by Piper Stone
“Shh... Baby, it’s all right. Everything is going to be fine.” Gathering me into his arms, he held me close. Drinking in scents, soot and smoke mixed with the man I knew, I felt comforted and believed him. My mind remained foggy, uncertain of what could have happened.
“Blaise. You need to allow her to be checked out. You do as well. Come on.” Hands pulled him away from me, other faces peering down. “Jake.”
“Hey ya, sunshine. You gave us all a scare,” Jake said as he knelt down. “You’re going to be okay.”
I nodded as paramedics moved beside us and I reached out, clutching Blaise’s jacket. I had to concentrate to form sentences. “Everything I had, all the evidence is gone. I tried so hard. I wanted you to believe me.”
Leaning down, Blaise kissed my lips, so softly, so gently then whispered, “I was a fool to doubt you. I don’t care about the rest of the shit. All I care about is you.”
“But...”
“No buts. They’re going to check you out. Okay? I’ll be right here.”
“Okay.” I didn’t want him to walk away. I never wanted him to leave but as the realization settled in, the fact my house had been purposely targeted, I knew the next two days were going to be difficult, if not deadly. I refused to give in.
“Miss Gregory? I’m Jane and I’m going to check you for any injuries. Okay?”
Hearing the name, my mind went to a better place, to the moment I met Blaise and suddenly I was suffocated, sadness like brutal tentacles, reaching into my mind. Tears slipped from my eyes as I was placed on a stretcher. I don’t remember nodding. I don’t remember answering in any manner. All I could think about was Blaise, knowing that he’d saved my life. The clear mask placed over my face rushed air into my lungs, but the concept was terrifying. The entire night rolled across my field of vision, haunting memories of agreeing to go to the club.
But not for the reason Blaise had discovered.
I wanted to talk to him, to convince him that I hadn’t lied, at least not to the degree he was determined to believe. I mumbled, reaching my arm out, trying to locate him.
“Let’s get her to the ER.” Jane patted my shoulder. “You need to rest but you’re going to be fine. I just want to have you checked out.”
“I’m going with her.”
The voice was commanding, refusing to take no for an answer.
“Only family, Blaise. You know the drill.” I heard Jane’s voice as well as the distinct growl coming from Blaise’s mouth.
“Not this time.” He pushed his way into the ambulance, moving to my side.
“Let him go, Jane.” The second male voice was comforting even though full of authority.
Blaise grasped my hand as the back doors were swung shut and within seconds, the ambulance was on its way, the siren blasting.
“Is she going to be all right?” Blaise asked the EMT, crowding his space.
“Looks like she ingested gas, probably from a busted line. Other than bumps and bruises, I can’t detect any internal damage. We’re taking her in to be certain.” The EMT adjusted a tube, giving me a tight smile.
I reached for the mask again until Blaise’s hand crowded over mine, his head shaking. “No. Stop. We can talk later.” He rubbed his thumb back and forth across the top of my hand, his entire face sagging and covered in soot. I had no recollection of the ugly events, only going to sleep then waking up in his arms. But I knew. Oh, fuck yes, I knew exactly what had occurred and the bastards would stop at nothing to keep their secret.
“Just rest. I’m not leaving you.” Blaise leaned over, kissing the top of my head.
Seconds later, I closed my eyes and...
* * *
“Where am I?” My eyes had been open for a full minute, searching the room as I tried to make sense of what was going on. Blaise still had his hand wrapped around mine, and as he jerked his head up, a smile crossing his face, he scooted the chair closer.
“You’re in the hospital, but everything is fine. All your vitals check out.”
I tried to swallow, grimacing from the tightness in my throat. He reached for a cup of water, so gentle as he placed the straw to my parched lips.
“Don’t try to talk. You need to get your rest.”
“The house. It’s gone. Isn’t it?”
He nodded as he placed the cup back on the table. His rugged hands felt so warm, so comforting. I reached up, dragging my finger across his face. “You look like shit, Lieutenant.” The words took me forever to say.
Grinning, he rolled his eyes. “That’s all I get for saving your sorry ass?”
“You’ll get more.” Thankfully, I wasn’t attached to any tubes or drips and as I struggled to sit up, he gave me one of his commanding looks. “I’m fine. Stop worrying.”
“You almost died in that fire. I’m allowed to worry.”
“I just... What happened?”
“Don’t know yet. The fire investigator hasn’t dropped by.” His wink was followed by the rugged man pulling my hands against his face. “I could have lost you.”
“I’m... so... sorry, Blaise. I can explain.”
“I don’t care about the club.”
But I could tell he did. His eyes could never lie to me. “He took everything from me, now including my house.”
“Who?”
I laughed bitterly, able to swallow easier. “Joseph Zane, although I have no doubt he wasn’t the one who set the explosives. He had one of his buddies do the damn deed. I confronted him and the things he said. Oh, God. You should have seen how angry he was when I told him I was never going to see him again.”
He bristled, his entire face pinched. “You really believe the mayor is dirty?”
“I know he is. Everything I found, the offshore accounts, the corporation that was set up over a year ago. He’s been planning this for a long time.”
