Wildfire Hurricane (A Ryder Boys Novel Book 1)

by Amelia James

  “And we’re here to save yours.” Mason and AJ hopped in the truck bed.

  Dash stomped on the gas and they tore out of the burning subdivision, following the funnel cloud until it dissipated. Tree branches and siding ripped from buildings pummeled the truck. Mason and AJ took cover while Jordy navigated Dash away from hazards.

  “Jesus.” Dash muttered the word as they neared the command center, swerving around piles of twisted metal and shattered glass. Broken boards and tattered shingles covered the street. Smoke blew in from the west as the fire raced closer.

  “Look at that!” Jordy pointed directly ahead as they slowed to a stop. Half the roof of the command center had been jerked off and dropped into the parking lot. The other half collapsed into the building. The roof on the office next door looked as if a giant hand had peeled it back, exposing the interior to the harsh conditions outside.

  Dash jumped out of the truck and ran to the broken door. “Simone!” He kicked debris aside and tripped down the stairs. Sparking computers and shattered monitors surrounded him. “Hello! Anyone?” His heart pounded and cold sweat drenched his shirt. I can’t lose her. Not forever.

  His crew joined the search, but the building had been abandoned. “They must’ve got out.” Mason ducked as a tree branch dropped from the sky.

  “Where’d they go?” AJ spun as the wind ripped the door from its frame.

  “The school!” Dash sprinted up the stairs and surveyed the area. Billowing clouds of black smoke rolled across the landscape, filling the shortest route to the shelter with suffocating ash and soot.

  “Can’t go north.” Jordy ran for the truck.

  Dash gunned the engine. “We’ll have to take the Lincoln Bridge.” Blackened leaves and glowing embers rained down from the sky.

  “Hope it’s still standing.” Mason shouted from the back.

  I did not need to hear that.

  Dash turned the truck south, driving at full speed while dodging flaming branches. “Where is this coming from?”

  Jordy scanned the horizon. “There. Another fire is burning southwest of downtown.”

  “Shit.” Last night when he couldn’t sleep, he’d dug though the personnel files and found Simone’s address. A violation of her privacy, unethical and probably illegal, but he had to know where she lived. In case of emergency, he’d told himself, as he’d committed the information to memory. Nice apartment complex. He’d checked the place out when he first moved to town.

  But now it lay directly in the fire’s path. “I hope she didn’t go home.” Searching for her there would take them miles away from the bridge, but if he didn’t go look for her now, it would be too late to go back once they got to the school. Damn it! “What would Simone do?”

  “Why’d you drag me to this thing?” Dash sat down on the first row of bleachers and took a bite from the hot dog dripping ketchup on his hand.

  “Wyatt asked us to come. It’s his last game before he goes back to college.” Simone sipped her Coke. “And I didn’t drag you. Your mom drove.”

  “As soon as I get my driver’s license, I’ll take us anywhere we want.”

  “Two more years.”

  Wyatt stepped up to bat and the crowd leaped to its feet, cheering their hero. Simone clapped and hollered, but Dash kept his seat, munching on the hot dog. “Why bother with all the noise? He can’t hear it.”

  Simone sat down and swiped his last bite. “He’s deaf, not blind. He knows we’re here.”

  “Yeah, but it’s just weird.” The hot dog rolled in his stomach. He glanced at the sun, his friends in the bleachers, Simone sucking her drink through a straw—anywhere but at his brother taking practice swings. “I don’t know how to talk to him.”

  “Just like you talk to anyone else. He reads lips.”

  “Yeah, but I’m afraid…” Crap, he hadn’t meant to say that. Stupid words came out before he knew what they meant. “He’s different. I don’t know what to do with that.”

  “I’m different.” She laid her dark hand on his pale arm. “Why aren’t you afraid of me?”

  “Because you’re a girl.”

  “You’re such a dork.” She rolled her eyes and popped the lid off her cup. “I’m a black girl. Didn’t you see how the other white boys moved away from me when we sat down?”

