Fireworks Over Fairfield

by Maryann Jordan

  Rolling back over her, he peered into her eyes. “Are you all right? Did I hurt you?”

  Smiling her answer, she shook her head.

  “No regrets, I hope,” he continued.

  “No regrets,” she answered. “It was…well, I’ve never felt like that before.”

  “Have you had anyone since your husband?” he asked gently.

  Shaking her head again, she replied, “No. And even then, it wasn’t—” She stopped suddenly, her eyes full of remorse. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said—”

  “No,” he interrupted. “Go ahead. You need to talk about it.”

  Sighing deeply, she admitted, “Rick and I dated as teenagers. Early sex for us was mostly groping in the back of his car. And we lost our virginity together. It was wonderful then, but looking back it was tame. Even when we married, we had a lot of sex but it was still pretty tame.”

  She looked into his understanding eyes and confessed, “I’ve never had a man…do that, um…you know. Down there before.”

  Swelling with masculine pride, Brock could not help but be pleased to be her first to bring her to that kind of pleasure. “Sweetheart, I’ve been with women just to scratch an itch. But you? You’re the first woman in a long, long time that I’ve craved as much as my next breath.”

  The smile on her face touched the deepest part of him. The place where he had kept hidden for so long. The place nearest his heart.

  Pulling the covers over them, he tucked her in tightly and they allowed sleep to overcome them. Both lost in dreams of new hope.

  Chapter Five

  The next Monday, as Jean headed to school, Brock went into the fire station once again. Shaking Mac’s hand, they chatted about Brock’s goals.

  “To be honest, Mac, until a few weeks ago I was satisfied to stay in my apartment near the base and just keep volunteering there. I’ve been around soldiers since I was eighteen years old. It’s in my blood. But, well I guess you could say that finding out about Laurie has turned my world upside down. And right now, I don’t want to leave Fairfield. She and I are gettin’ to know each other and I’d kinda like to keep that going.”

  Mac nodded his understanding. “You’ve got the physique and stamina to become a fireman, if you wanted. You’ve already had medical training in the Army and with your physical prowess, you’d pass the test easily enough. And until you pass the test, you could work in dispatch here. Interested?”

  “Absolutely,” he answered, a smile on his face. What was it Helen had said? I’d find what I was looking for here in Fairfield? Looks like she may have been right.

  Mac showed him around the station and introduced him to Tammy, their current dispatcher. She stood up to greet him and his eyes went to her enormous stomach. Laughing, she patted her middle and said, “Only got about two weeks to go before this little one finally comes. I’m glad to have you aboard here. I’ve only been able to work part time recently and we sure could use the help.”

  Brock nodded and the two of them quickly went over his duties. He learned the system and codes and agreed to volunteer two days and two nights each week while undergoing the firefighting training.

  Before he left, Mac called him back into his office where he found Rob sitting also. One look at Rob told him that he did not know the reason for Mac’s meeting either. Sitting down next to Rob they both turned their attention to the large man behind the desk.

  Mac sighed heavily. “Rob, I’ve been meaning to talk to you but, with things so up in the air with Laurie, I didn’t want to pile more on your plate. And Brock, until I knew you’d be working with us, I didn’t want to include you either.”

  “What’s going on, dad?” Rob asked.

  “Got something strange happening around here and we don’t have the budget to have extra cameras put in for security. Over the last month or so, the mileage on the rescue squad has some unaccounted for miles. Now I know, sometimes it’s taken out on runs when the men swing by somewhere to get a meal. I’m not talking about that kind of mileage. But the kind where it looks like it was taken out for longer periods of time.”

  Rob stared at his father, never seeing him this disconcerted. “Chief, you got someone you suspect?”

  Mac stopped to take his glasses off and rub his eyes. Replacing them back on his face he looked into their eyes. “Yeah, I do. But I’ve got no proof. And Brock, part of the reason I’m glad you’re going to be on a few night shifts is because I think that’s when it’s happening.”