“I don’t know, honey. This could have been an accident.”
“This was no accident.” Jake walked into the room.
Blaise was on his feet. “What did you find out?”
“The gas line was definitely cut and from what we could tell, altered so that the majority of the fumes could leak directly into the house. Then all the asshole had to do was light a match,” Jake snarled as he moved from foot to foot.
“Son of a bitch. I’m going to get whoever is responsible. I swear to God, I will.” Blaise moved back and forth, rubbing his jaw and hissing under his breath.
“Is she going to be all right?” Jake asked, half under his breath.
“She is right here and I’m going to be just fine.” I took the opportunity to crawl further down the gurney-like bed, swinging my legs to the floor.
“Oh, no, you don’t. You’re staying right here,” Blaise boomed.
“Like hell I am. I have to find new evidence. I need to regroup and you’re going to help me. That bastard is going down.” Pushing up from the bed, I wobbled but managed to stand, even though my head hurt like a son of a bitch.
Jake smacked Blaise on the arm. “The lady is tenacious. I think you’re going to need to do as she says.”
I liked the other firefighter, had a feeling he could also be trusted. At this point, there were few people on my list who could. “Just get me out of here.”
“As long as you promise to rest.”
I slumped against the bed, realizing I had nowhere to go, nothing but my car left to my name. “I... I don’t know where to go.”
“You’re coming home with me. Period. I won’t take no for an answer. You got it?” Blaise wrapped his arm around me, kissing the top of my head.
“Yes, sir.”
There was an argument from the attending doctor, even a few harsh words as Blaise attempted to take me out of the hospital, but in the end, he won out. When I was safely nestled in the back seat of Jake’s car, I realized how dire the situation truly was. No evidence. Nothing. Mayor Zane would get away with everything he was doing.
“I have no clothes. Nothing. I have...”
“I have no idea what to say. Thank you. Both of you.” I’d seen that look shared between the two men on more than one occasion. Jake was aware of everything going on.
“What did you find on the mayor?” Blaise asked, almost as if he didn’t want to know.
“The corporation was difficult to find and I’m not entirely certain about everyone involved, but his name was front and center. All of it was well documented, even a glossy website depicting real estate dealings in another state. All the buildings had second mortgages. The owners were in over their heads in debt. Easy targets given they didn’t have full replacement value on their insurance policies.” I stated the words in a perfunctory manner. After all, I’d read over the information at least two dozen times. I knew it by heart, only some of which I’d be able to put back together before Monday. All the paperwork I had received was gone, as were the clandestine packages from the two sources I’d managed to find. The sources had refused to be placed in the forefront of the investigation and would no doubt run, fearful they’d be next on the list of vendettas.
“Whew. That’s a tall tale, but I have to ask, what the hell are they doing? Are they building something? The mayor wouldn’t risk that kind of notoriety,” Jake said in an offhanded fashion.
Blaise shifted in his seat. “This has to do with Trillium Manufacturing. Doesn’t it?”
“Yes. That’s the connection I couldn’t find. I was getting there, but now...” I let the words trail off, breathing a sigh of relief as we pulled into Blaise’s driveway.
“Who the hell is Trillium?” Jake asked, pulling the car to a stop.
Blaise snorted. “The multi-million-dollar manufacturing company that’s been searching for the right location to build several locations, adding thousands of jobs and millions of dollars to the economy.”
“Shit. That would certainly be the kind of incentive to have city councilmembers look the other way, pledge funds in order to up the ante.” Jake shook his head.
“Exactly. Let’s get you inside,” Blaise muttered under his breath as he climbed out of the vehicle, opening the back door. As he swept me into his arms, storming toward the front door, I’d never felt so safe in my entire life. I could also see the kind of rage building within him that could eat him alive. There were aspects to my fact finding that I didn’t want to say in front of Jake, at least not at this point. Loyalties were strong within the fire department. The last thing I wanted to do was destroy any friendships.
“Do you need anything else at this point?” Jake asked, walking just inside the door.
“You’ve done enough. Tell the captain I’ll call in later.” Blaise eased me down onto the couch, kissing the top of my forehead.
“I will if he returns this weekend. I don’t think we’ll see him until Monday.” Jake shrugged, darting his eyes in my direction.
“You’ll be all right handling the firehouse for a day or so?” Blaise asked.
“Of course. Just take care of the both of you.” Jake half smiled. “I’m glad you’re safe, Genevieve. Couldn’t have lived with this man if you hadn’t been.”
As soon as the door was shut, I shivered.
“Let me get you some coffee. Hell, maybe something stronger.”
“Wait, Blaise. I need to tell you something I found. Sit down.” I couldn’t look him in the eyes as he eased onto the sofa.
“What is it?”
“You’re not going to like what I have to say and there is a chance I’m wrong, but I don’t think so.”
“What are you talking about?”
“First of all, the mayor is trying to implicate members of the 19.”
He half smiled, shaking his head. “Including me, right?”
“Yes, but there are several names involved with this corporation. Some don’t have a direct connection and others are only alluded to. Karen knows certain people in the tax assessor’s office, so she may be able to confirm, but I needed you to hear it from me.”