  Dash peered around her at the empty space between her and their classmates. “They were just making room for us.”

  Simone glanced over her shoulder. “Brian moved all the way to the top row.” She stabbed the ice cubes with her straw. “And he said the N word.”

  “I didn’t hear that.”

  “He didn’t say it out loud. I can read lips too, especially that word.”

  Dash turned and stared at Brian, narrowing his eyes at the creep who’d said something so vile to his best friend. He clenched his fist and shook it at the bastard as the sound of splitting wood ripped across the park, and Simone moved beside him.

  “Duck!” She fell forward and hit the ground.

  He spun and spotted half the bat flying toward him. A short scream escaped his dry mouth as instinct threw his arms up, crossing them in front of his throat. The bat hit his arm and deflected up, scratching across his cheek. Blood gushed from the wound. Dash pressed his fingers to his stinging face as Simone stood and dusted off her jeans.

  “She’d save her own ass.” He signaled right, toward her apartment.

  ‘I have the responsibility of managing this county’s emergency systems and personnel.’ Simone’s declaration echoed in his head.

  The broken bat had cut deep, leaving a lightning bolt-shaped scar on his face, but the injury could’ve been much worse. If Simone hadn’t warned him, it would’ve stabbed him in the neck. She saved me. Why did I never see it before? The girl he knew in high school would’ve taken care of herself, but his new boss protected her assets first. Going to the shelter and taking her staff with her appeared to be the logical option.

  Dash pushed the gas pedal to the floor and headed for the bridge, hoping he’d made the right choice. He’d find Simone, keep her safe, and then…Love her until I get hurt again?

  Flames licked the grass alongside the highway, chasing the truck as it sped toward the bridge. The clouds above them twisted into a vortex of black smoke and green storm. Ashes swirled up from the ground and ignited, creating a blazing fire whirl.

  “It’s coming straight for us!” Mason ducked behind the cab.

  “Hang on!” Dash sped past the flaming core, racing over the bridge as the fiery tornado consumed an abandoned car behind them.

  “Pull over! I gotta puke.” AJ leaned over the side and retched while Dash sped toward the school.

  The truck roared down the empty road beside the river, passing the TV station. Would Cassie be there? Dash gazed at the sprawling brick building. He’d been there once when Cassie had given him a tour that ended with them having sex in a room filled with computer components and wires.

  “Jesus Christ.” Jordy stared out the window on Dash’s side of the truck. AJ and Mason looked west too with their mouths hanging open. Dash slowed to a stop at a green light in a deserted intersection. He followed his crew’s gaze toward the horizon. From this point, he could see the entire city across the river. The fire had moved down the mountainside, leaving behind blackened destruction. Homes and businesses, including city hall, burned in an angry orange glow. Wind-blown debris and tree branches covered the streets.

  “The entire east side is gone.” AJ sank down in the truck bed.

  Mason rubbed his hand over his heart. “Will anything ever be the same?”

  Dash’s hands slipped from the steering wheel, dragged by the enormous loss. How could they recover from this? They’d lost so much. Sure, the city could rebuild, but Brett and Ray could never be replaced. Oh God. He’d have to tell their families…if they survived. “We need to get to the school and find people.”

  The light turned red, blurring in front of him. He wiped his eyes and drove around scatte
red tree branches, picking up speed as they passed a row of fast food restaurants, still open, still serving customers.

  Life goes on. He’d have to pick up the pieces of his shattered world and put it back together. He’d done it once before, but this time he wouldn’t do it alone. The school appeared on the horizon as clouds of smoke blotted out the sunset, and he took a short-cut across the football field.

  “In a hurry?” Jordy held onto the door.

  “I need to find someone.” One name rang in his ears. One goal, one purpose: put the past behind and start over even if the future looked uncertain and absolutely terrifying.

  He spotted the EMS vehicle and pulled up next to it. “They’re here!” Dash led his crew to the front door, and found a police officer waiting to escort them to the gym. Eerie quiet greeted them. Most people slept on beds of blankets, towels, and even clothes they’d managed to bring with them. The officer gave them bottles of water and sent them to a less crowded area near the bleachers.

