“Thank you.”
I make my way through her home without help. I don’t need it. Many of my fondest memories were made in this house. Grady and I are the best of friends. Brody and Cage hung out here too, but not nearly as much as I did.
My brothers and I are tight, always were, but we started keeping our own friends once we reached high school. I think that separation was something we needed as we separated our identities.
Chief Malone looks up as I step on the porch. “Ace?” His face breaks into a huge smile. “Haven’t seen you around in a while. How are things going at La Rouge Vineyards? I heard you lost some vines to the fire.”
My shoulders bunch a little. Evelyn asked if the fire was out, and it is, but not before it caused significant damage.
“We did.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Not too bad I hope?”
Most of the fire damage was contained to La Rouge property, but there were a few adjacent structures which burned to the ground. My team, along with Grady’s firefighters, were able to get it under control, but the blaze burned for days.
This is why I’m concerned about the arson charges against Evelyn.
She may be facing stiff fines and prison if they decide she deliberately set the fire, which from everything Grant mentioned seems to be the case. And we’re talking up to thirty years. It’s a big deal, especially since the fire had the potential to harm people in addition to buildings.
“We lost ten acres before containing the fire.”
“And your mom?”
“Mom’s cottage was right in the path of the blaze, but it survived without damage. The fire charged down the hills, split in two, separated, and moved around her home as it continued onward to destroy our vineyard.”
“That had to be tough to see.”
“Watching ten acres of La Rouge profits go up in flames is going to hit our bottom line. It’ll be a rough season and I’m worried.” Our survival is at risk.
“You need anything, just ask.”
“Thanks.” I left that bit out when Evelyn asked about the fires. We’ll pull through, barely, but only because Brody will be floating the family business cash until we can rebuild. “Regrowing the vines will take years.”
Chief Malone grimaces at the news. “I’m sorry to hear that. Grady mentioned your mom’s home.”
“Grady and his crew helped put out the fire around her cottage.”
“And she’s okay?”
“My brothers evacuated her. Nothing inside burned although she complains about losing her she-shack.” Sitting on the edge of the fire break, our mother’s prized artist’s retreat is now a pile of ash.
“He mentioned your brothers are in town. How are Brody and Cage?”
“Cage got back from his Everest ascent and has some awesome shots for the magazine. He’s hanging around for a few weeks until his next assignment.”
“What about Brody?” Chief Malone knows my brothers well. He’s one of the few people we were never able to fool when we switched identities growing up.
“He came to spend the weekend, but with the fire damage, he’s extending his visit.”
I’m thankful for my brothers’ help. Brody has to take time off from work, but he didn’t hesitate. Cage has a few weeks before he heads off on an expedition to Alaska to photograph polar bears. We have a lot of work ahead of us to clear the burned fields and begin the task of reconditioning the soil.
“Your mom must be happy having you all under one roof again.”
“She’s very happy to have all her boys home. It’s been years since she could properly smother us.”
“Now, that’s something I understand.” He glances toward the porch where the door opens.
“Who wants a beer?” Mrs. Malone lifts two bottles in the air.
I take mine and she gives the other to her husband. I say thank you while Chief Malone pulls her in for a kiss. They’ve always been an affectionate couple and their passion for each other is as strong today as it was when I first met them at the tender age of eight.
Back then, I thought the kissing and hugging was gross. Now, I’m envious of what they share.
I thought I had that with Erin until I caught her fucking Felix.
“What’re you boys talking about?” Mrs. Malone takes a sip from her beer and checks on the progress of the burgers Chief Malone is cooking. There’s more than the two of them can eat. “Did you decide to stick around for dinner? The boys are coming over.”
Chief Malone follows her gaze to the grill and his mouth twists. “All of them?”
“You never know.” She flashes a smile.
He puts his beer down. “Better grab a few more burgers for the grill.”
“Oh, I can do that. You two sit and talk.” She gives me a pointed look, knowing we haven’t gotten beyond the pleasantries.
