A Hope City Duet

by Kris Michaels

  The two men sat quietly for a moment, the noise of their department in the background as they sifted through the information in front of them. Rubbing his hand over his chin, Sean finally said, “You know, someone who took, paid for, studied, and passed those medical emergency classes and then went to the trouble to make it through the written and agility tests but still didn’t get hired could have a lot of resentment.”

  Jonas agreed. “Then maybe we’ve found a place to narrow our search or at least a good place to start.”

  “I’m going to keep putting all these names in a spreadsheet so we’ll have something to compare it to with the purchases, but why don’t you take the applicant list and narrow it down by those who almost made it but were cut right at the end?”

  “And what about John Simpson?” Jonas asked.

  “I’m looking into him. Don’t know that I’ll find anything, but I’ll look.”

  Nodding slowly, Jonas said, “Yeah, you’re probably right. Hell, there’s probably no kid who ever got a chemistry set for Christmas who didn’t like to figure out how to start a fire. But then most of them probably didn’t have the nickname Firestarter.”

  Sean said nothing but agreed, silently hating that John was someone Harper seemed to like to work with. Thinking of her had him glance at the clock again, anticipating lunch. That one thought had his lips curving into a slight smile.

  17

  Running late. Sorry

  Harper went into Casey’s diner having received Sean’s text. Well known for its food, Casey’s was like a typical diner car… a silver bullet with a long bar down the middle and booths along the front windows. Already crowded, she settled into a booth, ordering iced teas for both her and Sean.

  “Hey, Harper!”

  Whipping around when she heard the familiar voice, she smiled as Bill walked over, another firefighter in tow.

  “Are you here by yourself?” His eyes stayed pinned on her, his typical flirty smile in place.

  “I’m expecting Sean.”

  While his friend went up to the counter to order for both of them, Bill slid into the seat across from her. “Is it getting serious between you two?”

  Giving him a pointed stare that she hoped indicated it really was not his business, she shrugged. “We’ve just started going out.”

  Bill grunted slightly, then mumbled, “Arson detective, right?”

  “Yes.” She tilted her head slightly at the odd tone of his voice. He grunted again and she finally asked, “Is there anything wrong with that?”

  This time he grinned and held her gaze. “Nah. I guess if you can’t be a homicide detective, then anything else will do.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  With his forearms resting on the table, he turned his hands palm up and said, “Oh, come on, Harper. You watch TV. The guys with the best jobs are those who are going after murderers.”

  “You do realize that you sound like a twelve-year-old when you talk like that, right?”

  His grin widened. “Hey, can I help it if I’m an adrenaline junkie? I like battling the blaze on the front line, not poking around the ashes when it’s all over with.” Her glare threatened to sear right through him, and he quickly threw up his hands. “I’m not making fun of what you do. I would just think for a cop the job would be kind of boring. But then maybe that’s what he likes.”

  Before she had a chance to retort, his partner walked over, lifting both hands that were now filled with bags. Bill slid out of his seat and winked. “Duty calls, Harper. You know where to find me if you want some excitement.” Grabbing his bag from his partner’s hand, he laughed as he started walking out of the diner.

  Seething, Harper startled as Sean slid into the seat that Bill had just left. Staring at her, he cocked his head to the side. “What’s the matter?”

  She rolled her eyes as she groaned in frustration. “I’m sorry. Bill was just here being a bit of a jerk. He has a warped sense of humor.”

  “A jerk, huh?”

  “Yeah... just a crack about arson investigators.”

  Instead of anger, Sean fought back a smile. “Some men have to put down others to make themselves feel better. You know… little men with little…”

  Throwing her head back in laughter, Harper said, “I think you’re right! Oh, thank you, Sean. I needed that laugh.”

  After a moment of silence, he said, “Bill likes you. I can’t blame him for that, he’s got good taste. But if he’s never acted on it, then that’s his fail for waiting around too fuckin’ long.”

  “We went out a few times, but that’s all... we’re just friends. In fact, I once thought he liked my friend Sandy, but they’ve never gone out.”

  “Take my word for it, honey, a man knows. And Bill definitely wishes he was the one with you.”

  She held his gaze for a long moment, then slowly smiled. Reaching across the table, she held his hand. “Well, it’s his loss. I’m having lunch with the person I want to be with.”

  Giving her hand a little tug so that she leaned forward, and he lifted slightly from his seat, bent across the table and kissed her lightly. Mumbling against her lips, he said, “Me too, babe. Me too.”

  Just then the server came by and they gave their order. Settling back into their seats, he asked, “How’s your day going?”

  “Not bad. I read the report from this morning for my class.” Her smile widened. “I can’t believe that in another week I’ll be done.”

  “And you’ll have your certification?”

  Nodding, she said, “Yes, I’ll be a certified fire examiner.”

  “Are you going to stay with the insurance company? Or is there another job you’d like to have?”

  The server came back, setting their plates down in front of them. Her eyes grew large as she looked at the size of the hamburger and the mound of french fries next to it. She snorted before exclaiming, “When I’m with you, I order so much food!”

