Brave The Storm (Storm Warning Series Book 6)

by Geri Foster

  Cup in hand, he arrived to find State Fire Marshall, Eddie Goldman, and Jeremy Brewers from Code Enforcement waiting for him.

  “Good morning, gentlemen,” he said, shaking hands. “I grabbed a couple of hours of extra sleep this morning. It was a long night.”

  Eddie held up his hand. “No problem here.”

  Jeremy agreed as they refilled their coffee cups and headed for the burned dwelling. He asked Beck to join them since he was at the front of the dwelling during the fire.

  Pulling up across the street from the site, he got a little sick. When you see everything a person owns charred beyond recognition, it rips out your heart. A lifetime of memories gone forever. He hated that Sam and Amanda would come back to this.

  He stepped from his Fire Chief vehicle and Grandma Hope approached him. “The town has already set about gathering up things Sam and Amanda are going to need. Tell them not to worry about little things.”

  “Thank you, Grandma Hope. I sure appreciate everything you ladies do.”

  She frowned. “Well, then you’d better work things out with Olivia or I’m going to load up my purse with canned peaches and pay you a visit, young man.”

  She turned and walked away, her head held high. He had no idea why she’d bring him a bunch of canned peaches and he didn’t have time to figure it out.

  Moving across the street, they joined the men staring at the wreckage. Nothing smoldered. The fire had been completely extinguished last night before they left the scene. Luckily, the Hollins’ had a two-acre lot. He and the firemen hadn’t had to worry about nearby property, where the fire could have spread.

  Everyone put on hard hats and rubber boots, then waded into the burned-out dwelling, being careful to watch where they stepped and what hung above their heads.

  “Where did you first notice the smoke?” Eddie asked, clipboard in hand.

  “When I got here,” he replied, “the smoke was contained to the upper back of the house. That led me to believe maybe the fire started in the attic, but it moved too quickly. Winds were less than seven miles per hour and yet the flames were roaring like a forest fire.”

  “I inspected this house ten years ago when the Hollins’ built it and it passed every inspection. It’s a nice, solid house. I’m in agreement with Griff on this one,” Jeremy concluded. “It burned way too fast for a house this new and well-constructed.”

  “Any flammable material in or around the house?” Eddie asked.

  “No,” Beck said. “When we pulled up there was no debris anywhere in sight. Well maintained shrubs and decorative trees, but nothing that would hazard a fire.”

  He, Beck and Jeremy all stayed at the front of the building, allowing the Fire Marshall to check everything out on his own so as not to influence his report one way or the other. He would wait until Goldman finished, then, he’d tell him what he’d observed while fighting the fire. He’d smelled accelerant, and that could only mean one thing.

  Arson.

  Chapter 10

  Olivia didn’t think the day would ever end. She practically dragged herself out of the hospital at the end of her shift, planning to go home and crash. A cold glass of wine and a long bath waited for her once she arrived and she could barely stand the anticipation.

  She yawned as she clicked her garage door, drove inside and closed the door behind her. Getting out of the car, she slung her purse over her shoulder and opened the kitchen door. Inside, her stomach growled. All day she’d try to get to the cafeteria and it just hadn’t happened.

  She groaned, wishing she’d stopped at a drive-thru on the way home. Now it was either order a pizza or have cereal, and she didn’t trust the milk in her fridge.

  Wanting to shed her uniform, she went into the bedroom and slipped into a comfortable pair of jeans and a light sweater. Back in the kitchen, she dug her cell phone out of her purse, intending to call for food, but paused. Pizza just didn’t sound all that appealing.

  A knock sounded at her door and she frowned. She wasn’t expecting anyone. From her security camera she saw Griff standing on her doorstep with a bowl in his hand. Curious, she opened the door.

  “Hey,” he said cheerfully. “I have dozens of these.” He held out a casserole of ham and potatoes. “I thought you might be hungry after work and not feel like cooking.”

