Explosive Forces

by D. D. Ayres

  Finally, Mike sprawled back in his chair, its front two feet rising off the floor. “I guess I never did think you did it. I just couldn’t figure out another way it could have happened.”

  Noah nodded. Durvan must be sweating bullets over his not-so-neatly tied-up case. “You want to talk about the case now?” They’d agreed the first day that all subjects pertaining to Noah’s arrest were off limits.

  “Get in my truck. You can explain your theory while we pick up our food.”

  “What’s with you and food? You got a tapeworm?”

  “It takes fuel to keep this body in prime condition. Speaking of bodies, you can buy me a car air freshener. Man, you need to hit the shower before someone calls the board of health.”

  Noah grinned. “Harley goes too.”

  Mike glanced down at Harley, who had perked up at “food.” “Scratch the air freshener. You’re paying for my truck to get detailed this weekend. Can’t have dog hair all over my date.”

  As they drove to The Railhead, Noah explained what seemed the most likely scenario. “The light in the truck cab was out for a reason. No one would be able to easily identify who was driving, and if there was a passenger. The video doesn’t show the passenger side of the truck. I could have been out cold when the arsonist dragged me into that store. Everything to start the fire must have already been in place. He just needed to add the body. He probably put on the coveralls to keep from leaving incriminating evidence. The bastard’s smart.”

  Mike nodded. “Yeah, man. It makes a kind of sense. But who is it?”

  “That’s how you help me. Who do you remember being at The Collective Brewing Project that night? Maybe not at the party but in the place. Other firefighters. Police. Friends. Anyone.”

  Mike rubbed the back of his neck. “I didn’t stay long. I had to work the next day, like you. There was that one dude I ran into on my way out. John Wayne somebody.”

  “You mean J.W.?”

  “Maybe. He’s a wannabe firefighter. Plays volunteer over in Edgecliff Village.”

  “Yeah. That’s him. Did you talk to him?”

  “No. Guys like him chap my ass. Thinking they’re somehow better than us professionals because they operate without all our equipment or specialty training. They have to improvise. Think on their feet.” Mike was making quotation marks with his fingers. “But who do they call when it gets too hot for amateur night?”

  “If J.W. wasn’t at the party, what was he doing at that bar?”

  “Trying to talk to you.” Mike pulled into the drive-thru lane of the BBQ place. “At least, he asked me if you’d come in yet.”

  Noah had gone still. Harley, smelling the rise in his handler’s pheromones, snuggled his big head in closer to Noah’s, rubbing his snout along Noah’s jaw. “You might have told me sooner that someone was looking for me that night.”

  Mike spared him a quick glance. “We’re talking about J.W. Why would he want to burn you up, man?”

  Noah shrugged. “I’m clutching at straws. You got any other candidates?”

  “No.”

  “Me either.” That didn’t mean Noah was ready to jump to the conclusion that because he’d been looking for Noah that meant J.W. was the person who wanted him dead. First of all, they were on friendly terms. Besides, there was no motive.

  Even so, the cop in him reverted to investigative procedure. When one didn’t have a suspect, one didn’t rule out anyone.

  Noah cycled through what he knew about J.W. They’d been together when J.W. was taking some classes on firefighting that Noah had taught two years ago. He’d made an effort to be friendly whenever they bumped into each other after that. Which, now that he thought of it, was fairly often. The guy liked to hang out with professionals because he had dreams of being a professional firefighter. Everyone who ever talked to J.W. knew that.

  That’s why Noah had made the call a couple of months back after J.W. missed making the Fort Worth Fire Department newest class of recruits. He thought the turndown might go easier coming from an acquaintance. He’d even made suggestions about trying his luck in a smaller metropolitan area. Even offered to write the guy a recommendation. Thinking of J.W. as his enemy didn’t make sense. Especially in light of the other evidence.

  “You still got to explain those other fires.” Mike looked over at Noah as he passed him their order. Obviously, Mike was spooky good at reading his mind.