  “Don’t worry. I know you can’t eat it all.” Sean winked and her stomach flip-flopped, a reaction she did not have when Bill winked at her.

  Refusing to analyze the emotion, she focused back on her plate. “I swear, I’d do better if restaurants would serve smaller portions. I always take a box home and try to eat it the next day, but that doesn’t always work.” Squirting ketchup on her mound of fries, she popped one into her mouth and moaned in delight. “I love potatoes.”

  Sean had his hamburger halfway to his mouth when he stopped at her comment and stared at her over the bun. “Good to know.”

  Laughing, she said, “Hey, we're getting to know each other, right? Well, I love potatoes. I don’t care if they’re mashed, fried, boiled, or baked. I’ve never met a potato that I didn’t care for!”

  Now it was his turn to laugh as he took a large bite of his hamburger before shoving one of his own french fries into his mouth. Prodding, he said, “You were going to tell me about your job thoughts once you get your certification.”

  Chewing carefully before swallowing, she dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “I know most arson investigators work for fire departments or law enforcement, and that can be at the local or state level, but, of course, they can also work for private companies such as the insurance company I work for in Hope City. The firefighters are obviously trained in what to look for with a fire, but they’re not trained in the collection and analysis of evidence. If they have a suspicion, that’s when they call in the fire investigators. Each battalion in the city has one, but they’re not necessarily trained in collection and analysis, either. But, with their fire training, if they suspect arson, they call in the police.” Waving her hand in front of her, she added, “You.”

  “But we’re only called in when the fire investigator has a suspicion, and sometimes that doesn’t happen.”

  “Sometimes arson can be missed by the fire department, and when the insurance company is contacted by an owner who wants us to pay, then that’s where I can come in.”

  “Would you wan
t to work for the fire department?”

  A crease settled between her brow as she considered his question. Finally, she shook her head and said, “No, not really. One of the nice things about working for the insurance company is that I get to see the end result when there’s been a fire.”

  Watching Sean tilt his head again, she realized she was not being very clear. “Most fires are not arson, as you know. And when someone’s house catches on fire, even if no one is hurt, the loss of property and belongings is devastating. When the fire is over, Sean, the firefighters roll up their hoses and leave. They’ve done their job, and it was a wonderful job, but… it’s over. They leave. And if there was no arson or suspicious behavior involved, then the police are never called. So, what you have left is a fire that has been put out, leaving a family devastated.”

  His face softened and she smiled, watching understanding wash through his expression.

  “That’s where you come in. Your company can help the family move beyond the fire.”

  “That’s right. Once I go in and determine that the fire was not suspicious or there wasn’t arson, then my company can cut a check for the family. We can help them rebuild their lives.”

  He shook his head slowly. “I never really thought about it in those terms. I mean, we all have insurance… health, automobile, home... but we usually just grumble when we pay and then grumble if there’s a problem getting a payment. But when it’s needed and it comes through, then you’re right… it’s life-changing.”

  God, he gets me. Warmth moved through her at that thought. They finished their meals, their conversation moving to lighter topics. When the bill came, she reached into her purse, jerking her eyes upward when Sean grunted, “Uh-uh.”

  “Sean, you can’t pay all the time.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “It’s important to me, Harper.”

  “Why?”

  He blinked, opening and closing his mouth a couple of times before responding. “I guess it’s just how I was raised. It was the example my dad taught me.”

  “Okay,” she said, giving in with a smile, “but how about next time, I cook dinner?”

  “I can’t think of anything I’d like better.” Smiling as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, they walked outside.

  A gust of wind blew down the street and she snuggled against his side tighter.

  “I won’t be able to call tonight. I’ve got a poker game.” Regret laced his voice.

  “Poker, huh?”

  “Once a month, the McBrides and our neighbors, the Kings, get together for poker. Not everybody can be there each time, so we just play with whoever can manage.” Staring down at her beauty, wanting to prolong their goodbye, he added, “But truthfully, as much as I enjoy them, I’d rather talk to you.”

  Her top teeth landed on her bottom lip as a smile lit her face. “It’ll just be a night in for me. Sandy is coming over, and we’ll drink wine, give each other pedicures, she’ll complain about men, and I’ll tell her how wonderful you are.”

  “Are you sure you won’t be complaining about me?” His mouth quirked up on one side as he pulled her closer.

  She moved closer until her feet were directly in front of his. Placing her hands flat on his chest, she peered up into his face. “No complaints. Just wonderful.”

  Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her in, shifting them to the side of the building so that she was blocked from the wind. Bending, he took her lips, the kiss deep and wet, but stopped before it went wild.

  As he lifted his lips, she stared at him, eyes hazy with lust, and breathed, “I’ll fix you dinner tomorrow night.”

  “I can’t wait,” he promised.

  Saying goodbye, she turned to walk toward her car, then looked over her shoulder and grinned. “Plan on staying the night.” His eyes widened slightly, and she laughed, then turned and continued walking down the sidewalk.

  18

  “What the hell is your mind on, Sean?” Rory asked, a grin on his face. “Because it sure as hell isn’t on poker. I haven’t won this much from you in years.”

