Tell the lovely Reese I said hello and if you’re the hired stripper, we’re all in trouble.”

  “Very funny. We’ll talk later.” He slid his phone far away and advanced until he was only a few inches from her. “You look beautiful.”

  “Mmm… Thank you. The girls won’t be here much longer.” Reese gave him a waning smile.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Who said anything is wrong?”

  Cupping her face, Sawyer gave her an authoritative look. “You’re very easy to read. Did something happen?”

  She nibbled her bottom lip and tried to glance away.

  He held his grip, crowding her close to the window at the end of the hall. “You better tell me or else.” When she only half laughed, he knew there was something serious. “Talk to me.”

  “I’m just exhausted and angry. Another case was forced on me today, one that won’t make anyone happy. I just…” She groaned and closed her eyes. “I can’t stand defending people who don’t deserve to be defended.”

  “You’re here. Maybe you can talk some sense into her.”

  Hearing Stasha’s voice, Sawyer tipped his head. “About?”

  “The threats she’s received,” Stasha answered quickly and shrugged.

  “Stasha!” Reese snapped and pulled away from Sawyer, moving inside. “I don’t know they were threats.”

  “Are you kidding me?” Stasha gave Sawyer the evil eye. “Let’s see. We have the monster who murdered three women might be the man who left you a note and called you or it could be that bastard you were dating.”

  “Okay. What is going on?” Sawyer asked as he closed the door. Eyeing Jessica, Laney, and Trinity, he acknowledged them but remained close to Reese. He eased his bag onto the floor and crossed his arms.

  “Tell him or I will,” Jessica stated as she folded her arms.

  “She acts like it’s nothing.” Laney took a swig of her wine as she leaned against the kitchen island.

  “Okay. Okay! Just stop,” Reese huffed. She walked toward the bank of floor to ceiling windows, peering down onto the street. “I had a note placed on my car followed by a single phone call about how quickly I forgot. I thought maybe Walker could be behind them, but my rational mind says he didn’t. And I wasn’t dating Christopher. Not really.”

  Stasha laughed. “You left out the best part.”

  Reese exhaled before glancing over at Sawyer. “Look. Chris and I had been seeing each other, but not in the traditional sense. Broke it off a few days ago. He’s going back to his almost ex-wife. He was at the office today and dropped by to see me. He wants me back. I told him basically over my dead body and he was angry. Obsessive.”

  Sawyer wasn’t certain how to take the news but could tell instinctively that Reese wasn’t telling the entire story. “What about the new case you were assigned. Murder? Could there be any connection?”

  “New case?” Trinity asked. “Busy girl. How many murders actually occur in Missoula? I thought it was safe here, at least safer than LA.”

  Reese tipped her head back and laughed nervously. “You’re going to learn the news tomorrow the moment I set foot in the courtroom.”

  He watched as Reese walked toward Stasha slowly and shook his head.

  “I don’t like that look on your face,” Stasha half whispered. “What case are you defending?” When Reese had difficulty saying anything, she slapped her hand over her mouth, her eyes growing big.

  “What case are we talking about?” Laney asked.

  “You can’t be,” Stasha hissed.

  Reese reached for her hand. “I have no choice. It was pushed on me.”

  Stasha yanked back, her hands flying into the air. “You’re defending the bitch who tried to destroy my life?”

  “Whoa. What?” Trinity moved around the island.

  “Katrina Dreyfus?” Jessica barely managed.

  “I had zero choice. I said no. I told my boss that I have a conflict of interest. Nothing mattered. I have no choice but to quit my job.”

  A nervous laugh pushed past Stasha’s lips. “You quit. Right?”

  “I… I wanted to but it’s not that easy and-” Reese started.

  “Not that easy?” Stasha snapped.

  “Stasha. Let her speak,” Sawyer moved closer to Reese, standing behind her.

  Stasha jerked her head in Sawyer’s direction. “How quickly you forget, Sawyer. I was kidnapped and tortured, barely escaping with my life. Boone’s house and barns were burned to the ground and it’s lucky he didn’t lose his horses. Several ranches were burned, horses slaughtered because they were useless and at least a dozen people duped because of Katrina, Bo and Drake Dreyfus. In the end, Katrina tried to kill me.”

  The words echoed.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t want to do this. You have to believe me.” Reese wrung her hangs together, a pleading look on her face.

  “Stash. She has no choice,” Jessica said softly.

  “Yeah, honey. You have to understand,” Trinity added.

  Stasha sucked in her breath, remaining unblinking for a full minute. Then she grabbed her purse and stormed toward the door. “You’re not my friend. No friend would do this to another. Stay out of my life!”