  “You gonna tell us who you think it is?” Brock voiced.

  “Hank. Hank Carter.”

  “No shit,” Rob exclaimed. Brock, not knowing who they were referring to, looked at Rob.

  “Yeah, the mayor’s son.” Mac turned toward Brock, explaining, “Hank’s about twenty-two years old. He was involved in some kind of scandal in college about a year ago and never graduated. His dad hushed it up saying that his son just wanted to work for the community. Everyone acted like it was a great thing and we took him on here. He’s been a good fire fighter. On time. Always working. Never a problem. ‘Bout three months ago, I found a pair of panties in the rescue squad and when I questioned him, he admitted to having his fiancé in the back of the squad one night. I ripped him a new one, placed him on probation and he seemed real contrite. I kept it from his dad. After all, he’s an adult. And since then he’s been great on the surface. But I’ve got a bad feeling that he’s up to no good when wearing the uniform and out on the town.”

  “Fuck,” Rob growled.

  “I’ve got no proof and when he thinks I’m around, he’s been a model fire fighter again. But something just doesn’t feel right.”

  “What do you need me to do?” Brock asked.

  “Well, you’re not known around here. You’re new and I’m kinda hoping that he’ll let his guard down around you. I don’t want you to do anything wrong, but maybe let him know that you’re an easy going guy. If he feels safe, then I figure he might just do whatever he’s doing with you around. Honest to God, I’m not trying to trap him, but if he’s doing something that could take down the reputation of this station, well I’m not going to have it.”

  They all agreed that Brock would appear to be less observant on the shifts that Hank worked while actually keeping track of his whereabouts. With this, the meeting broke up and he headed back to the hotel.

  Once there, he stopped in to see Helen and Roger. Greeting them, he immediately plunged into his request. “I don’t want to take advantage of your hospitality, but it looks like I’ll be staying in Fairfield for a while.”

  They hugged him as he told them about the progress with Laurie and the new job with the fire station. “And didn’t I see you at the diner with a pretty lady the other evening?” Helen asked, a twinkle in her eye.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he answered, feeling an uncharacteristic blush creeping on his face.

  “I knew you’d find what you were seeking here,” she announced proudly.

  Laughing, he agreed. “What I wanted to talk to you about was the room. It looks like I’ll be staying for a bit and I really need to start looking for an efficiency apartment. I’m not looking for anything more than the basics, but I need to move up from just the hotel room. Do you all know of any in town that are affordable?”

  “Look no more,” Roger announced. “We’ve got a few efficiencies right here, if you’re interested.”

  Eyes wide in surprise, Brock said, “Absolutely. When can I see one?”

  “No time like the present. Follow me.” And with that Roger was out of the door leaving Brock hurrying after the spry older man.

  “Helen and I have an apartment above the office and there is an efficiency above the laundry room. Now, don’t worry about the noise. These old buildings were built solid and you can’t hear a thing.” Leading Brock up the stairs he took out a key ring and swung the door open. “Have a look,” he invited.

  Brock walked in and was pleasantly surprised. His needs were simple and he could have
made do with a lot less than what this lovely apartment offered. It was actually more like a one-bedroom apartment than an efficiency since the bed was partitioned off from the rest of the area with a half wall. To the right was the kitchen; small, but would meet his needs and with a built-in corner bench and table the space was perfect. The main room to the left contained a sofa, chair, desk and TV cabinet. Behind the half-wall was the bed and dresser. Straight back was a door and as he opened it, he saw a neat bathroom that included a full tub. The room was clean, the wooden floors polished, the furniture comfortable. There were windows over the bed and on the opposite wall in the kitchen letting in light.

  “Roger, it’s more than enough. I’ll take it,” he exclaimed.

  They shook hands and Brock quickly spent the afternoon moving his things from the hotel room to the efficiency, as well as buying some groceries. Sitting down on the sofa he glanced at his watch. Jean would get off work in about an hour. He looked at the kitchen and decided to surprise her with dinner. A new place to live. A new job. A new relationship with his daughter. And a new apartment. Nodding to himself, he was beginning to believe Helen’s words more and more.

