by Piper Stone
“That’s terrible. They both sound like they need shrinks.”
Shannon sighed. “You have no idea. Neither of them have talked about the incident completely since that night. Cooper lost his leg. Stoker was captured. Each man harbors guilt and resentment for certain decisions made. That’s why Stoker is full of rage. Whatever happened to him in that cage for two months must have been horrible. The only time I’ve seen him happy since he got back was when he was with you.”
The information hit her hard. She looked toward the entrance, wishing Stoker would walk inside. That wasn’t going to happen.
“They’re both hurting, honey. I wish you would try one more time to get through to him, help him see that he needs to lean on you.”
“Shannon. I’m sick of hearing they’re hurting. What they had to endure was horrible, but they aren’t the only men who went through a war, fought a battle that didn’t go as planned. They certainly aren’t the only people in the world who have experienced tragedy. I’m over this. I have to be. I have a life to get back to, a house to try and save, and a man who loves me.” She still couldn’t believe Cody had asked her to marry him over the phone. She wasn’t certain whether to be insulted or thrilled. Right now, anything was better than staying here.
“So, you say,” Shannon said under her breath.
“Not you, too. Don’t judge me. I do have a life. Sure, I fucked it up pretty damn well, but all that is going to change.”
“I’m not judging you and I’m not saying anything except for this,” Shannon leaned closer, “I know true love when I see it and you and Stoker are head over heels, if you both stop acting like children long enough to see it.”
Jessica rose to her feet. “Maybe so, but I’m exhausted from trying. He can wallow in his life all by himself. On with the show, is there a place I can change?”
“Ah, it’s a show now. I like this. You can use my office.” Shannon pointed toward the back.
“Thank you. Time to regroup, maybe even have a second career. Miracles do happen every once in a while.” As she headed for Shannon’s office, she shored up her resolve, determined to get through the night. How was she going to leave the love of her life?
Chapter 14
“Don’t you think a limo was a bit over the top?” Stoker asked as he laughed and took a swig of his beer. He remained leery of Antonio, anger furrowing just beneath the surface.
“What are you talking about? This is perfect. We can carouse the bars, drink to our fill and not have to drive home,” Boone insisted. “Now grab me another beer.”
Stoker shook his head. While still in a piss-poor mood given his argument with Jessica, he refused to acknowledge it for a few hours anyway. He’d pick up the car tomorrow and be done with her once and for all. “Where are we going now?”
Garcia grinned then took a swig of his beer. “Our favorite joint.”
“Ziggy’s? Again?” Stoker rolled his eyes.
“Good music, my friend and our special room,” Riker added.
“Special? You guys crack me up,” Stoker chortled.
“Hey, from what I could see, that woman of yours could use a hard spanking or two. She has a mouth on her,” Antonio added, his grin infectious.
Gripping the beer bottle until his fingers were white, he glared at the man. “She’s not my girlfriend.”
“Sorry, dude. Subject is off limits, boys.” Sawyer gave them all a pointed look. “Trouble in paradise.”
Stoker eased back into the seat. Trouble? This was more like a war.
“You okay, man?” Garcia asked quietly.
“Fine. Just ready to get on with my life.”
“No chance of making up with her?”
Rubbing his eyes, Stoker allowed a vision to roll into his mind. The feisty woman knew how to stand on her own. “None. We just don’t mix well. Let’s enjoy tonight. I could use a good time.”
“Glad to hear that. We might have something to celebrate tonight anyway,” Garcia added as he lifted his beer.
“Yeah? What’s that?” Stoker could use some good news.
“I think there’s a person of interest in the arsonist case. Heard they have someone in custody.” Antonio sat up in the seat.
Stoker exhaled, apprehension tightening his chest. He looked over at the Italian, stunned. “Who?”
“No idea. The rumor might not be true anyway,” Boone said.
“But if it is, boys, we can relax and party hard tonight!” Riker laughed.
