Mercury handed over the same T-shirt as before. She put it on but remained on Frank’s lap. She looked at it as she pulled it away from her belly.
“Do you give this to women often?” she asked Mercury.
He shook his head, reached out, and covered her knee with his hand. “You’re the only one, C.C., and I think it fits perfectly.”
“Okay. I guess since you’re willing to take a chance like this, I should be honest with you. I left New York because it was sucking the life out of me. A year ago my brother, Banks, and brother-in-law, Lionel, were killed in a fire. They were firefighters.”
“Jesus,” Mercury said, and Frank felt his chest tighten as he watched Jenks’s reaction.
“It was bad, and the fire looked to have been started on purpose, but a thorough investigation couldn’t prove arson.”
“We’re so sorry, baby. That must have been hell,” Kyle told her.
“It was, and my sister, Clare, took it so badly that she couldn’t even take care of her two little kids. I was doing it. Taking care of them, taking them everywhere, and acting like their mother, and it got to be too much. Plus, I was comforting my mom, and she had never wanted Banks to be a firefighter. My dad was a police officer, and he was killed in the line of duty by some guy drugged out on LSD.”
Frank caressed her arm and leaned forward to kiss her shoulder. “No wonder you’re so cautious about getting involved with all of us.”
“There’s more,” she whispered, and Frank looked at his brothers over her shoulder and could see how concerned they were.
“I was dating someone. He was good friends with Banks and Lionel. A soldier who was waiting to get onto the fire department. Two weeks after my brother’s and Lionel’s deaths, Parker committed suicide and set his house on fire.”
“Holy crap,” Kyle whispered, and she turned to look at Frank.
“They said that maybe he had PTSD and that I didn’t know it. We were only together a couple of months, and well, when he died, it just didn’t make sense to me, and it still doesn’t. I may not have known Parker long, but I don’t believe he killed himself. The detectives working the investigation didn’t get anywhere. It was a mess, and dealing with it all for the better part of a year took its toll.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean I was staying there and living my sister’s life for her and raising her kids. I was also the woman who’d lost a boyfriend, brother, and brother-in-law in the same month, and I had to break free and survive. I was suffocating there. I didn’t feel safe there. I was always thinking that someone was watching me and that I was next.”
“Damn, C.C., and no one ever came up with anything that could lead to arson?” Jenks asked.
“There were a few detectives working the cases, but to be honest, they dismissed my questions, the anxiety, and fear as results of emotional trauma. It really doesn’t matter. I left anyway. My sister was pissed off at first, but I know it was the best for her and for the kids. They needed their mother, not their aunt trying to replace their mother. My mom actually supported my move, but we were never that close anyway. She was good with being around her friends and just trying to move on.”
“We’re sorry you had to go through all of that. No wonder you’re scared, C.C. I don’t know what I can say to take away your fear except to tell you that this feels right. Having you here with us and holding you on my lap, you fit, if that makes any sense,” Frank told her.
“I feel it, too. I do. I’m not denying that, but when I think about the pain, the loss, and the fear I had back in New York, I just feel a bit gun-shy.”
“So you are interested in pursuing this?” Mercury asked.
She looked at them and waited a moment. “Yes.”
He could hear his brothers exhale in relief, and he felt relieved, too. Frank pulled her close and hugged her to his chest. He lifted her legs so that he cradled her in his arms and stared down into her eyes.
“We’ll go slow, baby. As slow as you need.” He ran his palm along her thigh and under her shirt to her belly.
“Not too slow. You’re just so appealing,” Kyle told her.
She smiled and reached out her hand to his. He took it, brought it to his lips, and kissed her knuckles.
“Then now would probably be a good time to call it a night. I have work tomorrow anyway.”
They protested her leaving and got her to stay a little longer, but then it was time to let her go. Frank couldn’t believe how difficult it was to release her.
Chapter 4
Detective Chris Factor stared at the computer screen. He couldn’t believe it. How had the arson investigators not caught any of these details? Was this arsonist so keen, so smart and experienced that he could hide the way he torched the house, the building, and even the car?
What made him make the 911 call? That was the only factor that had led the investigators on the scene to treat the car bombing as murder. He looked down at the files. At first it had been hard, to say the least, to deal with looking at the photos and reading the circumstances of his friends’ deaths. Banks was a good man and a great firefighter. They hung out a bunch of times and with the same crowds of friends. Chris had even considered asking C.C. out, but then she started dating that guy Parker. He’d been jealous, but Parker had turned out to be a really nice guy, a soldier, someone he could see C.C. with. But what was the connection, the link between Parker, Banks, Lionel, and Detective Plank, other than fire and their deaths? Did this guy have some sort of grudge against them? Maybe he’d found out that Plank had evidence to use against him and he wanted to kill him before he could expose who the arsonist was?
“Hey, you still trying to figure out some psycho arsonist’s way of thinking?” Ray Spanno, one of the fire marshals, asked as he took a seat next to Chris. He had a bunch of files.
“I don’t understand what was missed. He would have gotten away with all of this, Ray. Why did he make that call?”