  Jean made the familiar trek to Laurie’s room after the buses left and found her on her cell phone. Stepping back to give her privacy, she saw Laurie motioning her to come into the room.

  “I’m so excited Emma! We’ll be ready for you and when you arrive, I’ve got a gorgeous detective for you to meet!”

  Hanging up, she looked at Jean and said, “It’s final. She got the job at Fairfield High School and moves in a month when this school year is over.” April had come in, bringing warmer weather and with it the promise of her beloved aunt soon joining her in town.

  Hugging her friend, Jean knew how much this meant to Laurie.

  Settling down in the chairs for a chat, Laurie looked at her. “Hmmm, so how are things going with Dad?”

  Jean blushed and said, “Are you sure you want to know?”

  The burst of laughter from Laurie was welcome to Jean’s ears. It had been a long time since she had heard her friend genuinely laugh.

  “Yeah, I’m sure. You have to understand that even though I call him ‘Dad’ now, it’s not like I’ve known him as my dad when I was little. So while it may have seemed weird to think of my mom as a sexual being…Brock is really just a man to me.”

  Jean nodded understanding, saying, “Well that’s good to know.”

  “Sooooo?”

  “We’ve been seeing each other most nights that we can. He’s going to talk to Mac today about working at the fire station and that will take up some nights. But we’re…um…progressing.”

  “Progressing? You can’t give me more than that?”

  “You want details?” Jean asked, blushing.

  “Yeah. What do you think girlfriends are for?” Laurie added.

  Just then Carol popped in the door. “Hey, I thought I’d find you two here. I was passing by and saw your yellow bug still in the parking lot.”

  Jean looked at the beautiful, petite blonde and watched as Laurie patted the chair next to them saying, “Come on in. Jean was just getting ready to share the details of her nights of passion with Brock.”

  Carol smiled, plopping down quickly. “Ohhh, do tell.”

  Continuing to blush, Jean answered, “There’s not much to tell. We see each other when we can, and the other evening we…well, he stayed and we…”

  “You had amazing, knock your socks off, rock your world sex, right?”

  The three women laughed and Jean had to admit that Laurie was absolutely correct. “That’s exactly what happened.”

  Sobering after a minute, Jean looked at her two friends and asked, “Do you think it’s right to move Rick’s picture? The one by the bed?”

  “Oh honey, yes. It’s been fifteen years. I think it would be perfectly fine to move it,” Carol said.

  Laurie nodded her agreement. “It doesn’t mean you don’t remember your first husband, your first love. But do whatever makes you comfortable.”

  “Well, Brock has a woman’s tattoo on his heart, so he can’t remove his past reminders quite so easily.” She saw their fallen expressions and quickly added, “Oh I don’t mind. It was a long time ago for him too. In fact, Laurie, it’s your mother’s name.”

  Laurie’s eyes widened as the realization sunk in that he really did love Sarah. “Wow, I had no idea. All these years…”

  “I’ll keep my wedding photo on the mantle, but I thought I’d take down the one next to the bed.”

  Carol nodded her understanding. “I know that men hate being reminded of anyone from our pasts.”

  Laurie giggled saying, “I was a virgin, so Rob had no worries there. Me, on the other hand, for months we kept running into his fuck-buddies and one-night stands. I swear he must have slept with most of Fairfield.”

  Seeing her friend’s faces, she quickly added, “But that has died down. Now it seems as though everyone is finally understanding that we’re together.”

  Jean, wanting to get her friends’ minds off of sex said, “Laurie, tell Carol your news about Emma.”

  Squealing her delight, she told her of Emma’s plans and they began to plot how to get Jake and Emma together.

