by Stone, Piper
“He’s alive!” Firefighters rushed toward him .
Landen held the child, feeling the little boy’s heart beating, his soft cries, and allowed tears to fall. Everything in the next few seconds was a blur as the boy was taken from his arms and two EMT’s were on their knees. “Let me up. I’m fine .”
“We need to check you out, sir. Lay still,” one of the first responders said, her voice strong .
“No. I have to make certain they’re okay.” Struggling to sit up, Landen blinked trying to focus, smoke burning his eyes .
“Easy, Jackal. Easy. You did good. So did Riker. Everyone is alive, thanks to the two of you.” Antonio’s voice softened, he knelt down beside Landen, placing his hand on Landen’s shoulder .
“Are you certain ?”
Antonio nodded. “Relax. You did everything you could do .”
“Goddamn, Landen. You’re a damn ass hard head.” Stoker smiled as he stopped just in front .
“I had to save them,” Landen half mumbled as the EMT checked his vitals. “Just let me up. Okay ?”
“Sir, your blood pressure is very high and you have serious cuts on your back .”
“He’ll be fine.” Both Antonio and Stoker said together .
Antonio lowered his arm and nodded .
The EMT grumbled and removed the pressure cuff .
Landen grasped on and bit back a series of moans as he stood, his eyes searching for Riker .
“This isn’t a good idea,” the EMT insisted .
“I’ll bring him back,” Stoker assured her .
There wasn’t a muscle that wasn’t screaming, but the pain was tolerable. He limped as he moved through the crowd until he noticed Riker .
Applause broke out in the group of people hanging in the parking lot of the bar. They’d witnessed the heroic moves, the actions taken .
Landen stopped briefly and nodded in appreciation .
Riker pushed his way through the crowd until the two men were standing in front of each other. “You could have gotten yourself killed .”
“So could’ve you.” Landen offered his hand .
Huffing, Riker accepted and pulled him forward .
“Yes!” Someone called from the crowd as the applause and cheering continued .
“You’re all right, brother. All right.” Riker’s voice was strangled .
“Thanks for your help,” Landen said as they hugged .
“Let me through. Please, let me through .”
Landen looked over his shoulder as Shannon cajoled and pushed her way past a group of firefighters .
“It’s okay,” Antonio called to the men holding her back .
Shannon raced toward them, stopping briefly then flinging her arms around Riker’s neck. “You idiot. You stupid idiot .”
Landen stepped away and closed his eyes. He didn’t deserve any amount of comfort, at least not from someone he’d hurt so damn badly .
“Sir, we have some questions for you .”
He looked into the eyes of the young officer, remembering the days he’d been fresh out of the academy. Those had been the days before he’d become jaded, even harsh. “Of course .”
“Did you see what happened ?”
“Unfortunately, I only came out after the accident.” Landen held his breath as Shannon looked in his direction .
“Do you know of anyone who could have seen what happened?” the officer continued, the questions asked as if being ticked off a form .
Shannon shook her head once then looked down toward Landen’s feet and back up .
She was worried. He took a step toward her, his mind reeling .
“Sir, just a few more questions .”
“I will. Just a second.” Landon took another step. Then another .
Moving closer, Shannon seemed to keep the same step, one after the other until she could reach out, taking his hand into both of hers. “You crazy jumper. What you did was …”
“Stupid? Ridiculous? Idiotic ?”
“I was going to say heroic. Both of you, but you and that fire and…” The words catching in her throat, she sniffed and glanced over his shoulder at the still sizzling car. “What you did to save those lives was wonderful. Nobody will forget it .”
“I did my job .”
“You weren’t on duty,” she insisted .
Landen wiped a tear from her cheek with the tip of his thumb. Just touching her, seeing her reaction was something he would have never expected. “I’m always on duty .”
She looked down and swallowed hard .
Instantly, he knew he’d said the wrong thing. “Shannon, that’s what I do. I care .”
