Up In Flames (Hellfire Series Book 6)

by Elle James

  The sheriff left the building, and Kate smiled across at Nash. “I’m ready for whatever you have in store.”

  “Good, let’s get some of the administrative stuff done.” He walked her through the building to a room where one person sat in the middle of an array of monitors, a headset fitted over her head and a microphone curled around her cheek.

  She smiled up at Kate and held out her hand. “Welcome to the department, I’m Ava Lovelady. I work 911 dispatch for the county.”

  “She’s also our computer guru,” Nash said. “She’ll get you set up with your login and password to get into the computer and databases you’ll need to do your training and your job.”

  An hour later, Kate’s head whirled with all the information they’d dumped on her. Much of it was familiar to her from when she’d been an MP in the Army, before she’d changed specialties to become a dog handler. But a lot was more complex and would take time to learn.

  “You’re looking a little overwhelmed,” Nash said as he joined her in front of the coffeemaker.

  “I am, a little,” she admitted.

  “Then it’s time to take you out for a ride around town. I’ll show you the hot spots, and the places to look out for.”

  Four hours later, Kate felt as if she’d seen every inch of Hellfire and half the county. Some of it she recalled, the rest she’d have to revisit a couple of times to commit to memory.

  Bacchus rode in the back of the SUV, content to get out when they got out and sleep the rest of the time.

  Their shift close to over, Nash led her to the evidence safe and pulled out a canvas bag marked with an C.

  “Cannabis?” Kate asked, excitement building inside. She’d hoped to start Bacchus’s training as soon as hers began. She grinned and held out her hand.

  Nash shook his head. “You have to sign for it, first.”

  She took the clipboard and pen from a hook on the wall, wrote her name in block letters and then signed in the signature block.

  Nash handed her the bag. “I’d like to watch, if you don’t mind.”

  “Please. I’m proud of Bacchus and love to show off what he can do.” She glanced into the safe. “I don’t suppose you have any bomb materials in there, do you? It’s good to start with something familiar to remind him of his training.”

  “As a matter of fact, we do have some C4 we confiscated from some teenagers blowing up dumpsters. They stole it from a mining company.” He reached into the safe and pulled out a small brick of inert C4. Without something to detonate it, it was harmless.

  Again, Kate signed for the item before taking it. “I need to grab my backpack.”

  She hurried to where she’d stashed her backpack in the breakroom. She slung it over her shoulder and rejoined Nash in the hallway.

  “We have a little room out behind the office to work in for a start. If you need more, we can go to the fire station.”

  “Let’s start here,” Kate said, a little too quickly. She’d have to have more room, eventually, but last night’s kiss was still too fresh on her mind, and she needed to focus on Bacchus, not a handsome, barely dressed firefighter.

  “Out back it is.” Nash led the way. He paused before exiting through the back door. “Do you want me to go first and hide the items?”

  Kate nodded. “Only the C4. I’ll start familiarizing Bacchus with the cannabis after we’ve played with the C4.”

  His eyebrows shot up. “Played?”

  “To Bacchus, sniffing is a form of work and play. When he finds something he’s supposed to find, I reward him with his toy.”

  “I thought dog handlers trained with treats.”

  “Some do. Bacchus is motivated by a chance to play with his Kong.” She unzipped her backpack and held it open for Nash to see the toy inside.

  Bacchus sat by her feet, looking up at her, his mouth open, his attention focused on her backpack.

  Kate chuckled. “He knows I have it, and he’s excited to get to work.”

  “Now, I’m excited to see him work.” Nash took the C4 out the door. A moment later, he returned and grinned. “I hid it behind that stack of old tires.”

  “Good. I’ll walk him around the perimeter and get there eventually. It’s been a while, but he should remember how to seek.” Kate gave Bacchus the German command to seek, let him have the length of his lead and followed him around the small area between the office building and the storage unit. Bacchus sniffed at a rolling trash container, a stack of paint buckets, empty pallets and, finally, the piled tires.