  Noah shrugged, drawing in the deep mouth-watering smells of warm slow-cooked beef and ribs wafting from the bag. “Without the suicide, the rest becomes circumstantial, at best. I need to talk to Durvan.”

  Mike snorted. “You start trying to tear his case apart, Durvan’s going to double down on you.”

  Noah nodded. “I would, too. He’s close. But I’m going to snatch my freedom out of the gap in his case. Which means we need to talk. Tonight.”

  Mike smiled. “This could get interesting. Let me make the call to set it up.”

  Noah nodded.

  One minute later Mike disconnected. “Durvan says if you want to come in and make a statement tomorrow morning, he’ll be in the office. Bring your A game.”

  Noah nodded, feeling the tiniest bit of light at the end of his tunnel. “Guess I’ll take that shower after all.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Carly was running late, half-hoping Cody had not been able to find the place or been scared away. Not that meeting Cody anywhere else was a better idea. More than likely she was just clutching at straws in order to feel that she was doing something, anything, to help Noah. That thought made her finally push open the door to the bar.

  The Usual was the kind of place a stranger might pass by and never notice. The building showed Magnolia Avenue a windowless pale-brick front with a single small door set in the middle. It had an industrial speakeasy vibe and a modern hipster atmosphere with handcrafted cocktails.

  She let her gaze roam the softly lit open area. The bar to the right was cluttered with upscale professionals and artsy regulars who liked to watch the bartenders create classic and spur-of-the-moment requests. Her focus moved quickly from there to the sparsely arranged tables and chairs and on to cozy sitting nooks with sofas or comfy chairs. Radiohead played on the jukebox. It took a few seconds for her to realize she was already staring at the man she’d come to meet.

  Cody sat at a table near the back, a beer can in hand. He’d changed from coveralls into a plaid shirt and jeans. Even from a distance she could see colorful tats on his forearms where he’d rolled his sleeves back to the elbow. His hair, uncovered for a change, had been washed and blow-dried and fell in a straight flop above one eye. He’d made an effort, which she appreciated. But it wasn’t going to do him any good.

  She moved toward his table, glad she’d dressed down in baggy jeans and an oversized top that enveloped her figure. No need to give him the wrong impression. She’d even covered her hair with a fedora and wore sunglasses, in hopes of not being recognized. For the past few days local media had been showing pictures from her modeling days.

  “I see you found a drink.”

  Cody held up the can. “Something they call imperial lager. It’s not Bud but it’s beer.”

  She noticed he didn’t stand up. But when she reached to pull out a chair, he was up in flash. “Let me. My mamma taught me better than that.”

  The waitress made her way over with a menu. Carly shook her head. “I’m sorry but I have less time than I thought.”

  “One drink?” Cody looked hurt. Not a good way to get information from him.

  “Okay.” She glanced down. “I’ll have a Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

  Cody scrunched up his face. “What the heck is that?”

  “Vodka and ginger beer and a few other things.” The waitress smiled at Cody before turning away.

  “I made a short list.” Carly pulled a notepad from the depths of her purse. “Basically, I need new insulation and the wall boards replaced. Wiring checked for safety, and new fixtures hung. Th
e painted concrete floor seems to have survived. Other things, like the painting and wall-papering, I did myself the first time. I plan to do that part again, with the help of some friends, once the basics are done. How much of the basics list do you think is something you can do?”

  “Let’s see.” Cody leaned forward, managing to touch her hands with his fingertips. She casually pulled her hand away reaching up to adjust an earring. “It seems like a lot of work for one man. Especially since I have a very short timetable. I’m getting a bid from the company that did the original interior work.”

  Cody looked over the list then leaned back and gave her a grin that didn’t quite reach his pale gray eyes. “You don’t think I’m capable.”

  “I think, Cody, that one man, however talented, has only so much time to give to a side job like this. You do have a day job.”

  He sipped his beer from the can, ignoring the frosty lager glass sitting before him. “I work the hours I want. Besides, I can get help if I need it.”

  “Other CowTown people?” Carly looked over as the next jukebox choice began. Mile Davis’s “So What” from Kind of Blue. The waitress set her drink down.