“Yeah.” She bit her lip when she glanced into his eyes. “I know. That’s wonderful. That’s…” Shannon gave him a half smile before taking his hand and cupping her face. Within seconds she pulled back, breaking the connection. Tears slipped past her lashes .
Was there something between her and the Jeffries guy? How would he be able to compete with a rich dude? He kicked his toe as Riker gave him a funny look .
Suddenly, he was swarmed and for a few seconds his vision was blocked. When he was able to see past the crowd, she’d disappeared. As questions were peppered from all directions, becoming muddled into a buzzing sound, he held his breath, terrified she was gone from his life forever. In those few seconds of fear, terror, confusion and self-loathing, he knew one thing, one amazing thing .
He was aching all over, the longing driving him into a sheer state of need unlike anything he’d ever experienced. “God help me .”
Chapter 9
L anden grabbed his bag and the second he climbed out of the car, he groaned. He glared down at the arm sling. “Useless thing.” He ripped it off, tossing the material into the car. Nothing was going to get in the way of doing his job. He rubbed and lifted his arm. A slice of raw anguish rushed down his arm and back. “Fuck!” He could fight through the pain. He’d been through a hell of a lot worse before .
Although the cut on his back seemed superficial, the glass had nicked a tendon. He’d been surprised he felt anything at all given the scar tissue. Chuckling at the thought, he slammed his door. The forced time at the hospital had meant the remainder of the night. The darkened skies had shifted, allowing the slight golden hue of the approaching sun. Not yet six, he wasn’t officially on duty until six thirty, but given he hadn’t had a shower since the accident, he was going to take the opportunity of grabbing one before the rest of the guys came .
He slipped inside, not the least bit surprised to see Katie already at her desk. She looked up, hearing the creaking noise from the door, and waved. There was no one else in the building. Every move taking longer than normal, he struggled out of his things and grabbed a towel. After flipping on the light, he took a long, hard look at his reflection .
Small scars covered his upper arms and chest, but as he twisted, seeing a good portion of his disfigured back, he exhaled. He’d never win a beauty contest any longer. As if he ever could. Full out laughing, he leaned forward on the sink, studying the sadness in his eyes. Would that ever go away ?
He sucked back in whatever amount of feeling sorry for himself he was doing and yanked off the towel before turning on the water. A hot shower was going to do him a world of good .
Fifteen minutes later he was finished and dressed, half expecting he’d see at least a few members of the team in the locker room. There was nothing but dead silence, a quiet that was more unnerving than anything. As he walked to the main door, he noticed the overhead lights had been switched on. Someone was here .
Landen was stretching his arms as he eased into the hanger and several jumpers caught his eye. Every member of the team was standing in a straight line, their faces expressionless. They stood as if soldiers, their legs apart, their arms behind their backs. The captain stood near the back door, Katie at his side .
When he approached, Katie stepped forward, taking two steps in his direction. In her hand she held a file, but remained quiet. He knew with
out asking that he was to continue his path. He took tentative steps, every muscle constricting. He’d crossed yet another line, one he’d never be able to recover from. But goddamn it, he’d hold his head high. And yes, he would save everyone again .
Stoker was on the end closest and as Landen passed, Stoker snapped his legs together, the sound of his heels hitting the tile with a solid thud. His arms dropped to his side. Nodding, the look in the smokejumper’s eyes was one of respect, even admiration .
“What’s this?” Landen finally managed and took another step .
Garcia repeated the action, a slight smile curling on the corner of his mouth .
“Captain?” Now, his heart was thudding into his ears .
Boone then Sawyer, repeated the action. Riker, his smile matching his twinkling eyes, followed by Antonio. The man’s look was harsh at first, then he broke into a smile as he held out his hand .