  That evening over dinner at his new efficiency, Brock told Jean about his new job and the firefighting training he was beginning. She sat at the little booth-table in his new apartment and looked at him, seeing his enthusiasm. He was a quiet man, but tonight she could see a different side to him. One filled with purpose. One filled with joy. And that was when it hit her; she was falling in love. When did that happen? I’ve only loved one man in my whole life and after only a few weeks…I now love him too?

  Brock noticed the look in her eyes, having gone from interest to almost fear. Reaching over to take her hand, he gave a gentle squeeze and asked, “Are you all right, sweetheart?”

  Sucking in a deep breath, she nodded. “Yes. I just…well with all that you’re telling me I guess I’m realizing that your time here in Fairfield is going to be extending.”

  He leaned over cupping her face with his hand and confessed, “You have a lot to do with that, you know. I hope I’ve never given you the impression that I thought this thing between us was just a temporary time-filler.”

  “No, no. You haven’t. I guess I just wasn’t sure where we were going…other than possibly to bed,” she giggled.

  He stood quickly, pulling her up with him. “Well, let’s check it out, darlin’.”

  Her heart full, she followed him over to the bed and felt him grasp her by the hips as she leaned over to pull the comforter down. Stripped in just a couple of minutes, she resumed that position as he took her from behind. Moaning as he reached a long dormant place deep inside of her she quickly came, followed by him.

  Later that night, as he held her in his arms, he watched her beautiful face as she slept. Sarah, I only had one night with you but you’ve held a special place in my heart for the past twenty-five years. Not gonna forget you darlin’, but now it’s time to share that spot with someone else. Someone your daughter approves of. Brushing the hair back from her face, he kissed her forehead, knowing he was falling in love with the woman now in his arms.

  Chapter Six

  The next month passed quickly, as everyone felt the pull of spring love in the air. Carol and Tom had just married, Rob and Laurie had gotten engaged and moved in together. Emma was arriving imminently and Jake was concerned about being set up with Laurie’s older aunt. Laurie and Jean were in the final days of the school year, trying to maintain some semblance of order over the students and Brock had firmly established himself in the fire station.

  So far, Hank had been nothing but a model employee and Brock made sure to take time to hang out with him, getting to know him. Over twenty years in the military around young recruits had given him excellent instinctive skills in reading people; and he agreed with Mac’s assessment. There was something off about Hank. Nothing overt, but an
underhanded sneakiness that crept out.

  It was near the end of May, on an evening shift that had been long and slow, when Hank stopped by the dispatcher’s office and told Brock that he was going to head out to get some burgers. “I’m gonna take the squad ‘cause I’m real low on gas in my truck and that’ll just make me closer to the action if anything happens.”

  Brock grinned and nodded, noting the time he was leaving. He made a call to Mac to let him know.

  “Thanks Brock. Rob and Laurie are over here visiting. I’m gonna have Laurie stay with us a bit and send Rob out scouting around. Did he say where he was going?”

  “No, but if he’s going out for burgers, there’s that place on the outskirts of town that stays open twenty-four hours.”

  “Gotcha. I’m calling in a replacement for you and have you meet Rob out there.”

  Within thirty minutes, he and Rob pulled up to the Burger Shack, seeing the rescue squad parked to the side. Pulled into the parking lot, they could see inside the lighted building. Hank was nowhere to be seen.

  “Where do you think he is?” Rob asked, looking around.

  Brock sat silent for a moment, hating the answer to that question that was rolling around in his mind. Sighing heavily, he said, “Rob, I’ve been around young recruits that just couldn’t think with anything other than their dicks. They’d get a break, haul ass off the post and hit the closest bar, fucking everything they could.”

  Rob looked over at the tired face of the man sitting next to him. “What’re you saying?”

  “I think we need to go look in the back of the squad truck.”

  “Oh, fuck,” Rob bit out.

  The two men climbed out of Rob’s truck and walked over to the squad. Rounding to the back there were definitely noises coming from the inside.

  Each man took a handle and slung the doors open wide.

  “Jesus, fuck,” Rob growled, taking in the scene in front of him.