  Chapter 10

  “Haven’t had any complaints on Walker Tatum. He was released without incident. I don’t know what I can do. He’s just a regular citizen now,” Carter said after releasing a long breath. “Besides, he’s had the press all over his ass since the minute he walked out of jail. Well, was ushered into a big, black SUV anyway. I don’t think he
’s had time to do a damn thing out of prying eyes.”

  “I know I’m taking a long shot here, but Reese is nervous. I’m just asking if you can check out what he’s doing and his whereabouts. Maybe he’s holed up somewhere, but if not, then he could be the one threatening her.” Sawyer leaned against the window, gazing down at the almost deserted street. A bank of clouds had rolled in, indicating another storm was approaching. Reese was rattled as hell, pacing back and forth. At least she’d shown him the note left on her car.

  “You need to remind her to make a formal complaint.”

  “I’ve tried. Believe me,” Sawyer said, the tone full of exasperation. The conversation had been more one sided than anything.

  “She knows better. She’s an officer of the court and a threat is a threat.”

  Sawyer watched the way she nervously rubbed her hand through her hair. “She’s stubborn.”

  “Perfect for you, then,” Carter said as he laughed. “Seriously, I’ll talk to the sheriff. The station is on high alert right now, but I’m sure we can swing a couple cars by Tatum’s place.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  Carter chuckled. “Guess we’re even now anyway. Katie agreed to go out with me.”

  Sawyer smiled as he watched Reese pour another drink. “I’m glad, dude. Appreciate all you guys are doing.”

  “No problem, Sawyer.”

  “One last thing. Do you know anything about Christopher Sampson?”

  “That’s an interesting question. He’s a prosecutor with some powerful friends. An asshole if you ask me, but he gets the job done. Why?”

  “Just curious. Ran into him today,” he lied, not wanting to draw attention.

  “Don’t get the man on your bad side. That’s one thing I will tell you,” Carter snorted. “Aggressive bordering on violent. Tell me why.”

  “Just a personal thing.”

  “As in Miss Winton?”

  “What do you know?” Sawyer scoffed.

  Carter snickered. “You know the rumor mill in this town. Just take my advice, my friend.”

  This was the last thing Sawyer wanted to hear. “I’ll keep that in mind. Call me if you find anything on Mr. Tatum.”

  “Will do.”

  He ended the call and leaned his head against the glass. The flash of lightning was bright, lighting up the entire window. Odd sensations remained in the pit of his stomach, a knowing that danger hovered over both of them. He could feel the kinetic energy, almost like the kiss of death waiting in the shadows. There was evil lurking behind every dark corner with too many players and he abhorred the understanding. He would die to keep her safe, but only if he was allowed to know her attacker.

  “Shit!” Reese yelped and dropped her glass. “Damn it.”

  Moving toward her, he grabbed her hand, pulling her to him. “Everything is going to be okay.”

  “I hate storms. Hate them. I just can’t do this.” Panting, she tried to get out of his grasp.

  “Just a thunderstorm. That’s all.”

  “That’s not all. Don’t you get it?” Jerking away, she grabbed the glass then a towel, sopping up the liquid. “I should have just refused to take the case. What is wrong with me?”

  “You don’t want to lose your job,” he said quietly, allowing her to clean the mess.

  She gave a short laugh. “If I didn’t have this place, I wouldn’t really care.”

  “Then quit and move in with me.” While the words slipped out, he realized he was being truthful.

  Reese stopped moving and slowly lifted her head. “Don’t do that. You don’t know me. You know nothing about me. I’m not a good person.”

  “Why? Because you dated another man? Because you are defending a criminal that everyone hates?” Sawyer lifted a single eyebrow. “You’re stronger than this.”

  “Strong? I successfully defended a monster. He’s free to kill again. Let’s just say he’s innocent, then the real killer is still out there. Murdering women. As far as Christopher, I didn’t just date him. We didn’t go out to dinner like traditional couples. He didn’t want to, no, he refused to be seen with me in public, yet he wants me back. And do you know why? Ask me why.”

  He inched closer, crowding her space. “Okay. Why?”

  “Because I submitted to his every kinky desire. And. I. Liked. It. I’m sick.” Shivering, she tossed the towel into the sink and slapped both fists on the island. “I did.”

  Sliding his hand under her hair and cupping her neck, he caressed, allowing his fingertips to knead her tender skin. “That doesn’t make you weird and definitely not sick. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re an amazing, beautiful and very strong woman. Stasha will come around. She’s just scared right now.”