But at what price? Stoker had heard nothing from the Sheriff about the information he provided, not a single word. He didn’t even think the man had taken his concerns seriously given everything he’d offered was circumstantial. He fiddled with the bottle as the sign for Ziggy’s came into view then closed his eyes. He no longer wanted to be here: drinking, partying or celebrating with any of them. What if he’d done the wrong thing? Accusing a man of a crime this egregious was bad enough, but someone he knew. No, he hadn’t mentioned any names. This was too farfetched.
“Ready to party, gentlemen?” Garcia asked. He polished off his beer.
Stoker leaned forward as the marquis came into view. His blood chilled. “Fuck me. I am not staying.”
“What’s wrong? Just the same old music.” Garcia leaned over him, a shit eating grin on his face. “Oh. Lookie boys. We have a celebrity playing music for us tonight.”
“No fucking way. You asshole.” As the limo lurched to a stop, Stoker sucked in his breath. “You knew she was playing tonight. Didn’t you?”
“Calm the fuck down, Stoker.” Antonio admonished. “You don’t have to talk to her, which is fine, but we wanted to check out her music. This isn’t about a set up or me hitting on her for that matter. One night only. Suck it up.”
“You’re a bunch of assholes.” Stoker jerked the handle, storming out of the car. What the hell was he supposed to do now, call a cab?
“Get a grip, Hansen. She’s just a woman and there will be plenty others,” Antonio got in his face.
Anger boiled just beneath the surface. “You certainly seemed to want to have her so shut the fuck up!”
“Why don’t you make me?” Antonio said as he bristled.
Stoker gave the man a hard shove. “Jerk.”
“Oh yeah?” Antonio rushed forward, slamming into Stoker’s chest, toppling them both to the ground. The men jumped to their feet, circling each other as the other smokejumpers rushed out of the limo.
“Jesus Christ. This is a night out for fun!” Garcia exclaimed as he rushed over.
Wham! Slap!
Stoker managed to get in two hard jabs to the kidney before he was punched in the face. Tumbling backwards, he growled and moved forward instantly, throwing punches right and left.
“That’s enough!” Boone grabbed Stoker by the shoulders.
“Both of you,” Riker snarled as he yanked Antonio back several feet.
Sawyer moved in between, holding out his arms and glaring from one man to the other. “What the hell is wrong with you both? We’re out having fun and this ain’t it.”
Stoker wiped his face, wincing from the pain and hissed as several bystanders continued to watch. “Just get him out of my way.”
“You’re not ten years old. Cut the bullshit and work together. Neither of you got anything to prove,” Garcia snapped as he narrowed his eyes. “If I were Jessica, I wouldn’t want either of you.”
“Get the fuck out of here,” Stoker barked at the men who were clapping in the shadows.
“Nothing to see here, folks. Move on. Thank you very much.” Sawyer’s voice was soothing as he walked toward the group.
“We’ll let you go if you can act like men, not Neanderthals. That understood?” Boone shook his head. “Un-fucking-believable.”
“I’m fine,” Antonio insisted then yanked away from Riker.
Boone released his hold but kept his stance. “Control, Stoker. Control.”
“Nothing to worry about,” Stoker huffed as he brushed di
rt off his jeans. He was beginning to hate Antonio.
“Better. Now this is about fun. Nothing more,” Garcia insisted.
After a few seconds Stoker nodded, walking ahead of them, shoving open the door and heading straight for the bar. He could certainly manage to stay away from Jessica. He was sick of being angry, out of control. This time he was also afraid.
“Let’s go to the bar, maybe opposite sides for the boys,” Garcia said under his breath.
“I said I’m fine.” When he found a spot, he nodded to Shannon. Even in the dim lighting he could see her furious expression.
Shannon shook her head and pointed toward the television as she walked closer.
“In breaking news, a suspect has been arrested in the arson investigation. While we’ve yet to have a statement from Sheriff James or one of his staff, sources tell us that Cooper McKenzie, a longtime resident and former smokejumper is the suspect in custody. As you can imagine, this comes as a shock to many in our small community given his heroism in the war in Afghanistan. The injured medal of honor recipient has many friends and family in town. We will certainly break with any additional information as we receive it.”