  “No. I’ll get help from my other job. Some folk like to call my second job more of a hobby.” His eyes narrowed. “What would you think, I wonder?”

  Carly picked up the martini glass. “What sort of job is it Cody?”

  Cody leaned forward suddenly, eyes bright. “Were you scared, being caught up in that fire?”

  Her cocktail splashed over the rim onto her hand.

  “Oh, did I upset you?” Cody pushed a couple of cocktail napkins at her.

  “Yes, you did.” Carly put her glass down and dabbed at the wet spot on the table, her drink untasted. “Why would you bring that up?”

  “Because I know something about being in fires. In fact, I know a lot about firefighting in general. That guy you saved, the one trying to kill himself? He used to be a firefighter. But I guess he lost his nerve, went into investigation. Decided instead to chase people who start them because he couldn’t take the heat.”

  Carly reached for her glass and took a tiny sip. She didn’t want to discuss Noah with anyone. “So you’re a Fort Worth firefighter, too?”

  Something flashed in those gray eyes, a shrewdness that Cody had totally seemed to lack in their previous encounters. “I work for the Edgecliff Village Volunteer Firefighters.” His gaze dared her to tease him about not being a “real” firefighter.

  Humor was the last thing on Carly’s mind as this new knowledge of Cody sank in. “I know Edgecliff Village is still a separate town within the Fort Worth city limits. Even so, I’m amazed there are still volunteer services within the DFW Metroplex.”

  “We’re a dying breed. White Settlement just went with the Fort Worth department.”

  Carly chose her words carefully. “Firefighting is a dangerous job.”

  He watched her for a moment, before leaning forward again. “Yes, Carly, it is. Let me show you how dangerous.”

  He laid his left arm on the table and shucked his sleeve up to his armpit so that she could see the tattoo there. NO FEAR in rich stenciling. A stylized cross floated above the words. All of it lay in a field of bright red and gold flames. It took her a second to realize that the compelling colorful design had been inked over roughed, damaged skin.

  He must have seen the realization dawn in her face, for he nodded and pulled down his sleeve. “Struck by burning debris while I was serving in the navy as a Damage Controlman. We’re responsible for emergency, fire, and rescue. Ventilation system caught fire on board. First in, it almost cost me my sorry ass. Second-degree burns. “He patted his arm. “After that, nothing scares me.”

  Nothing scares me. The words formed a mental picture in Carly’s head. Cody knew all about fires, how to fight them, and also how they started. Was it possible?

  “You must know Noah Glover, since you’re a firefighter too?”

  “We’ve met.” The reserve in his voice put Carly on edge. “You know him well?”

  She shook her head and reached for her drink to have something to do besides stare at the man across from her. “Never saw him before the fire.”

  “Too bad he’s not the man everyone thought he was.”

  “Oh?” Carly glanced across the table, trying to reconcile the Cody she thought she knew with the details she was learning about the man sitting across from her.

  “Noah, now, he was everybody’s fair-haired boy these last few years. Making arson investigator so young. Teaching classes over at Tarrant County College Fire Service Training Center. But being special can become a burden, I suppose.” He grinned suddenly. It made him appear older and more worldly. “Folk like me will never have that problem.”

  “Oh, I don’t know.” Carly toyed with the base of her stem glass, more troubled than she wanted to admit to herself. “Tell me about the last fire you fought.”

  His eyes narrowed. “You don’t want to hear about that.”

  “I do. I admire anyone who does what you do.”

  He reared back and signaled for another beer. “All right. About a week ago I was out…”

  Carly heard him talking, but the words weren’t getting through the tangle of her own thoughts.

  Was it possible? Could Cody be the man who’d tried to kill Noah? Surely not. She was building air castles that would collapse under the weight of any kind of sensible reasoning. If Noah and Cody were known to each other, wouldn’t Noah have suspected him?

  Also, why would Cody go out of his way to make himself known to her if he was the one who started the fire? She was the party who spoiled his plans.

