I stopped my struggles, knowing we’d all need our strength before the night was through.
Eventually, the four of were pushed through the exit from the surging crowd behind. It was chaos, and by now the sky was billowing with acrid smoke as the sounds of the sirens drew near.
We staggered, coughing and hacking toward the street, and collapsed in one ungracious female heap on the edge of the sidewalk.
Susie sputtered, and wiped her tear-stained cheeks. “Can you see the fire-fighters,” she asked. “Is Brett there?”
“I see John,” Fran shouted, and stood up to wave frantically.
John, as chief, was too busy with his crew and dragging out the big hose to notice us girls in this crowd of terror—but he must have known we were there because he looked around once or twice.
“John,” Fran shouted again, but her voice was lost amongst the cries and screams of others.
In dismay, I looked around at the horde of people, knowing that they all couldn’t have been inside my bar tonight. Other residents must have seen the fire and heard the sirens, and they’d shown up to witness this latest aggressive assault on their neighborhood.
I saw them muttering, shaking their heads, giving the firefighters plenty of room, and us pitying glances. Some nodded at me, aware that I was the owner of the bar in flames.
I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t think. I was sucked into a vacuum of fear.
My Billy and Jake were still inside.
Lydia threw an arm around me, and I snuggled into her warmth for the much needed support. “There, there,” she said to me, as she would have spoken to her own four-year-old son.
I wondered for a second why she wasn’t home with him now. Jed owned his own successful construction business, and he was used to Lydia working long days, and coming and going at irregular hours. They had a nanny for Braden, and Jed was the kind of guy that could take care of himself.
Still, she should be home cuddling her boy instead of here supporting me—and my damn fight for justice. I buried my head in her shoulder, as everything I loved crumbled down around me.
They’d won, damn it. They hadn’t won clean, but they’d set fire to the Candy Bar and had darn near killed all the people in it—my friends, my son and all those who’d been willing to fight back by joining the Watch.
They’d done exactly what they’d set out to do.
Scared the people into submission.
I guess it was that final thought that unstuck the glue holding my tongue in place. I moved out of Lydia’s arms and stood tall. Well, as tall as my petite frame would allow.
“That’s it. It’s over. I’m done.” I raised my hands to the sky and lifted my face. “The bad guys won,” I said in defeat. “They can have this street. I don’t give a crap any longer. But if they’ve hurt one hair on my son’s head, or Jake’s for that matter, then I will see every one of them in hell.”
“I’m with you, Pal,” Fran said, and gave me a hug. “If anything happens to either of them, they’ll have to deal with the wrath of all four of us—and I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.”
“What’s taking them so long?” Susie said, her voice worried. “Is anyone else still inside?” Her teeth began to chatter. “What if Brett or John gets hurt? Or any of the firefighters? I’d like to kill those motherfuckers that did this.”
“Susie!” Fran put her hand over her mouth. “I’ve never heard you swear like that.”
“I’ve never had to before. But I mean it. Every word. I’ll rip their hearts out and feed it to my fish.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Oh, Susie. You probably would. You’re one of the most loyal women I know. And the others are standing right next to you.”
The four of us linked arms and stood there, giving strength to each other as we silently prayed for the safety of the men inside.
It seemed like forever, but was probably only a few minutes. The door opened and the first thing I saw was Billy. Next we saw John and Brett with a man on a stretcher.
I ran forward and the girls were right behind.
I threw my arms around Billy, and wiped soot of his face. My heart swelled with gratitude. My son was safe. For that one second, that was enough.
His eyes were grim. “It’s Jake,” he said gently. “He was in the back room where the fire was started. The bastards must have known about the cases of liquor back there. One flick of a match or whatever and poof! The damn place exploded. Some of the roof collapsed, pinning Jake underneath.’
I looked down at the stretcher. Jake’s beautiful face looked untouched. In shock, I wondered how that could be.
“Jake?” My hands trembled as I reached out to touch him.
John answered, “He’s alive…but we’ve got to get him to ER. Right away.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
My heart thundered in my chest. My legs felt weak, like they couldn’t support my weight. I swayed and clutched at John’s big-barreled chest.
“What’s wrong with him?” I cried. “John? He’s not going to die?” My voice rose in panic.
“Not if I can help it. Looks like broken ribs, possibly a punctured lung.”
I sighed and bit my lip. That didn’t sound quite so bad, but I knew Jake would be in terrible pain, and I ached for him too. “Thank you for finding him.”
Brett hugged Susie, who clung to him and couldn’t speak from crying.
John patted Fran on the back and nodded grimly. “We got lucky.” He looked at his wife, who was trying to put on a brave front. “You going to the hospital?” he asked quietly.