“What? No!” Stoker gripped the bar as he heard the other guys clamor around him, their attention drawn to the news story.
“What. The. Fuck?” Garcia huffed as he gawked at the screen. “There is no way he did this. None.”
“The Sheriff is fucking out of his mind!” Antonio boomed.
“They’ll get to the bottom of this. What a crock of shit,” Boone added.
Shannon wrapped her hand around Stoker’s arm, yanking him into the shadows. “You did this. Didn’t you? I swear to God; you better tell me the truth.”
“Did what?” he asked, unsure if he’d even spoken out loud.
“Had him arrested. Why? Did you want to destroy what was left of his entire life? Really? Were you just pissed that Jessica had the balls to go see him, or that Cooper was finally ready to make amends?” She shook her head.
“That’s not what happened. I never said Cooper did this. I only told the Sheriff I suspected someone from a fire department would be capable. As far as Cooper. He’s a damaged man who wants vengeance on the world. If you ask me is he capable? Maybe.”
“He’s damaged because you took his leg or because you two have some secret you’ve been carrying around your necks like anchors.” she countered.
Stoker yanked his arm away. “I didn’t take his leg. The war did and what I have with Cooper is between us. Nobody else’s business.” He was sick, aching all over. This couldn’t be right.
Shannon gave him a hard look. “That’s where you’re wrong. Your secret is hurting everyone around you who cares for you, including that pretty lady who’s about to take the stage.”
“Leave Jessica out of this.”
“I’ve been trying to tell you that Cooper has been reaching out, trying to figure out a way to talk to you for months. You’re also so fucking pig headed that you refuse to listen to the woman you’re in love with. That woman had the guts to take the reins when you refused. You had the perfect opening to end the crap between you two and you chose not to. Instead, you took out your anger and frustration on a man we all respect. What were you thinking?”
He opened his mouth to retort then looked away. “She had no business telling you anything.”
“And neither did you in talking with the damn Sheriff. What the hell evidence could you have?” Shannon stuck her finger in his face. “You better fix this. I am warning you. Cooper isn’t the arsonist. Mark my words.”
“What if he is?” The words were strangled, full of anguish. “What if no one can help him any longer because of what I did?”
“Stoker, come on. You know him better than anyone. He’s troubled, but not enough to risk anyone’s life.”
“Shannon, he told me some things the other day, screamed words of hatred and vile anger. He’s out of control.”
“Are you certain you’re not the one out of control?”
Stoker exhaled and stole a look at Antonio. “You’re right. I don’t know any longer.”
Softening, she gave him a heated look before placing her hand on his arm. “There is no way I’ll believe that he set any fires, but I do think you can help him. He might just be able to use his expertise to help you, if you let him back into your life. You both need to heal. It’s past time. Do you understand?”
He looked out over the crowd to the stage. Seeing the guitar in the shadows, the one given to him by a man he’d admired his entire life, he made a promise he would help his buddy, no matter what he had to do. “I do.”
“Good. You need to go talk to Cooper. If you care about him at all, he’s going to need your support. That bitch of a Mayor is breathing down the Sheriff’s neck for an arrest. That’s all this is. The slate needs to be wiped clean.”
Stoker nodded, although he wasn’t ready to see Cooper locked up. Not now. Not ever.
“And you better stay and clap for that girl or so help me fucking God, I will kick your ass,” Shannon hissed before walking away.
“What was that about?” Garcia asked as he walked up.
“Just an issue I need to take care of.”
“What’s going on, Stoker? Why so fucking angry? Is all of this about Cooper?”
Stoker groaned. “That’s part of the problem.”
“But not all of it. Maybe you’re really head over heels for the lovely Ms. Dunn and you’re terrified?”
“I know you mean well but don’t push me. Just don’t push.”