Chief Malone picks up on her subtext and gets straight to the point. “So, what brings you around, son?” When he calls me son it isn’t grating on my nerves like when Prescott does it.
“I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind calling Judge Simon.”
“Really? Why is that?”
I explain to him about the fire, Evelyn’s rescue, her recovery, and Grant arresting her earlier.
“So you see, I was hoping I could speak with him about setting her bail. I don’t want her in jail overnight.” Or through the weekend. It’s Friday, if I don’t get her out today, she’ll sit in there until Monday.
“And you believe she’s innocent?”
“I know it.” Again, my conviction rings with truth. “She’s a victim in this.”
“Let me see what I can do.” He says nothing about my interaction with his son, Grant.
What can he say? Grant is doing what the law demands, but Chief Malone is smart. He knows some situations require a little thinking outside the box.
He speaks to Judge Simon on the phone. I catch most of the conversation and I’m shocked by how hard he pushes to get the judge to set bail tonight. He’s going on nothing other than my word. His faith means the world to me.
With a glance to his watch, he looks up at me. “He’s setting bail now. If you really believe in her, he’ll see that she’s released.”
“I do.” Actually, it’s more than that. The feeling inside of me is indescribable.
He gives a nod and reaches for my hand. “Go get your girl, son.”
“Yes, sir.”
I don’t finish my beer, and there’s nothing else to say. I make my excuses with Mrs. Malone and head to the courthouse. I’ve got less than an hour before five and I’ll be damned if Prescott is the one who rescues my Evelyn from jail.
The amount of bail Judge Simon sets seems incredibly high. I beg and plead, knowing finances will be tight with the damage to my vineyards, and he agrees to reduce the bond on one condition. I hope it’s palatable to Evelyn.
Twenty minutes later, I’m waiting to take her home.
11
Asher
Evelyn races into my outspread arms. The minute her tight body presses against mine I swear I’ve died and gone to heaven. As cliché as that sounds, this is what my body tells me.
Not because I’m aroused—I’m getting there—but because holding her makes me feel like that piece inside of me which is missing is finally home.
“Oh, Asher, that was horrible. Did you get a hold of Prescott? Did he get me out?” Her words rush out in quick succession. I hold her tight, giving her the reassurance she desperately needs.
However, I hate she thinks Prescott had anything to do with getting her out and bite my lower lip to keep from saying something I’ll regret. Until I better understand her relationship with Prescott, I need to tread carefully, but I’ll correct her assumptions.
“He’s on a plane and will be here soon, but I spoke to Judge Simon and convinced him to post your bail today.”
Our conversation was far more involved than that, but she doesn’t need to know all the details, or the promises I made.
“You did?” Her wide eyes stare up at me and she lifts up on tiptoe to press her lips chastely against mine. “You didn’t have to do that.”
That kiss gets my attention.
“I didn’t want you spending the night in jail.” More than likely, it would’ve been the whole weekend.
“I’m glad you were able to get a hold of Prescott and he was able to bail me out.”
She still thinks her release is because of him? I’m losing ground.
“I bailed you out.”
“You did? Oh, you didn’t need to do that.”
I pull her tight against me. “Of course, like I said, there was no way you were spending the night in jail, but there’s a condition.”
“Oh lord. Thank you. I’ll pay you back. Just as soon as Prescott gets here, I’ll have him wire the funds. How much do I owe you?”
More money than I can afford.
“Let’s figure that out tomorrow. As for tonight—”
She cuts me off, placing her finger over my lips. “Right now, I need a stiff drink, a shower, and bed. Is there any place in this town where a girl can drown her sorrows?”
“I’ll take you to my favorite place. It’s really the only bar in town that’s any good.”
“Thanks, and I’m buying.” She lifts her forefinger to emphasize her point.