  Cassie’s golden blonde hair spilled onto the floor while she curled up under a coat. Flynn leaned back against the bleachers, tapping away at his phone, oblivious to his surroundings.

  “Where’s Simone?” Dash spun, scanning the crowded gym.

  Flynn tossed the mobile device aside and leaped to his feet. “Mad Dash is here to save us!”

  Dash’s hand shot out and latched onto Flynn’s collar. “What did you call me?”

  “Sorry.” The young man wheezed. “Simone told me how you got your nickname.”

  “I’m gonna have words with her.” He released Flynn and flexed the tension from his fingers. “Don’t ever tell anyone.”

  “But I love it.” Flynn pouted. “It fits my hero perfectly.”

  “I’m no one’s hero.” Dash wandered over to a corner, hoping the darkness would swallow him up and snuff out his pain.

  Flynn scurried after him. “But you are. You risked your life to save your crew during the Nightfall Canyon fire.”

  He’d been the first on the scene, established a safety zone and escape routes, so when the fire turned against them, they been able to get away. “I did my job.” After they’d contained the fire, overblown stories about their battle had turned him into a hotshot legend.

  “You drove into the burning mountains today and faced a hurricane, and God knows what other fiery hell to protect this city.”

  But he’d lost two good men. His gut twisted and he braced his hands against the wall.

  “Even if I make your crew, I’ll never be as awesome as you are.”

  “Stop it!” Dash spun and nearly trampled his clinging fan. “Being a hero isn’t about doing amazing things. It’s about being there for people, not giving up when things get rough, and…” Oh my God, I’m a failure and a fool. He’d left Simone when life turned darkest, and he never came back. Never gave her a chance to prove him wrong. She’d needed him, but he’d been too wrapped up in his own pain and pride to see it. Please forgive me, darlin’.

  “And?”

  He focused on Flynn’s wide, expectant eyes. The boy needed to know how to be a man. What can a fuckup like me teach him? “That’s it. Do your job, take care of people, and never, ever give up.”

  “Yes.” Flynn beamed as if some great revelation shone down upon him. “It all makes sense now.”

  I’m glad somebody gets it. He’d taken much too long to figure it out. Dash clapped Flynn on the shoulder. “When you finish your training, I want you on my crew.”

  Flynn flattened his hand and snapped it to his forehead. “Yes, sir!”

  “Don’t salute me.” Dash rolled his eyes.

  “Oh, right.” He shook Dash’s hand with a firm grip.

  The kid just might have the balls. Flynn’s grasp lingered, and Dash slapped him upside the head with his free hand. “Let go now.”

  “Oops.” Flynn released him.

  Dash rubbed his throbbing hand and scowled. “Know when it ends.”

  Cassie woke and spotted him. “Dash!” She jumped up and ran across the floor, throwing her arms around his neck and sobbing. “I thought I’d lost you.”

  He didn’t quite know what to do with his arms so he patted her on the back. The affection she held for him had to end. Now. “Let’s go find someplace private. I need to tell you something.”

  She took his hand and led him out to the hallway. “Why are you here? Is the fire contained?”

  “No.” He pulled her into an alcove by the concession stand outside the gym. “The fire spread into the city, and Chief Rodgers told us to get out, take care of our people.”

  “It’s in the city?” She cupped her hand over her mouth as if horrified by her own words.

  “My home is gone.” Shudders wracked his spine. “Command center got hit by a tornado.” He straightened his shoulders. “But we’re safe here.” For how long?

  “Oh my God!” Her chest heaved and she seemed to struggle for breath. “It’s a good thing Simone got us out when she did.”

  Ms. Look Out for Number One played hero? “She saved all of you?”

  Cassie nodded. “She put me in charge of getting us to the shelter, but her quick thinking and organization turned a potential disaster into a safe place.”

  Dash smiled and stood up straight, bolstered by their courage. “Where is she?”

  “I don’t know.” Cassie brushed him off with a wave.