  She eyed the dish hungrily, her mouth watering at the thought of homemade food. Swallowing the moisture in her mouth, she looked to him and said, “I was just going to order a pizza.”

  He held up the item. “Looks like I saved you. Take it and enjoy.”

  Without hesitation, she took it and hugged it to her chest. He turned to leave but she called out, stopping him. “What are you eating tonight?”

  “Are you kidding? I have a whole menu over there,” he laughed.

  She glanced down at the casserole. “You up to sharing this with me?”

  He tilted his head, a smile playing about his lips. “You have a cold beer to go with it?”

  She smiled timidly and nodded.

  “I’m in.”

  She opened the door wider and he entered. As he looked around, she placed the dish in the microwave and opened the fridge for two beers.

  He whistled. “This is a nice place.”

  Glancing around, she agreed. “I like it.”

  “I do too.” He moved to the back patio and looked out. “You have a pool too.”

  “Wouldn’t live in Texas without one.” She handed him a beer and took a sip of her own.

  “I’m looking forward to mine. I had one at the apartment complex I lived at in Dallas, but it was always packed, which meant you could never do laps.”

  “Then you’re really going to like your own.”

  She put her beer on the counter and took down two plates and silverware. Glancing up at him, she said, “I’m sorry, but I have nothing. No bread, no salad, no side dish to serve with this.”

  He smiled. “That’s okay, I’m so hungry, I don’t care.”

  The microwave dinged and, after removing the dish and putting it on the table, she took a seat and motioned for him to as well. Holding out a serving spoon, he held up the plates and she scooped the delicious ham and potatoes onto them.

  “This smells delicious,” he said, picking up his fork.

  “It is good. Rachel’s mom, Shirley, made it. She makes the best scalloped potatoes in town.” She picked up her fork and took a bite.

  Moving his own fork to his mouth, he tasted the food and groaned.

  “I told you,” she said. “The woman is a genius.”

  “I may not be a great judge. I didn’t get a chance to eat today.”

  “I didn’t either. I thought I’d starve.”

  “You that busy at the hospital?”

  “We had two nurses call in sick. It was either do back to back surgeries or reschedule.”

  “Brutal.”

  “You can say that again.” She took a sip of her beer. “How did the inspection go? Did you find the cause of the fire?”

  “Not officially.” He braced his forearms on the table. “This goes no further than this table, but Eddie Goldman and I both suspect arson.”

  She swallowed hard. “Are you kidding?”

  He shook his head. “And after revisiting the site this morning, I could still smell the accelerant.”

  “You’re serious?” She couldn’t believe anyone in Rainwater would burn down the Hollins’ house. They were one of the nicest couples in town.

  “I’m afraid so.”

  “What did Lucas and David say?”

  He leaned back. “No one is saying much yet because we want to know exactly what we’re dealing with, but it all points toward arson.”

  “I can’t believe that. This is a good, clean, wholesome town. We don’t do arson and crazy things like that.”

  “I know,” he said. “Trust me, I didn’t want to start out dealing with this.”

  “Yeah, that kind of sucks for you.”

  “Your dad
is staying close, to help all he can, but there wasn’t any arson while he was Chief.”

  “No, I don’t think we’ve ever dealt with something like that in Rainwater at all.” She propped her elbows on the table and picked up her beer. “Can we handle it?”

  “We don’t have a choice. If there is someone out there setting fire to homes we have to stop him.”

  “How?”

  “Any way we can.”

  Considering the implications, she shook her head on a deep inhale. “Oh my. I never thought we’d have a problem like this here.”

  “I know. It really is too bad. I talked to the Hollins’ today. I decided to wait until they get back to talk to them about arson.”

  “Good idea. But aren’t they waiting for a grandchild to be born?”

  He gave her a crooked smile. “A little girl. Born yesterday morning at 6:45, eight pounds, three ounces. Cynthia Lynn Nielsen.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful. I bet they’re proud.”