“Yes.” Fran’s eyes searched his, telling him things only the two could share.
“Good.” John turned away as the medics appeared at his side, and then strode back inside. To do what, I could only guess.
I knew that an arson investigator would be called—if someone hadn’t already—and that he’d be working in tandem with the police department who had their own Arson Unit. Because both Fran and Susie were married to firefighters I had a basic understanding of how things worked.
The firefighters would decide if the fire looked suspicious, then both the units would arrive before the embers died out. So, as much as I wanted to go to the hospital and be with Jake, I knew I had to stay behind and speak with the police. If they wanted me to point a finger toward a guilty party, I’d be happy to oblige.
“I’ve got to wait for the police,” I told my friends. “Billy and I will meet you later at the hospital.”
They nodded and gave me a hug, and I watched their backs until I couldn’t see them any longer.
Fuelled by righteous anger, I knew that I’d light the torch myself and burn the Candy Bar down, rather than have Jake or anyone that I cared about put in danger ever again.
“You okay?” Billy asked, putting a comforting arm around my shoulders.
I leaned into his strength for a moment, thinking how he had become a rock all of a sudden. I had always been the grown-up, the support system, and now it was me seeking my son’s comfort.
“I will be. But if anything happens to Jake…I don’t know what I’ll do.”
A police officer strode over to where we stood. “Miss Thompson?”
“Yes. That’s me. This is my son, Billy.”
Billy offered his hand.
“I’m Officer Shelton. I’ll be working this as a possible arson. Do you have any reason to think someone might have wanted to harm you or to destroy your business? Any enemies to speak of?”
I nodded and swallowed the dry acrid taste in my mouth. “Not sure who they are, but I know what they want.” I told the officer all I knew about the thugs who’d come in to the bar demanding protection money, and how my bartender had been falsely arrested.
“I’m sure these racketeers are behind this. But do I know their names? No. And of course, it’s only my opinion. I have no proof.”
“You’ve given us a motive, ma’am, and a good place to start.” He nodded and left to confer with others.
I called after him, and he turned toward me. “Officer Shelton. My bartender was badly injured. Can I go to the hospital now, or will you need me for further questions?”
“You’re free to leave. It’s going to be a long night here.” He handed me his card. “Give me your cell number and I’ll be in touch.”
As Billy and I headed toward the back of the building to my car, I noticed that the investigation had already begun. The crowds were still present at the scene, and uniformed officers were making their way slowly through the people. I presumed they were hoping to spot any known pyromaniacs watching the scene.
But I knew it wasn’t an act of a crazed person who got off on fires, but a businessman who wanted his monthly reward—cash payment that Jake and I had cheated him of.
An hour later, Billy and I arrived at the hospital and found Susie and Fran in the emergency waiting room. Lydia had gone home to be with Jed and her son, and she’d told the girls to call the moment they knew anything.
We didn’t see Jake for several hours but a doctor came out and told us what John had already guessed. The x-rays had confirmed the collapsed lung, and they’d inserted a tube to release the air, but he wasn’t out of the dark yet. The kindly doctor said they’d keep a close watch on him, but it was possible he’d need surgery.
While we waited, Billy called Katie and filled her in with the day’s terrible news.
Fran went downstairs and bought us all sandwiches and coffee, knowing we were all in for a long night.
“So what are you going to do, Candy?” Susie asked quietly. “I didn’t want you to sell before, but now I think you should. It isn’t safe for you to keep it.”
“I know. I feel the same way. Matter of fact, I just might call Carl Richards right now and tell him he can have the place as is.”
Billy laughed. “As is. That’s priceless. It’s not worth a cent.”
“Of course it is,” I told him. “The land alone would fetch a few million.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
“Well, holy shit. You’re a millionaire, Mom.” He grinned then his smile faded. “Guess that lets me out. I had my hopes of running this place.”
Fran walked back in just in time to hear the last remarks. “I never knew you were interested in the Candy Bar.”
“Sure. Why not? I could use some of that magic thrown my way.” He shrugged. “Besides, I have a business degree and figured I could step the place up a bit. South Beach is a happening place, and so’s the Candy Bar.”
“I’m with you, Billy,” Fran said. “I don’t think your mom should sell it.” Fran lifted her chin and had a stubborn look in her eye. “I’d hate for you to give in to them bastards. Excuse my French.”
“I don’t want to dump a bunch of money into the place and be mortgaged to the hilt, Fran. My heart’s not in it anymore.”
“What does your heart want to do?” she asked with a gentle smile.