“To send a message to us. He knows we haven’t dropped this case. He’s not finished yet. I’ve seen this before. We just need to figure out what his actual plan may be and his next move. Will he go after one of us? Someone close to Banks, Lionel, or even Parker, or is this something related to their professions and the fact that he saw Parker as a firefighter wannabe and a soldier who stands for good against evil? My head has been spinning with ideas, too. Let’s look at these files of the more recent cases of arson or fires that the engine company Lionel and Banks were in responded to.”
“I guess so. Why the hell not?” he said and took the top file. It was going to be a long night. But they had to figure out who this asshole was before someone else got killed.
* * * *
C.C. looked at the clock behind the bar. It was only eleven. She couldn’t believe how slowly time was passing and how busy the place was. But she didn’t feel as if she was working that hard trying to keep up. To her, it seemed most of the people here were sipping their drinks, taking their time and watching football. She always loved the fall and watching the games with friends at one of the local bars. It was something to do. She thought about the guys as she leaned against the bar and overheard some firefighters talking about a small fire from a gas grill that could have been a lot worse. That made her imagine Jenks and even Mercury. What if something happened to them? What if they were caught in a fire? She then thought about Kyle and Frank. Accidents happened in mechanic shops all the time. Were they being careful?
She tried to clear her head. She was losing her mind. Why did she have to think such morbid thoughts? Why was she feeling so negative?
Probably because I can’t stop thinking about their bodies or the way they touch me. It feels so good and makes me want more. But if I get involved with them and something goes wrong, then what? I won’t be able to go on. I won’t.
It’s not a good idea. But I like them. A lot. Oh God. She exhaled and then looked up to see Burt watching her.
“Are you oaky?”
�
��Yes.”
He raised one of his eyebrows up at her as he leaned closer against the bar.
“No. Not really, but I’m working it out,” she added.
“Is someone bothering you?”
“No. Nothing like that.” She couldn’t help but smile softly. Burt was such a nice man. She really liked him and Jerome.
“I got it, men problems. Those St. James boys finally made a move?”
She gasped, mouth open, shocked that he knew and had said that.
He smiled. “About damn time. Was it Kyle or Mercury who made the first move?”
“Frank, well, all of them actually,” she told him, and he chuckled.
“Holy crap. Jerome, come over here.” Jerome, who’d been talking to some guys at the other end of the bar, came closer. Burt gave Jerome a nudge in the shoulder. “The St. James boys made a move already.”
“No way. Was it Kyle or Mercury?” Jerome asked.
“Why are you asking that too? It was actually all of them.”
“Frank and Jenks?” Jerome asked and then whistled.
“Details please,” Burt said. “How the heck did it happen so quickly? You just moved in on Friday.”
She explained about the little boy drowning and her rescuing him, about the cuts on her thighs and about meeting the parents.
“Louise, Mark, Rich, and Travis are great people. I bet they just loved you.”
She smiled. “They were very nice. It was a great day considering the earlier scary event.”
“So when are you seeing them again?”
“I haven’t completely decided that I would.”
“Why not? Don’t you like them?”
“I do, but there are things.”
“What things?” Jerome asked.
She looked around and saw that some people needed to order some drinks. Jerome had to fill an order, too.
“I’ll be back.”
“You better be and we want the whole story,” Jerome said.
She chuckled before she headed over to another table to get some drink orders. In between getting the drinks and then delivering them, she began telling Burt and Jerome about New York and what had happened. They were so sweet and understanding and filled with great advice.
“You told them all about this?” Jerome asked.
“I told them everything last night. It was intense, and I’m still not sure what to do.”
“What does your heart say?” Burt asked.
She smiled. “If it were only that easy.”
“Why can’t it be?” Burt asked.
“Because everything that seems perfect eventually turns to shit. It’s the way I’ve seen it go down and have experienced. I can’t explain my reservations. It’s like I’m afraid to feel any more pain or loss.”
“Well, honey,” Burst said, “I hate to tell you this, but that’s out of your control. Part of life is loving and losing. Pain is inevitable, especially when you’re such a good, big-hearted person like yourself. You said you did social work and worked for the Red Cross. You had to have seen some pretty sad things but also some happy ones, too.”
“Of course I did.”
“Well, every one of those people made choices that had consequences or they got involved with things that resulted in different outcomes. It’s all part of living life, C.C. Why not take things slow and see how it goes? Maybe it will finally be your time of happiness after such tragedy and loss.”
“I’ve been thinking that too, but then I get scared. I’m not even dating them, and I’m already worried about them getting hurt or, God forbid, killed in their professions. It’s so morbid, and it’s making me crazy. I don’t know. I need time to think about it.”
“I’m sure the guys will give you the time you need. I’ve never seen them involved with any other women. They keep to themselves and only Kyle and Mercury come here to hang out with friends or to keep eyes on you.” Jerome gave a wink.
“Kyle and Frank were the first St. James men you met when you stumbled into town, weren’t they?” Burt asked and winked and left it at that. It made her wonder about destiny and how things just seemed to fall into place.