  “They are. Sam said they will be leaving for home Saturday. So, they won’t be that long.”

  “Aw, that’s good news.” She sobered. “But they don’t even have a place to live.”

  “Their son is going to put them up until they can find a place.”

  “Good, he’s a nice guy.” They were silent for a moment, then, she pointed to his empty bottle. “Another beer?”

  He shook his head. “No thanks. I’m going to spend some serious time with my head on a pillow tonight.”

  “Me too.” Her eyes met his across the table and she blushed, realizing the way that could be taken. They’d both be sleeping, of course, but in different beds.

  Griff smiled a little, his eyes twinkling as he raised his beer to his lips and took a sip. Guess he got the innuendo as well.

  Lowering the bottle, he tilted his head and said, “I remember those nights we shared a pillow.”

  Heat rose from her chest to scorch her cheeks even brighter and she lowered her head, hiding from his blatant scrutiny. “That was a long time ago.”

  “Funny how it can feel like yesterday.” She bit her lip, peeking up at him, and he cleared his throat. “I drove to the old High School yesterday and I swear I heard the school band blaring, cheerleaders rallying, and the coach screaming at us football players.”

  She smiled at all those familiar memories. “I know. Sometimes it’s almost frightening.”

  “Yeah, so much history.”

  She glanced up at him and held his eyes. “I want you to know that I don’t believe there was anything between you and Sheila.” She shook her head and glanced away. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  After a moment, he said, his voice gruff, “I’ve thought a lot about it.” At the sound of his voice, she turned to look at him, expecting to see censure, anger, pain. She nearly lost her breath at what she saw there instead. He was grateful, relieved…happy. “We were so young, Olivia,” he continued. “You, even more than me. Hell, you were still a teenager. What we were feeling for each other, it was huge. Maybe bigger than we were ready for.”

  She considered that. “Did you feel that way then?” she asked, scared of the answer, but needing to know.

  “Hell no,” he replied immediately. “I was ready to marry you, Olivia. I wanted it to be you and me forever. What I’m saying is, I can understand why you did what you did. And,” he swallowed hard. “I forgive you.”

  Stunned, her mouth fell open. “How? How can you forgive me? I ruined us, Griff. Caused us both so much pain.”

  Standing, he came around and knelt before her. “Because you’re here now, aren’t you? We made it back to each other. That’s what counts.” She was silent long enough that worry invaded his happy expression. “Aren’t we, Olivia?”

  “I, I,” she stammered. “This is all moving so fast. After everything with Clint—it wasn’t that long ago. I don’t,” she faltered. She wasn’t sure what to say. What she was feeling.

  His smoky gray eyes stared all the way to her soul and she feared he’d see it all, see too much. All her pain and heartache.

  Just when she thought she couldn’t take it any longer, he nodded once and stood. Clearing his throat, he rubbed his hand over his mouth and nodded again.

  “Okay. I understand.”

  Without another word, he turned and left. She wished she knew what it was he understood, because she had no idea what had just happened. In that moment, she felt like she’d lost him all over again.

  * * *

  Griff walked back to his house lighter than he had been in years. Olivia finally, finally understood what he’d been saying all along. The whole mess with Sheila was just a complete misunderstanding. Unlocking his door, he entered his home and closed the door behind him, sagging against it. There really was a chance for him and Olivia again. She might not be ready yet, and that was understandable given all she’d been through, but there was hope. And that was all he needed to keep fighting.

  It was a lot easier than he ever thought it would be to forgive her for not trusting him. Over the years, all the ‘could have beens’ had driven him crazy, kept him up at night, and sent his world into a tailspin. But none of that mattered anymore. The only thing that mattered was what could be.

  Smiling, he thought of their first time together. They’d been in his Camaro, making out in the back seat when, all of a sudden, she’d said she wanted him. Needed him. His heart had hammered so loudly against his ribs he’d thought for sure she could hear it. He’d made sure it was something she really wanted and that it wasn’t just the heat of the moment, and when she assured him it was, that was it.