  Bacchus sniffed once and laid on the ground, looking up at Kate with what appeared to be an expectant grin.

  “Good dog,” she said in a singsong voice. Kate reached into her backpack, pulled out the Kong and handed to Bacchus.

  He gripped it in his teeth and dropped to the ground, his tail wagging.

  Kate let him have a few moments with his toy before she gave him the command to release it. “Aus!”

  He hesitated, but then spit out the toy and lay staring at it until Kate picked it up and replaced it in her backpack.

  “Want me to hide it again?” Nash asked.

  “No. He remembers well enough. I want to familiarize him with the cannabis.” She pulled the bag of marijuana from her pocket end held it out to Bacchus.

  He sniffed the bag and looked to her.

  She gave him the command to sit. “Sitz.”

  Bacchus sat back on his haunches, his tail wagging.

  She handed him the Kong.

  The dog played with the toy for a minute, and then they repeated the process.

  After four times repeating the command to sit after sniffing the cannabis, Bacchus sniffed and automatically sat without being given the command.

  “Good dog.” Kate ruffled his neck and handed him the Kong. “It’s about repetition and reward.”

  “I see that. He’s smart to have picked up so quickly.”

  “It will take longer to fully entrench the scent.”

  “Why did he lay down when he sniffed the C4 but not the cannabis?”

  “I trained him to lay down when he sniffed explosives. I wanted him to perform different functions for each task. Lay down for explosives, sit for marijuana.”

  “Okay. I hope he won’t have to sniff for bombs any time soon.”

  “You and me both,” Kate said. “Aus.”

  Bacchus released the Kong and stood with his tail wagging, ready to play again.

  Nash glanced at his watch. “We’re officially off duty.”

  “I think that’s enough for the day.” Kate packed the Kong in her backpack. “Thank you for your patience with the new kid today.”

  “It was my pleasure. You’ll have to get used to me being around. Until you go to the academy, we’ll be partners.”

  “I’m honored,” she said with a nod.

  “And I look forward to learning more about Bacchus and training a working dog.”

  Together, they walked back to the office and entered through the back door.

  “I hope my brother didn’t do or say anything to offend you last night,” Nash said.

  Heat rushed up into Kate’s cheeks. She ducked her head, pretending to look back at Bacchus to hide her blush. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “My family tends to come on a little strong when it comes to the happiness of one of our own. They can be overzealous in their matchmaking attempts.”

  She laughed. “They didn’t bother me. I took it all in the spirit of a joke.”

  “If only Chance would. He tends to be touchy about the whole dating thing. He doesn’t talk about his last deployment. But it might help you to know he lost someone he cared about in Afghanistan the last time he was there. He hasn’t been the same since.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. But he doesn’t have to worry about me. I just got rid of one hundred-eighty pounds of dead weight in a lousy ex-boyfriend. I’m in no hurry to take on any other man in my life.” She reached down and patted the do
g’s head. “Bacchus is the only guy in my life right now, and I mean to keep it that way for a while.”

  Nash nodded. “Understood. I just wanted you to know a little about what makes Chance so cantankerous sometimes. Don’t take anything he says too personally. He used to be a fun-loving guy.”

  “Thanks for letting me know.”

  Nash stopped walking and turned toward her. “Do me a favor, will ya?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Don’t tell him I was talking about him. He’d skin me alive.”

  Kate held up her hand as if taking an oath. “I promise not to say a word to him.” If she had it her way, she’d avoid him altogether. That haunted look in his eyes could melt even the hardest of hearts, if she let it.

  Chance had spent the day working out, washing the truck and cleaning the fire station from top to bottom. After Nash drove by in his service vehicle with Kate in the passenger seat the first time, Chance found himself watching for them again and again. Every time a sheriff’s department vehicle passed, his head jerked up and he stared hard at the passenger seat, lookin’ for the pretty new deputy. At the end of the day, he sat in a chair inside the open bay. The weather had been so warm that the evening breeze helped to cool down the interior of the station to an almost tolerable temperature.