“Lieutenant Landen Weaver of the New York City Fire Department,” Katie’s lilting voice rang out in the hanger. “You are hereby transferred to the Missoula Montana Smokejumper’s Unit as smokejumper and fellow Jackal number 1427. Will you accept your commission?” Unable to keep a smile off her face, she turned to face him and held out the file .
Landen was floored and looked at the captain, now his captain, giving a solid nod. “I will .”
“Then we hereby bestow the official smokejumper patch. Prevent. Protect. Preserve .”
“Prevent. Protect. Preserve. Prevent. Protect. Preserve,” the men chanted .
Opening the file, Landen held up the embroidered badge and grinned like a kid. “Yes !”
“Welcome to the team, you hard headed smokejumper. Jesus! I give you a night off and what the hell do you do? Become a hero.” Captain Phillips shook Landen’s hand .
“Just keeping up with tradition, sir.” Landen gave Riker a look before laughing. Somehow, he knew the man had more than just something to do with this .
“Welcome to the team. I didn’t get to see what happened, but I heard and the news is all over it! You’re a damn hero in this town.” Garcia whooped and hollered .
“Just don’t let it go to your head,” Stoker said as he moved closer. “I know what that’s like .”
Landen certainly knew just enough about Stoker’s military background. “I’m nobody’s hero .”
“Well, according to just about everybody in town, both of you are.” Antonio moved toward Riker and Landen. “And it’s deserved. What you did to save those people is amazing. Few others would go to such lengths, rushing into danger .”
“Aw, he sounds like a Hallmark card,” Boone teased .
Antonio gave him the finger. “Wise guy. I’m serious. Something like fifty bystanders and what, three hundred cars going past and not one of them stepped in to help? Shows you about people .”
“They haven’t been trained,” Riker stated .
“We’re professionals,” Landen added as he fingered the patch .
“Christ. Martyrs. That’s what they could turn into,” Garcia groaned .
“All right, men. We have a schedule to keep. Out on the field. Let’s get the training done for the day.” Antonio clapped his hands .
Landen realized a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. As he headed for the door, he breathed a sigh of relief .
“Not so fast.” The captain headed him off .
“Sir?”
“I’m afraid to tell you this, but you’re off the roster for forty-eight hours .”
“What? For last night?” Landen was pissed .
Riker had remained behind and walked closer. “He didn’t do anything wrong .”
“Christ. The two of you. Not for what you did. For what the injuries did to you. I need you whole, not injured beyond the ability to do your job.” Captain Phillips smiled .
“I’m fine .”
“I hear that’s what you said at the scene as well .”
Landen fumed. “I’m fine, Captain .”
“Okay. Lift your arms over your head .”
Grimacing, he did as requested, and stars floated in front of his eyes .
“Exactly what I thought. Your eyes are watering. Rest and don’t use the arm. I heard you bought the old Peterson place. You’ll need time to get it in order anyway. Just no heavy lifting !”
“Does everybody know everybody else’s business around here?” Landen quipped .
Captain Phillips grinned. “Big little town, my friend. Not like the Big Apple. Eh ?”
“No, sir. Not at all.” Nothing in the world had prepared him for Montana .
“All right. We’re settled. I’ll see you back here in two days and that’s after you’ve seen the doctor again. If everything is good to go, you’re back out on the field. If not, you’re in the classroom. Am I clear?” The captain raised his eyebrows .
“Yes, sir .”
“Good man. Get out of here .”
Landen hung back, his fingers rubbing back and forth over the patch .
Riker waited until the captain walked back into his office. “About what I said last night .”
“Yeah, I get it .”
“No, I don’t think you do.” Riker moved in front of him. “You’re a member of my team and I’ll risk my life to save you just like you did for those people last night. But, if you ever hurt Shannon or anyone else I care about in any manner, I will kick your ass. Understood ?”
Landen took a step back, searching the man’s eyes. “You’re in love with her.” The words were a statement, not a question .