“Fine, partner, but I learned a long time ago that when and if you find love and real friendship, you don’t spit at them because you might never have another chance. You’re a stand-up guy. Do what you think is right. Now let’s grab a drink.” Garcia’s eyes clouded over, his expression haunted.
Stoker glanced back up at the television realizing he’d made two horrific mistakes and had no idea how to fix either one.
Jessica sat on the edge of the chair, wringing her hands. She was in no man’s land, no understanding of the right decisions in her life. Cody expected her to come back within a couple of days. If she did, she’d have to give him an answer. She knew what the man anticipated. He was a good guy and maybe they could make a go of a marriage. Then again, maybe she wasn’t the marrying kind.
She guzzled half a bottle of water, wishing she’d accepted Shannon’s suggestion of a shot of tequila. However, nothing was going to calm her nerves. Oddly enough, she wasn’t as frazzled as she had been when singing with Fringe. She was calm, almost too much at peace. The music was good and the special song was… Well, she’d see if that song would be played tonight.
Stoker wasn’t going to come. She doubted he even remembered she was playing, let alone gave a damn. She was on her own. She’d searched the crowd three times, trying to find him, but was unable to see anything given the number of people in the audience. She should be grateful, but she remained teetering on the brink of crying at any second.
Singing a love song wasn’t in her best interest.
“Knock. Knock. Can I come in?” Shannon asked as she opened the door.
“Sure.” Jessica stood and rubbed her hands down the front of her jeans. “I don’t feel like I’m dressed right for tonight.”
“Honey, you could wear a burlap sack and you’d still be gorgeous. You look like a country singer and the black jeans look fantastic on you. I love the sequin top. You bring that with you?”
Smiling, Jessica shook her head. “A little shop in town that I fell in love with. Splurged on some new boots too.”
“See, the place is growing on you.”
She groaned. “Not like I’d hoped.”
“Girl, do not go out there and play for Stoker. Play for you, because you love the music. If you rule your life around a man, you’ll never be happy.”
The words were cathartic. “You’re right. And to think my ex is pushing me to say yes to his proposal.”
“Then you need to ask yourself why. You also have to figure out what you want. My last words of advice for the evening other than kick some ass. They are hot and ready for you tonight. I don’t think you know just how many fans you have.” Winking, Shannon beckoned her. “Come on. Five minutes. Let’s get you out there.”
“I’m ready.” Maybe she was ready for the first time in her life. As she walked down the darkened hallway, she only had a fleeting thought about Stoker, but the single one gave her a sense of understanding.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a very special guest tonight. You all know her as the rocker chick, but tonight we are pleased to have her performing a different take on her music. We have much to celebrate in our special town including great people, a beautiful place to live and a wonderful life. Don’t allow the recent tragedies to take away from all that we love.” Shannon gave her a nod.
Jessica peered out from the edge of the stage, searching. No, Stoker wasn’t here. The show would go on without him. A mixture of anger and extreme sadness settled into her system.
“Please give a round of applause for Jessica Dunn.”
As the audience roared, she stepped out onto the stage, her feet unsteady in the new cowboy boots she was just getting used to, but confident in her selections. As she wrapped her hand around the neck of the guitar and sat on the lone stool, she inhaled, counting to ten, refusing to succumb to her old fears. She hesitated as her throat tightened, then she began to play.
Her fingers only fumbled once and while she didn’t look into the crowd for the first half of the song, when she did, she was fueled by the energy, the flashing lights, the way the audience responded. The thunderous applause when she ended the song finally allowed her to smile.
“Thank you so much. How’s everyone doing tonight? Are you ready to party?” Jessica purred into the microphone.
“You go, girl!”
“We’re ready!”
The shouts were all positive and for the first time in her life, Jessica found her rhythm, the one she was meant to have her entire life. The music continued and with each song, she grew more comfortable, engaging with the audience as she hadn’t been able to do. She wanted more than anything to share the joyous experience with Stoker and even though she knew the moment would never happen, she had him to thank for the guitar as well as a new beginning.