  Daniel had kitchen duty that night, and volunteers had arrived for training after dinner.

  “Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes,” Becket called out. He’d come to the station for the training and would leave shortly after to return to the ranch and his lady love Kinsey. “Did you hear me?”

  Chance nodded. “Heard you. Thanks.”

  About that time, Kate and Bacchus appeared, walking from the sheriff’s office back toward her apartment.

  Before he could ask himself why, he sprang from his seat and hurried out to her.

  Bacchus leaped forward and planted his paws on Chance’s chest.

  This time, Chance didn’t fall backward over the curb. Instead, he ruffled the fur around Bacchus’s neck.

  “Bacchus, fuss,” Kate said in a firm, commanding tone

  Bacchus hesitated, his tail wagging. Then he dropped to all four paws and stared up at Chance.

  “I’m so sorry,” Kate said. “Bacchus appears to approve of you. I’ve never had him jump up on anyone else.” She frowned down at the dog.

  “I’ll take it as a compliment,” he said, brushing the dog hairs off his shirt. “Flannigan is making a massive amount of lasagna tonight. Would you care to join us? It’s a full house at the station tonight with all of the volunteers here for annual CPR training.”

  She looked toward the station and back at him. “I think it would be better if I didn’t.”

  “You wouldn’t be the only female. We have a couple of women volunteers as well.”

  “I’m pretty tired after a full first day on the job.” She gave him a hint of a smile. “But thanks.”

  Chance nodded. “Yeah, I get it. First days are always tiring. If you change your mind, come anyway. Flannigan’s lasagna is pretty good.”

  “Thanks.” She stepped back. “Have a good evening.”

  “You, too,” Chance said. “Oh, and don’t forget, I still owe you a riding lesson.”

  She nodded. “I didn’t forget. About that…”

  “You don’t have to commit now,” he hurried to say, half expecting her say she didn’t want to go through with the lesson. He stopped her before she could. “When we both have time, we can talk about it then.”

  She nodded. “Okay. Well, I’d better go.” Kate turned and walked away, half-dragging Bacchus along behind her. The dog kept looking back as if he’d rather have stayed with Chance.

  As soon as Kate was out of sight, Chance returned to his chair inside the bay, wondering what he was doing asking Kate to spend more time with him. Hadn’t she made it clear that she didn’t want anything to do with him, or any other man for that matter?

  “Did she shoot you down?” Becket appeared beside him.

  “No, she didn’t shoot me down,” Chance said. “Why does everyone assume I’m asking Kate out, and that she shoots me down? I just suggested she might want to join us for dinner since Flannigan’s lasagna is so good.”

  Becket shook his head, his mouth twisting. “And she shot you down.”

  Chance flung his arm in the air. “Am I talking to a brick wall? She didn’t shoot me down. If anything, she shot Flannigan’s lasagna down. Maybe she doesn’t like Italian food.”

  “Have you considered that she might be avoiding you?” Becket asked.

  Chance had not only considered it, he was convinced that was why she’d refused to come to dinner at the station. If anyone else had asked and he wasn’t going to be there, she probably would have agreed. He shouldn’t have kissed her the night before. After telling her they could just be friends, he’d gone and ruined it by stepping out of the “friend zone” and into the gray and troubled area of potential lovers.

  Becket clapped a hand on his back. “If you really like her, don’t give up. Persistence can pay off.” He chuckled. “Just don’t go overboard and become a stalker.”

  “You’re not helping, brother,” Chance muttered.

  “No?” Becket’s eyebrows rose. “But am I irritating you?”

  “Absolutely,” Chance responded.

  “Then my job here is done.” He sniffed the air. “I believe there might be some garlic bread with my name on it. I’d better get in there before someone eats it all.”

  Chance sat outside for a while longer, not at all anxious to join the others, who would be sure to rib him about being shot down again. Becket would no doubt spread the word. After all, what were brothers for but to torment each other?