He sighed and rubbed his jaw. “I adore Shannon. We flirt. We tease, but no, I’m not in love with her. She reminds me of my little sister and I’ll always protect her, especially against men who try in any manner to break her heart. My tastes are… different .”
“I wasn’t trying to hurt her. We had a moment and things got out of hand. I just… Well, hell, I don’t know what I was trying to do .”
Riker cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “Interesting .”
“Stupid. Just stupid .”
“Landen, you may hide behind that bullshit take no crap attitude of yours but I can see through that garbage a mile away. I just wonder how long it’s going to take you .”
“What garbage ?”
Laughing, Riker took backward steps toward the rear door. “You, Mr. Weaver, are in love with her .”
* * *
“W ell, baby. Might just be you and me for a little while longer. Not sure when your daddy is coming to get you.” Shannon picked up Jace’s food bowl and leaned against the counter .
Jace inched closer, his face beaming with happiness, his tail thwapping across the floor .
“Don’t give me that look. Your daddy needs to come get you soon. Yes, he does.” As if he would after she left him at the scene, bleeding and covered in soot. She closed her eyes, envisioning the way he’d looked, remembering the terror in her heart when she didn’t know if he was okay. Yes, she’d run toward Riker first, but she’d wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around Landen, hold onto him for dear life. Instead? She’d run away like a scared little girl. So much for the badass in her .
“What am I going to do ?”
Woof!
“And no back talk !”
Tap! Tap! Tap !
The knock on the front door gave instant flutters to her heart. She slid the bowl across the counter and quickly looked down at her attire. Yes, she had on her usual jeans and a basic, boring shirt, but she looked good, the outfit complete with cowboy boots. This would have to do. She resisted racing toward the door and took a deep breath before twisting the handle. “Jessica .”
“Not who you were expecting?” Jessica smiled, her tone teasing .
“No, but I wasn’t expecting anyone .”
“Right. You’re a terrible liar. I heard all about last night. Did you know that both you and that new smokejumper were on the eleven o’clock news ?”
“What? No. How?” Shannon opened the door f
urther, allowing Jessica inside .
“The hug was definitely the perfect end to the horrible accident, one that could have been tragic I might add. Shame you didn’t kiss. I think that would have made national news .”
“Ugh. You’re kidding me.” She closed the door, resisting racing toward the television set. Reporters were like hound dogs, trying to find the juiciest gossip .
“Would I kid you about a thing like that?” Jessica turned to face her. “I can tell by your reaction you care about the man. Did something happen between the two of you ?”
“No, of course not.” She patted Jace as he whined. “Why would you think that anyway ?”
“Stoker told me what you said to the poor guy just before the accident. Two and two means you guys spent time together .”
“We just… talked .”
“Talked? Or was there more?” Jessica laughed. “I’m your friend. Talk to me .”
Shannon bit her lip. “He was here. We talked. We got a little close. That’s all, but you know exactly how I feel about smokejumpers .”
“A little close. That means in the biblical sense?” When Shannon remained quiet, she breathed out in an exaggerated fashion. “Oh, yes. I’m right. What happened? Was he that bad ?”
“No! Damn it! Why do you always do that ?”
“See right through you ?”
“Yes!”
Jessica crouched down, petting Jace behind the ears. “You’re easy to read. I just can’t figure out why you have that chip on your shoulder .”
“No chip, just years of experience .”
“Why not policemen or electricians ?”
Shannon wrinkled her nose. “What does that mean ?”
“You rule out smokejumpers only. There has to be a reason .”
“You’re right. There is and no, not a story I want to tell. Ever. Okay?” She realized she’d said the words a bit too forcefully. “I just don’t want to bring up the past. I’m here and enjoying my life .”
“Okay. Fine. I do have a good ear and listen pretty damn well, you know .”
“I know, and I appreciate it. Why are you here other than to razz me about being on the news ?”
“Well,” Jessica said as she turned in a circle. “Stoker wanted to plan the wedding last night ?”