“Right.” No way in hell is that happening. I’m acutely aware of our previous conversation about her brand of feminism. I plan on living up to all her expectations and more.
Which is why, after opening the door for her, I place my hand in the small of her back and gently escort her into the bar. It’s Friday night and the place is hopping. People are getting off for the day and are ready for the weekend.
Evelyn’s enthusiasm about getting a drink wanes a bit. She’s quiet and unsure as all eyes turn toward us.
These are all people I know. I grew up with half of them, which includes Grayson and Grady who hog the far corner of the bar. It’s the best place to catch the bartender’s eye and score some drinks.
Grady notices us and waves me over. “Hey, Ace!” He turns to the bartender and lifts three fingers. “Another round.” His astute gaze zeroes in on Evelyn. “What’s she drinking?”
I bend down to ask and barely hear Evelyn’s response.
“Gin and tonic.” I cup a hand over my mouth and raise my voice to be heard over the hopping crowd.
Things are in full swing. Nearly every table is occupied. Music blares over the crowd, pumping up the energy, and making us all raise our voices to be heard. It’s loud as people shake off the work week and unwind as they get ready for the weekend.
I wish I could unwind. My work is only beginning.
The bartender plops four drinks down on the counter. Grayson grabs a beer. Grady hands me mine and gives the Gin and tonic to Evelyn.
“You must be Evelyn.” The smile on his face comes easily and I let out my breath.
I’m a little nervous hanging with them considering Grant arrested Evelyn a few short hours earlier. Until I know where they stand on her innocence, or guilt, I won’t be able to relax.
Evelyn dips her head and takes the drink. She’s quiet around people and this comes as a surprise because she’s not shy or quiet around me.
“You look much better than when I saw you last.” Grayson lifts his beer for a toast. “To surviving a firestorm.”
It’s a cavalier toast which carries a lot of subtext. For the police, firefighters, and Grayson’s medivac crew, it means a whole lot more. It’s about staring down the gates of hell and refusing to let the devil win. It’s about fighting, surviving, and living to do it all again another day.
We toast and Grady climbs off his stool, offering it to Evelyn.
“Do you remember Grayson?” I ask.
Her brows pinch together.
“I doubt she remembers me at all considering you’re the one who carried her out on your back.” Grayson extends his hand. “Grayson Malone, I flew you out of that fire to the hospital. You gave us all a scare.”
Evelyn dips her head. “I don’t remember much. Um, thank you.”
Not a man who enjoys the spotlight, Grayson deflects. “I’m not the one who deserves the thanks.” He tilts the neck of his bottle toward me. “Ace carried you out. I was just the taxi driver.”
“You were more than a taxi driver,” she says. “I’m really thankful for what you did.”
“Well, I’m feeling a bit left out. I’ve heard all about Ace’s little backpack, but haven’t had the pleasure.” Grady’s hand shoots out to shake hers. “Grady Malone, nice to meet you. Ace hasn’t stopped talking about you. I was beginning to think he was making it all up, but seeing you in the flesh…” He takes a moment to check out my girl and I lean forward a little until he flashes a cheeky grin. The bastard is testing me and I fell for it. “Anyway, it’s clear why he can’t stop talking about you.”
“Um, thanks I guess.” I help her onto the stool and settle myself protectively around her.
Locking eyes with the two Malone brothers, I try to read them. They have to know their brother arrested Evelyn, but they’re in good spirits and rib me like they usually do.
Evelyn gives a little tug on my shirt and I lean down to hear her soft voice.
“Where’s the restroom?”
I point to the far corner of the bar. “Here, I’ll take you.”
She places a hand on my arm. “I’m perfectly capable of walking across the room. Stay and order me another drink.”
I look down and see she’s downed her entire drink. My girl is more than nervous.
Getting a hold of the bartender is easy and I order another round for us all. Evelyn scoots off the stool and I watch her tight and toned body sashay across the room. She pivots around crowded tables, moving lightly, and disappears down the hall leading to the restrooms.