“What are you getting at?” he asked, his brow furrowing.
“One of the names is... Randolph Waters.” I cringed as soon as I murmured the words.
He shrank back, processing the information. “Captain Waters?”
“I’m afraid so.”
When he jumped up, turning away, I knew he was going to lash out. Why shouldn’t he? I had no real proof, no evidence to speak of and accusing a highly decorated and well-respected man would lessen my credibility. His hands were on his hips, his head back and his shoulders heaving. The moment he eased back in my direction, I clenched my fists.
“I believe you.”
* * *
“Here are assorted clothes, honey. I put some makeup and other toiletries in a bag for you as well. I’m just so glad you’re all right.” Karen dropped several bags then gave me a bear hug, groaning under her breath. “I can’t believe this happened to you. I just can’t believe it. You better help find out who did this.” Her last comment was directed entirely at Blaise.
“We already have an idea,” he answered.
Karen pulled away, darting her glance back and forth between us. “Zane?”
I only had to nod before she started fuming.
“That rat ass bastard. I’ll kill him with my bare hands!” she snapped.
“We’ll get him, one way or the other.” Blaise grabbed the bags. “I’m taking these into the bedroom.”
I nodded, waiting until he’d walked out of the room. “Karen, there are some things you don’t know about me, a portion of my life that you won’t be proud of.”
“You mean your odd relationship with the great mayor?” she smiled slyly.
“How did you know?”
“Just things you said. Your sudden move here. You’d never be convinced by a jerk like Zane unless there was a good reason. I don’t need to know why you allowed him into your life. That’s your business. I’m just glad you’re safe.”
At least a partial relief flooded my system. “Yeah, well, we’ll see if Blaise believes me.”
“Be honest and don’t leave out anything. My best advice.”
I gave her a smile. “Good advice. I just don’t know if I can stop this madness now. Everything I worked on was on my computer. It’s all gone. So many good people are going to lose their jobs, let alone what’s going to happen to the various emergency departments. Even the school systems are going to suffer because of this damn manufacturing company coming in.”
Her eyes flashed as she walked to her purse. “Remember that delicious man I told you that I used to date?”
I admit, I was hopeful. “And?”
“He came through in flying colors. Granted, I have a date next weekend but that’s mighty fine with me.” She pulled out a thick envelope, her face full of justified glee as she handed it to me. “He was very informative. This might help you regain some of the ground you lost. I’ll do whatever you need as well.”
Grabbing and opening the flap, my fingers were shaking as I pulled out the group of papers. All I had to do was glance at them and I knew what she had was a gold mine. “I adore you.”
“You better keep that in mind,” Karen whispered. “Don’t do anything stupid. There’s a lot at stake so they will stop at nothing to make certain this deal goes through.”
“I know. I’ll call you later.”
“Take care of each other.” Karen shifted her eyes as Blaise came back into the room.
“Won’t let her out of my sight. That I assure you,” Blaise stated as he walked closer, a dashing grin on his face.
Karen looked back and forth between us before walking out the door.
He wrapped both arms around my waist, pulling me tightly against him. “We’ll get through this. I just wish you’d told me the truth all along.”
“I couldn’t,
Blaise. I don’t think I could face everything myself. I’m sorry.” The awkwardness had returned, that moment when you know what you’d shared would forever be changed. A level of trust had been broken and I wasn’t entirely certain I could forgive myself. My decisions had been impetuous, even though Joseph had used my vulnerability because of Stacy’s death.
“I don’t want to talk about it right now. We will later.” He pulled away, this time unable to look at me.
I fidgeted, hoping for anything else, to open the discussion with him, but there was silence. “I think I’m going to take a shower. If that’s all right.”
“Sure. That’s fine.” Blaise walked toward the kitchen.
As I ventured into his room, a shiver trickled all the way down my spine to my legs. I ran my fingers across his dresser, eyeing the bed. What we’d shared had been incredible, so full of passion. Even love. And now? I doubted we could ever be that close again.
I turned on the water as hot as I thought I could stand, shucking the hospital garb I’d been forced to wear. My reflection told no lies. There was a heady bruise just under one eye, several marks on my arms, and assorted bruises in other locations. But I was alive. I twisted until I was able to see my back and buttocks. The marks from Joseph’s session remained like a damn beacon, highlighting the sin I’d performed. The man had been far too happy to see my arrival, planning the perfect event.
Now, I knew why.
The word betrayal could be used on all sides. Still quivering, I eased into the shower, crowding under the water and tipping my head until a stream rushed down over my head. There wasn’t enough soap in the entire city to wash away depravity of my actions. I was disgusted with myself. I was sick to my stomach, sick at heart and lost in my own pathetic woes.
As tears formed, trickling down both sides of my face, I slapped my hand on the tile wall, the slight sting not enough pain. I did it over and over again, but the tears refused to stop. I remained huddled under the water, sobbing as silently as possible. This was something I’d have to work through.
I didn’t hear the shower door open, but I did feel a blast of cold air a split second before strong arms wrapped around me, scorching lips placed against my neck.