  Despite being shot down, Chance couldn’t pass on Flannigan’s Italian dinner. He entered the station with one last glance in the direction Kate had gone. Perhaps, he should have had someone who hadn’t kissed her ask her to have dinner with them. She had to be hungry, and he bet she hadn’t been to the store yet.

  Great, so now his kiss had made him doubly guilty. Not only did he feel as though he’d cheated on Sandy’s memory, but he’d also deprived Kate of a good meal, because she’d felt the need to avoid him and his unwanted kisses.

  Hell, he was screwing up right and left. So much for getting his life on track. Who knew it would be this hard?

  Chapter 8

  Kate hurried to her apartment, arriving in time to see a sleek white sedan pull into the driveway. A woman with bleached blond hair stepped out wearing a short white skirt, matching jacket and a gorgeous pair of three-inch high turquoise stilettoes. When she straightened, she stood as tall as Kate in her boots.

  “You must be Kate,” the woman said and glanced down at the dog beside her. “And this must be Bacchus.”

  “I am and he is,” Kate said. “And you are?”

  “Remiss in my introduction.” She grinned and held out her hand. “I’m Lola Engel, your landlord.” Her smile twisted. “Although, I feel downright guilty charging you rent when there’s this nasty pile of rubble smelling up the place.” Her smile flipped upside down. “It used to be such a lovely old house.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss.”

  “I’m just thankful my kitten and I made it out alive.” She glanced up at the garage apartment. “The garage seems so lonely without a house next to it. Hopefully, that will soon change.” She smiled at Kate. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to welcome you last night, but I see you found it. Is it all right for now?”

  “It’s fine,” Kate said, instantly liking Lola and her incredibly tall high heels. “I left the windows open last night to air out the smoke smell.”

  “I’m sorry for that, but it will take time and maybe a coat of paint to tamp down that odor.” She hooked Kate’s arm. “Did you start work today?”

  “I did,” Kate said.

  “Then I guess you met one of the Grayson brothers.” She grinned. “Nash.”

  “I did.”
Kate smiled. “As a matter of fact, I met all of the Graysons last night. Nash invited me to have dinner with the family at their ranch.”

  Lola clapped her hands. “Aren’t they a lovely family?”

  Kate nodded. “Yes, they are.” One in particular had a lovely kiss.

  “Then you met Chance.” Lola heaved a huge sigh. “I had the hots for that boy for so long.”

  Kate’s heart fluttered at the mention of Chance. She schooled her expression to what she hoped was indifference. “You had the hots for Chance?”

  Lola waved her hand. “I know. You’re wondering what an older woman like me would want with a younger man like Chance. Well, I might be in my late thirties—don’t let anyone tell you differently—but I’m not dead. I have a fine appreciation for handsome men.” Her smile spread wider across her face. “Only I was targeting the wrong one.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I went after Chance, when the man I fell in love with was a member of his crew, Daniel Flannigan.” She leaned close to Kate. “Let me tell you, I taught that young man a few things about making love to a mature woman.” She crossed her arms over her chest, her left hand on display with a ring shining brightly on her third finger. “We’re getting married as soon as the house is built. Not a day sooner. I refused to live in his trailer or have him live with me in the back of my shop. I want to enjoy being together from the day we say I do.”

  Kate laughed. “I admire that you know what you want.”

  “And I’m not afraid to go after it.” She hooked Kate’s arm. “Now, my Daniel is cooking for the fire department tonight. We’re going.”

  Kate shook her head. “I need to get ready for work tomorrow.”

  “I call bullshit.” Lola winked. “Daniel is a good cook. One of the reasons I love him so much. But not the main one. Anyway, I want to surprise him by showing up a day earlier than he expects. Come with me so I don’t have to walk in alone.”

  Kate opened her mouth to say she couldn’t but didn’t get the chance.

  “I won’t take no for an answer,” Lola warned. She turned Kate toward her apartment. “Hurry, go change into something glamorous. I’ll wait for you. And while you’re getting ready, I can feed Bacchus.” She marched Kate up the stairs and into her apartment.