  Cody didn’t know you were the Good Samaritan until Noah was arrested and the story made the media.

  The words sounded so clearly in her thoughts, Carly jerked, thinking she’d spoken them aloud.

  “You okay?” Cody reached out and touched her arm. “I guess I’ve been too frank. I forget some stories aren’t for delicate ears.”

  “It’s okay.” Carly slipped free of his touch to reach for her drink, but her hand shook.

  Cody reached out again, this time patting her hand. “Maybe you better go slow on that drink. You seem a little tipsy.”

  Carly nodded. “You know, you’re right. I shouldn’t finish it.” She pushed it away. “Anyway, I need to go.”

  “Not yet. I’ll order us some food from Holy Frijoles next door. This place allows food to be brought in since they don’t serve it here. Can’t have you driving on an empty stomach.”

  Carly stood up, trying to think. “Maybe you’re right. I need to find the Ladies, and then we’ll see.” She turned and headed for the restrooms without looking back.

  She needed to speak with Noah. Now, before Cody left. If she was way off-base, he would tell her.

  At the moment, she was pretty sure Cody thought she was every kind of an idiot. Not that it mattered, unless she was right about him.

  Suddenly, she really did need the Ladies.

  The disappointment of her call going immediately to Noah’s answering service rolled through her middle. Nothing to be done about that.

  “Noah. You know who this is.” She spoke softly, still inside the toilet stall. “I’ve got information about a man named Cody. Works for CowTown Fire and Water. He’s also a firefighter. Says he knows you. We’re here at The Usual. I’ll explain why when you call me back. No wait, I’ll call you back.”

  She returned to find the table full of butcher paper on which an assortment of delicious-smelling food could be seen.

  Cody popped up from his seat, looking as proud as if he’d made it all. “Look at all I got us. I bought a little of everything.”

  “It looks good.” She sat tentatively. “But I should have told you, I’m a vegetarian.”

  “See, I know that.” He grinned. “That’s why I ordered fried squash blossom, and huarache with the fried mesa, green or red salsa, onions, potato, cilantro, and queso. No meat. Did I do good?”<
br />
  Carly stared at the food then looked up at him, her expression cold. “Have you been stalking me, Cody?”

  “What kind a question is that?” He looked stunned, glancing around to see if they were drawing attention. Luckily, the tables were far enough apart for them to be eavesdropped on. “I read one little old article about a woman in People magazine. It said you were one of them veggie heads.”

  “I see.” Carly willed her pulse to slow. “I appreciate your thoughtfulness. But let me repay you for my portion. I, really, can’t eat a thing.”

  He stared at her, not taking his seat. “I’m really not your type, is that it? Ordinary sum’ bitch like me can’t measure up, no matter how nice I am.”

  His statement embarrassed her. “No, that’s not it. I told you earlier. I’m very busy.”

  “Yeah.” His thin mouth curved down at the edges as he sat. “You go on then.” He picked up the list she’d shown him. “Don’t worry. I’ll still do your job, and for a fair price too. Unlike you, I don’t have a reputation to worry about.”

  She’d been approached countless times by men who thought she’d date them just to prove that she didn’t think she was too good for them. They were disappointed. She was too good for anyone who’d accept a pity date on a dare.

  But in Cody’s case, she decided to give in, only because she didn’t want him to suspect she was on to him. If, in fact, she really was on to anything.

  “One bite. The squash blossoms really do look good.”

  “I ordered you another of them fancy drinks.” He pointed to the full glass where her half-drunk one had been.

  Alarm zipped up her spine. Noah was roofied. By this man?

  She smiled, feeling her knees begin to quiver beneath the table, and pushed the drink away. “Oh no. You just accused me of being tipsy. I’m going to eat a bite of food to absorb the alcohol I’ve already drunk. And then I have to go by to see my aunt.”

  She pulled out her phone and punched in a number. “Hi. Just making sure you’re still expecting me. Yes. No more than thirty minutes. I promise, auntie.”

  She hung up and grabbed a blossom. Damn. Noah hadn’t picked up that time either.