  “What?” His heart pounded and the cold sweat returned. “Is she…?” He couldn’t finish the question.

  She seemed to realize what he feared and quickly filled him in. “She’s here. She went for a walk, and I haven’t seen her since.”

  He dropped back against the wall and waited for his racing pulse to settle down. “I’ll find her.”

  “Why?” Cassie pulled away from him.

  He shuddered under her penetrating stare, but he chose to open up to her for once. “I need her in my life. Even after all Simone and I have been through, I can’t give up on her. Not again.” Make sure she knows what you mean. “Cassie, there will never be anything between you and me.”

  “I’m well aware of that.” But her voice cracked and her lower lip trembled. “Goodbye, Dash.” She turned and tried to walk away.

  “Wait.” He squeezed her fingers before she slipped from his grasp. What am I doing? Just let her go. “You meant something to me.”

  She faced him and her eyes narrowed. “Really? Why didn’t you tell me you were a poet?”

  A what? He hadn’t told anyone since high school. “How did you know about that?”

  “Simone was reading your book.”

  Oh shit, she’s gonna hate me. “I wrote those poems after we broke up. I can’t go through that again. Not alone. I’ve lost too much already. Brett, Ray, my home.”

  Cassie blinked rapidly. “I’m sorry for your loss.” Her face hardened and she sniffed. “Why do you want her back? She told me you had a difficult relationship.”

  Difficult, challenging, passionate. Real. “She’s the only person I can’t BS. I’ve got everyone else fooled. I’m supposed to be this badass hero, but she knows who I really am and that’s a relief. She’s my shelter.”

  “Isn’t that sweet.”

  He took her hands in his. “I’m sorry we couldn’t—I couldn’t make us work.”

  “Are you sure it’s going to work with her?” She stepped closer as if hanging on to hope.

  “Not at all.” Jesus, what am I doing? “But I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t try. Simone might hurt me again, but damn it, I don’t care.”

  “This is the man I knew. You thrive on danger, not knowing if you’ll survive without getting burned.”

  “I fooled you too.” He squeezed her hands. “I’m sorry.”

  Her lip curled and she pulled back. “Fine. I’m not going to wait around for you. Life is too short. You know that.”

  “I know.” He tried to sweep her hair behind her ear, but she flinched from his touch. “That’s why you need to go. You can�
��t hang on to me, especially when we don’t know what the future holds.”

  “You’re such a hero.” She jerked free and stomped down the hallway, her heels echoing in the dark.

  Why does everyone keep calling me that? He leaned back against the wall and dug his palm heels into his eyes. “I’m just a regular guy trying to live my life.” And maybe love again.

  He’d never been good at breaking up even though he’d done it many times in the last thirteen years. The pain of leaving Simone had haunted him, casting doom over every relationship he’d been in. Time to bury that for good. He stood and stared down the dark hallway, trying to remember the school’s layout from his one trip here on career day. Simone could be in any one of the classrooms.

  Find her. Keep her safe. Don’t give up.

  He searched the long hallway, peering in each quiet room he passed while second and fifth thoughts followed him.

  What if she cheats again?

  Dash stopped in his tracks as the nagging doubts held him back. But another voice joined the battle in his head, proclaiming Simone’s innocence and condemning his brother as the liar.

  CHAPTER 12

  Simone stared at the book, seeing without reading. Pain dripped from every page. Anger burned from the words. What did I do to him? She moved her fingers aside and read the poem she’d been hiding from.

  ‘She said she’d never hurt me.

  She said she’d never leave me.

  But she never said the words.

  She said I was her best friend.

  She said I was her everything.

  But she never said the words.

  When he said she’d been unfaithful,

  she said, “I’m innocent.”

  But she never said the words I needed to hear.’

  The book trembled in her grip as she closed it and held it against her aching heart. “Oh my God. I hurt him so much. I never knew.”

  “I’m sorry I’m late.” She kissed his flat lips then shoved Mal. “This asshole told me you wanted me to go to the football stadium instead.”