  It had been the most amazing thing that ever happened to him. She must’ve predicted where they were headed because she’d managed to get a prescription for birth control pills. Imagine their surprise when she’d caught the flu and her period didn’t come on time.

  Surprisingly, he hadn’t panicked. They’d always planned to get married. He just figured they’d be moving up the date. She was nineteen and he had a fairly decent job. He was confident they’d make it. But it turned out to be a false alarm. Part of him was sad by the news. He’d liked that their love for one another had come together to make a baby. But, then, the more rational side of him understood that it was too soon. They were too young for that.

  Turns out it was a good thing, because the whole Sheila Calhoun mess happened two days after they learned Olivia wasn’t pregnant. He could only imagine what she would have done if she was pregnant at the time. The thought of having lost both her and a baby was too much to bear.

  But that hadn’t happened. No, everything was working out. He was home. He’d live here for the rest of his life. His wife and kids would share this place with him. He felt proud about the choice he’d made. Glancing out the French doors, he smiled. And that pool sure helped him make the decision.

  For the first time in his life he couldn’t wait for a Texas summer to get here so he could dive into his cool, refreshing pool. And it would belong to him and him alone. He didn’t have to share it with other occupants. No pool hours, no diving off the side, no running.

  Fuck all that!

  His tummy full, he showered, put on a pair of shorts and returned to his living room and clicked on the TV. He’d barely relaxed when a knock sounded at the door and Lucas walked in without waiting for an invitation.

  “Hey, buddy.”

  “Hey, yourself,” he replied. “Good thing I didn’t have a house full of naked girls.”

  “You’re damn right it is. Rachel would get really pissed at me if I was anywhere near another naked woman. Especially with the possibility of her being pregnant and her hormones bouncing all over the place.”

  He grinned. “Lucky bastard.”

  “Bullshit. I waited eight years to get her back.”

  “Well, just so you know, if I have a room full of naked women the door will be locked and you’ll need to go away.”

  They both laughed.

  “Want a beer
?” he asked, preparing to get up.

  Lucas shook his head. “No, I’m good.” His eyes fell on all the food covering the counter. “Man, what are you going to do with all that?”

  “You’re taking several dishes home with you when you leave,” he laughed, settling back down.

  “Take it to the station. They’ll eat it.”

  “I already took several dishes from yesterday’s delivery. This is today’s mother lode.”

  “Wow! The ladies of the town must be glad you came back home.”

  “Or they’re all trying to fatten me up so I won’t qualify next year and get me fired.”

  “Nah, that’s not how they work. If they didn’t want you, you’d know it. Trust me.”

  He shook his head at the good-natured ribbing. “Have a seat. What do you need?”

  Lucas tugged at his jeans and leaned back on the couch. “I wanted to ask you privately what you thought about Eddie Goldman’s suspicions.”

  “If he suspects anything he won’t stop until he finds out what he needs to know so you can arrest who’s responsible.”

  “I know he’s good.”

  “Did you check out the Hollins’ and their son? You know, the family and insurance money.”

  “I had that done before noon and they passed muster. They have a nice sum in the bank, good retirement. You know Sam worked for the railroad.”

  “Yeah, I seem to remember that.”

  “Well, he retired and is making good money.”

  “And the son?”

  “He’s not so stable, but I don’t think he’d burn down his parents’ house. I mean, he doesn’t stand to gain anything by that kind of action.”

  “Then who?”

  “I don’t know, but between you and me, I’m hoping this is an isolated incident. The last thing we need is a flamer.”

  “Man, you can say that again. And again and again. I don’t want to have to deal with one of those. They can destroy half the town before we’re able to do anything.”

  “That’s why I’m here, Griff. I don’t want to wait two weeks to get Goldman’s report back. I want us to start looking now.”