  “She has every right to be, Sawyer. I was with Katrina today. She’s another monster in flaxen hair and fake boobs, but trust me, she’s just as evil.”

  “Then the jury will see how evil she truly is and convict her.”

  Reese laughed again. “Like they did Walker?”

  “Different jury. Different case.”

  Crack!

  “Fuck!” She jumped.

  He waited as another round of thunder rolled then lowered his head, kissing her lips softly. “I was serious about you moving in with me. You don’t have to share my bed, if you don’t want to, but I have other rooms.”

  She grabbed his shirt, bunching the material between her fingers. “You’re such a gentleman. I adore you for that.”

  “I hope you adore me for other things.”

  “I do. I just need to get through this, Sawyer. I’ve been on my own my entire life. My career is the only thing that’s kept me going.”

  “What about family?” When her expression changed again, her eyes becoming haunted, he knew he’d crossed some imaginary line. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

  “Very little to tell of my sad story. I never knew my parents and I don’t have any siblings. I was orphaned as an infant and while I lived with several foster families, none of them wanted to adopt me. I was a bit of a troublemaker.” Tears slipped past her lashes and she gave him a series of short glances. “Imagine that.”

  “Oh, I can,” he whispered, trying to remain light, but the pain in her eyes was palpable. “I can understand why your career is so important to you.”

  “And maybe why I gravitated toward men like Christopher. Charming. Dominating. Chris isn’t a bad man, but I should never have gotten involved. He swept me off my feet in many ways, giving me exactly what I needed for a few months. But I don’t care about him. I mean, not like I do about you.”

  The words were thrilling more than he would have imagined. “I care about you as well, even though you’re quite the handful.”

  A flush of embarrassment highlighted her lovely features. “I should have told you about Chris.”

  “Why? You didn’t have some requirement. I’ve dated other women before.”

  “He’s not like other men.”

  “And he’s out of your life.”

  She kneaded his shirt over and over again. “I’m not so certain. I’m more convinced than ever than he’s the one who left the note. I don’t like the way he’s acting. I swear to you that he and my boss are working together. I can’t prove a thing.”

  Sawyer tried to think of the right words to say but her statement was interesting. “Only you know in your gut if that’s the case about the note, but I wouldn’t take any chances. Carter will find out about Walker. Now, you have to decide about the case and do what’s in your heart. You’re exhausted and worried. That has no doubt clouded your judgment.”

  “I know you’re right. I tend to jump to conclusions.” Rising onto her tiptoes, she kissed his lips and slid her arms around his neck.

  Unable to resist the way she felt in his arms, he tugged her close, crushing his mouth over hers. Tonight, she needed his strength. The taste of her was even sweeter, creating a warmth in his belly and an intense desire in his groin. His co
ck was already swollen, pinching, pushing against his jeans. His reaction was always the same around her.

  She moaned into the kiss as she entwined her tongue with his, her fingers gripping his hair.

  He rubbed his hands down her back, lifting the hem of her dress and crawling the material up to the back of her thighs. Sliding his hands underneath, he shuddered as he touched her skin, cupping and squeezing her buttocks.

  Grinding her hips back and forth, she clung to him as she parted her legs.

  Pressing his fingers against her thigh, he brushed the tips into her pussy, electrified by the sensations roaring through every tense muscle. She was so wet, the heat of her body creating beads of sweat against the base of his hairline. He took control, French kissing her, pushing the tip of his tongue to the back of her mouth and bending her into a slight arch.

  Undulating, she trembled in his arms, her soft moans becoming distinct whimpers.

  He cupped her face, rubbing his thumb across her cheek as he slid his fingers in and out, slow and easy, enjoying the way her pussy muscles clamped around the invasion. There wasn’t a portion of him that wasn’t tingling, his heart racing given his yearning to be inside of her, his cock thrusting hard and fast.

  Reese pressed her hand against his chest, breaking the connection yet holding her lips to his. Swallowing, she panted. “You drive me crazy.”

  “Lady, you have no idea what you do to me.”

  “I want you, Sawyer. Please take me. Please.”

  Lifting her, he exhaled as she rested her head on his shoulder, her legs wrapped around his thighs. As he carried her toward the living room, the thunder rolled, lightning flashing across the sky, dancing in various shapes. She continued to tremble, but he sensed for an entirely different reason than apprehension. He rubbed the back of her head as he eased her down onto her feet.

  The look on her face carnal, she brushed the flats of her hands down his chest, her fingers tugging at his shirt. “Too many clothes.”