  Sean glared at his brother but knew it was true. His mind was on Harper, and he could barely focus on the cards in front of him. Card tables had been set up in his parents’ den, and they had a good showing tonight. His dad and brothers, Rory and Kyle, along with Chauncey, Brody, and Blayze King filled the room.

  Brock had not made it considering he was recuperating from a gunshot wound with his new girlfriend, Kallie at his side. He had stopped by Brock’s place to check on him, rib him for getting shot in the first place, and accuse him of skipping out on poker, leaving him to the mercy of their brothers.

  It was not that the gathering was sexist because some months their sisters sat in on a game as well. But tonight, the women were out and about, except for the two moms, who were in the kitchen visiting. It did not matter that Hannah and Sharon had lived next to each other for almost thirty-five years... whenever they got together, they bent their heads together, apparently having a lot to talk about.

  Brody looked over at him and grinned. “I’d say it has to do with the pretty little fire examiner. Someone from my precinct was at the diner for lunch and said they saw you planting a goodbye kiss on her that would’ve sent your mom to the church.”

  Now he turned his glare from his brother toward Brody. “I’d never do anything in public that would send Mom off to church.”

  Brody’s grin morphed into laughter. “You’re not gettin’ it, Sean. The idea that you might be hooking up with somebody that could eventually give her grandchildren would have your mom running to the church in joy. She’d be yelling for the priest to get ready for the ceremony!”

  That had the others join in the laughter, his dad most of all. “Son, as your mother keeps reminding me, you’re not getting any younger.”

  “Right now, Harper and I are just starting to date. Let’s not jump the gun on getting the church ready to have a wedding.”

  Sharon walked into the room, beers on a tray. Colm jumped up and took the tray from her, giving her a quick kiss. “Sweetheart, you do not have to wait on us. Grown men can go get their own beer.”

  “I know,” Sharon said, smiling at everyone before her gaze sharply landed on Sean. “I just thought I’d come in and see what you’re talking about.”

  Sean glanced over and saw Hannah hovering by the door, a smile wide on her face as the men once again erupted into laughter. He sighed heavily. “Yes, I’m going out with Harper. That’s all it is right now.”

  “Isn’t that the girl whose arm you broke?” Rory asked, his eyes wide in pretend innocence.

  Ignoring her youngest son, Sharon jumped in, her eyes bright with anticipation. “You should invite her to dinner.”

  He glanced around at the combination of mirth and pity on everyone’s faces before he settled his gaze on his mom’s eager face. “Mom, do you really think it’s smart to bring someone over to meet our family all at one time when we’ve just started dating?”

  Huffing, Sharon gently popped Colm on the shoulder as he tried to hide his smile. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed you grinning about this, dear.” Twisting around to look at Sean, she said, “I’d like to know what’s wrong with our family. I think we’re a lovely family!”

  Under his breath, Kyle whispered, “Tread lightly, bro.”

  “Mom, I promise that I’ll have Harper over when I think the relationship is strong enough that she can withstand a McBride dinner.”

  “A McBride and King dinner,” Hannah said, walking fully into the room, linking arms with Sharon. “After all, she’ll need to pass our approval as well, like Brock’s Kallie did.”

  He muttered under his breath, “And you wonder why we’re all still single.”

  “I heard that!” Sharon said.

  “I told you to tread lightly,” Kyle whispered again, this time choking back a laugh.

  Battling the urge to roll his eyes and curse at the same time, he clamped his lips shut and star
ed back down at his cards. “Are we going to play poker or not?”

  Sharon and Hannah slipped from the room, their heads bent in whispering, and he knew they were planning the meal that had not even been scheduled yet. Kyle grinned until Colm pinned his gaze at his second son. “Kyle, at least Sean’s dating someone. Your mom is going to want to know when you’re going to bring somebody home.”

  Kyle’s eyes widened, and now it was Sean’s turn to laugh. Slumping in his seat, Kyle mumbled, “Yeah, are we gonna play poker or not?”

  With laughter ringing out in the house, Sean turned his attention back to the table, but his thoughts remained on Harper.

  By the end of the evening, he and Kyle were sitting in the backyard, settled deep into the Adirondack chairs. Since they were each driving, they had stopped drinking earlier in the evening, but their heavy coats warded off the chill. Eyes focused on the clear night sky, no one spoke for several minutes as they stared at the stars.

  “Haven’t heard you talk about a woman that you’re interested in in a long, fucking time.”

  With his body still reclined, Sean rolled his head to the side and looked at Kyle. “You know what it’s like in this job. It’s not hard to meet someone, but it’s hard as hell to try to make something happen with someone. Harper’s different. She gets it. She gets me.”

  “That’s a lot, man.”

  “That’s everything.”

  “Happy as fuck for you, Sean.” Kyle’s voice cut through the chill of the night.

  He grinned, his brother’s words settling deep inside.

  Their glasses of wine were on the coffee table along with their feet as they perched on the end of the sofa, painting their toenails. Harper glanced over at Sandy, smiling as her friend decided to add a sparkling jewel to her big toenail. “Tell me again why you decided to do that. I mean, it’s cold weather outside so you’re not going to be wearing sandals. No one’s going to see it.”