Maybe she should call home and check on everyone. That might make her feel better, too. Now her mind went to thoughts of her sister. She needed to prepare herself for the worst response. But enough time had passed. Maybe her sister was doing just fine. She hoped so. There went getting a good night’s sleep tonight. How had her life become so complicated, and when would she ever breathe easy?
* * * *
“Why do you look so fucking tired?” Kyle asked Frank as he stood by the garage workbench at the shop staring at all the tools and supplies, and saw Frank yawn for the dozenth time.
Frank shot his brother a dirty look then glanced at one of the other mechanics. “Can you finish this off? I need some fucking coffee.”
The other guy nodded, and Kyle watched Frank walking toward him. He moved out of the way, seeing the pissed-off expression on his face. Something was up.
He walked inside the office with him and the empty waiting area.
“What’s going on, Frank?”
“Nothing,” Frank barked as he pulled out a disposable cup and filled it with coffee.
“Bullshit nothing. Didn’t you get enough sleep last night?”
“No. I didn’t.”
‘Why not?”
“What’s with the twenty fucking questions, Kyle? I fucking couldn’t sleep, okay?”
Kyle raised a hand and placed the coffee cup down on the counter. He looked over his shoulder to be sure no one heard him.
“You having those flashbacks again?” he asked, knowing that Frank had experienced heavy shit in the service. He didn’t have PTSD or, if he did, it was mild from what the doctors told him, but here and there under stress or when he couldn’t sleep, he had symptoms.
Frank shot him a look and then caught himself.
“It was a bad night. Then it didn’t help that I heard a noise outside and looked out the window to see C.C. riding her bike and then stumbling. She was probably so fucking tired. It was after three in the fucking morning.” Frank ran his fingers through his hair. He took a sip from the coffee cup.
“Damn, she shouldn’t be riding her bike that late at night from the Station. Anything could happen to her. Shit.”
“Exactly. That was what I started thinking, and before long, crazy thoughts filled my head. I dozed off from exhaustion, and bam, at fucking five thirty the alarm clock went off. I’m fucking beat.”
“We should talk to her about making arrangements for a ride.”
“She’s not going to let us. She isn’t even sure she wants this relationship.”
“That’s not true, Frank. She wants it, but considering what she told us, she’s scared. It’s understandable. To have experienced that kind of loss can’t be easy to adjust to. I’m willing to take my time, but we should see if we can compromise about her riding her bike. Maybe work out a system of her letting us know that she arrived home safely. Like text us or ring our phone when she leaves work and then again as soon as she gets into her house?”
“That might work. Then whoever is up the latest, or if Jenks and Mercury are working night shifts, they can get the call and text and we won’t have to worry so much,” Frank added, and Kyle smiled.
“See, bro, it can work out just fine. We need to keep our cool and give her some space to adjust. We don’t exactly want to come across as overprotective, controlling dicks.”
“Speak for yourself, Kyle. You’ve seen her sexy body. You’ve tasted her lips, and spent time with her. She’s ours, and I’m already feeling pretty damn possessive. I want her in every fucking way. I didn’t think I would ever feel this way. It’s almost a feeling of desperation.”
“You’re not alone it that. I feel it too, but I’m trying to be understanding. Hell, I even thought about her tattoo along her hip and that belly piercing. Fuck, we’re so screwed.”
“You’re not fuckin
g kidding. Maybe we should make plans to see her tonight?”
Kyle smiled. “I’ll text her now.”
* * * *
C.C. was so tired, but she couldn’t sleep. She started off thinking more about Clare and the kids then about her brother, her brother-in-law, and then Parker. Before long that led to thoughts of the St. James brothers and, of course, no sleep. She forced herself out of bed to shower and then have a cup of coffee. She’d just finished brushing her teeth when she heard her cell phone buzz. A text message. She really needed to call her sister and get it over with.
She walked out of the bathroom in her tank top and short shorts and reached for her cell phone.
Kyle.
She smiled.
Hey, beautiful. What’s up?
She felt her belly quiver with excitement as she sat on the bed and texted back.
Tired. Couldn’t sleep. How are you?
Missing you. Do you have plans for later? Want to do dinner at our place?
She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. She would so love to be with them. Everything seemed better, perfect when she was with them. But she knew if she said yes that she would probably sleep with them. She just couldn’t get them out of her head, and honestly, she didn’t want to.
Are you still there?
She chuckled.
Yes. Lol. Sounds good to me. What can I bring?
Your bikini. ;)
She chuckled.
Nice one, Kyle. Seriously, what can I make? How about dessert?
I was thinking you would be dessert.
How original!
Lol…okay, dessert sounds fine. Is 7 good?
Perfect. See you then.
Can’t wait.
She pulled the phone to her chest and sighed as she smiled wide. There was so much to do. What should I make? What should I wear? I need to go to the store really quick. I need to shave and check all the important areas. She laughed out loud. She was going to do this. God, the anticipation was going to kill her.
Shit. I need to call Clare. I have to call her.
Hearts on Fire 8: Saving C.C. (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 8