“Ace got bit by the love bug.” Grayson elbows me in the ribs.
“He got bit real good.” Grady responds in a sing-song voice.
They both gyrate their hips and pump their arms. It’s a dumb thing we did growing up when any of us got soft on a girl. I punch Grady in the shoulder.
“Stop it.”
“He’s got it real good. Uh-huh, Uh-huh.”
I hit him again. “Ha-ha, not funny.”
“Have you kissed her yet?” Grayson turns his back to me and wraps his arms around himself as he makes kissie noises. He’s a bit overly suggestive with the groping. I’m about ready to pop him too. The two of them are teaming up on me.
“I mean it.” I practically growl out the words, which only proves their point.
Grady points at me and laughs. “You have, haven’t you?”
“The real question is whether you’ve fucked her yet. That woman is fine, fine, fine, and oh so easy on the eyes. You picked a good one.” Grayson turns back around, huge, sheepish grin plastered all over his face. He takes a swig of his beer, as if I’m going to answer.
“That’s my girl you’re talking about.”
“Well, there you have it.” Grady gives me a one-two punch in the gut. “He’s soft on the girl.”
I lock Grady in an arm bar and give a jab to his gut. We’re playing—almost. I’m not keen on them talking about Evelyn like this. He twists out of my grip and gives a shake of his head.
“Dad said you came for a visit.” Grayson’s tone changes. He’s digging, but I’m pretty sure he already knows what I talked to his dad about. He wants a reaction, something to confirm how far I’ve fallen, but I give him nothing and wait him out. “Considering she’s here, I’m assuming things went well with the judge?”
“She’s out of jail if that’s what you’re getting at.”
Grayson’s eyes pinch. “Look, you know we love you like a brother, and we respect the hell out of you…”
“Yeah?” What’s he getting at?
“If you really believe her story, we’ll back you up.” Grayson gives a sharp nod.
“Will you?”
/> “I’ve never heard Grant so pissed. He told us all about arresting her. Said it left a bad taste in his mouth.” Grady joins in, telling me something I already suspected.
“Because I questioned him?”
“Because it’s the first time you ever stood up to him. He thought he was going to have to take you in as well. If it’s any consolation, he trusts your instincts, but the investigation…” Grady’s words trail off.
“Pete’s investigations are a joke. He goes for the easy close and doesn’t take the time to really look.”
“She made first page news in the Gazette.” Grayson piles on bad news.
“Fuck.” But I should expect it. In this town, any news is juicy gossip and quick to spread. It’s faster than a wildfire. “How bad is it?”
“Considering she’s an out of towner, and the extent of the burn, people are calling for blood. What did you do to get Judge Simon to let her out?” A scowl fixes on Grayson’s face. He’s not happy about this either.
I rub at the back of my neck. “I gave him my word I’d watch out for her.”
“Watch out?” Grady gives me a look. “As in how, exactly?”
“As in not letting her out of my sight.”
That’s not exactly the conversation I had with the judge, but it’s pretty damn close. I gave him my word I wouldn’t let her leave town. I don’t know how much control I have over that, but she’s my responsibility. The kicker is she doesn’t even know it, yet.
“What can we do?” Grady places his hand on my shoulder.
“Help me find the man who knocked her out.” I shrug. It seems hopeless, but how else will I prove her innocence? There’s little they can do, but I appreciate the offer.
Grayson gives a chin bump toward the front door. “Look who’s back. Did you know Felix was back in town?”
I glance over my shoulder to see my high school nemesis walk through the entrance like he owns the place. Rivals in high school, we became enemies after his family lodged a land dispute against La Rouge Vineyards.
With our father’s death, my brothers and I were left to fight that battle. We were young, green, and gullible. Felix’s dirty tactics nearly shut my family’s operation down.
Firestorm: An Everyday Heroes World Novel (The Everyday Heroes World) Page 11