“I want to do something useful for a change. Paying it forward—that kind of thing. My life took an interesting curve right after Billy was born, and it has given me more than I deserve. I want other women in similar circumstances to have a fair shake too. Sometimes they only need a little help to get back on their feet.”
“What were you thinking?” Susie asked.
“I want to open a home for unwed mothers, runaways, a shelter for abused women. Anyone who’s in trouble and needs a temporary place to stay. I could support it by running a thrift shop and accepting donations, or perhaps opening a small coffee shop/internet café.” I glanced at their curious faces. “I need to do some research and see what idea has more potential.”
“You have been doing some serious thinking.” Fran rubbed her hands together. “I love this idea. I really do. It’s so you, Candy, and I want to help.”
“Of course you do.” I couldn’t help but grin. “But exactly how? I don’t even know how much work will be involved putting this together. I’d need to find a location, get permits. The fulfillment of this dream could take years.”
“I could jumpstart it, I suppose by giving a benefit concert. Raise some money to rebuild the bar, help clean up the area. Just think—perhaps the Candy Bar could be the first location for your shelter.” Her face warmed with the idea. “The women could certainly use some magic in their lives.”
“I’m sure there isn’t enough space to rebuild it the way I’d like,” I told her. “And this is a commercial street, not exactly a place where women could find a safe haven.”
Billy spoke up. “Besides, I still want to run the bar.”
I laughed. “So, after all these years, you admit there’s something special about the place? And you have to wait until it burns down to see this?”
“I saw it. You were ready to move on before I could state my case,” Billy said.
Fran put her hands on her plump hips. “I don’t care what you decide to do with the bar, but I’m going to have a benefit just the same.” She laughed. “What’s the point of being rich and famous if you can’t throw a big party and invite everyone to come?”
Susie raised a hand. “I’m in too. I’ll do something to beautify the street.” Her pretty face became animated. “You know, Dad knows plenty of people in the city council, and I bet he could get me in touch with the right people.” She rushed on, “I’m picturing a small square in the middle of the street with plantings…and I could do a sculpture, something big and arty, and donate it to the town.”
“My dear friends,” I said and grabbed each of their hands. “This is so not going to happen, but thanks for all the lovely thoughts.”
“And why not?” they both asked.
Susie pouted. “Why are you such a party pooper?”
“I don’t know. We don’t have time, for one. It would take months to organize all these wonderful plans of yours.”
“So who’s under a time constraint?” Fran asked. “You said it could take you years to get this new venture up and running. We might be able to move things along a little faster with some financial backing.”
“I never said I needed financial backing. And if I do, there are banks for that.”
“Stop being a pain in the ass,” Susie said, with an exasperated shake of her head.
Fran nodded. “We want to do this. Get it?” She looked at Billy. “Don’t you want to see a big concert in the middle of Hibiscus Street?”
“Sure I do,” Bill answered. “Although I’m not sure who would come with the place stinking of smoke.”
“That’s the point, isn’t it?” she argued. “Entertainers do this kind of thing all the time. Relief benefits to help out people who’ve lost everything due to some horrific force of nature. This won’t be on that big of a scale, but I’m sure I could get Jay Carpenter to come, and a few other recording stars. Just three or four of us throwing a street concert—supporting a neighborhood willing to fight for their rights and combat crime.”
“Oh, Fran, Susie. I love you both, I do. But really…let’s not get carried away.”
Billy frowned. “We don’t need Jay Carpenter, do we? He’s a jerk, if you ask me.”
All eyes turned to Billy.
“What?” He shrugged, and his ruddy cheeks darkened. “You think I didn’t know he was screwing my mom?”
“Billy!” I put my hand over my mouth in shock. “How could you say that?”
“Well, I’m not stupid. I saw you and him in tabloid pictures together. Not that I buy them, but one stared me right in the face at a check-out counter.” He looked at the floor. “I was just getting some groceries.”
“Oh, Billy. I’m so sorry.”
“My girlfriend at the time thought it was really cool.” He shrugged. “At least it got me laid.”
This time I blushed. “Please…I don’t want to hear about your sex life.”
“Trust me. Neither did I want to hear about yours.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Oh crap! My own son knew I’d been f
lat on my back, heels-in-the-air-in-love or lust with some guy who’d thought I was his “good-time-Sally.”
I couldn’t look him in the eye. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you knew.”
“Doesn’t much matter. Although I’m kind of glad you’re not seeing him anymore.” He gave me a suspicious look. “What’s going on with you and Katie’s father? I hope you’re showing some common sense there.”
I heard Susie snicker and shot her a dirty glance.
Fran spoke for me. “Oh, come now. We have more important things to worry about than your mom’s poor selection in men. Heck, I’m still rooting for Jake.”
“Speaking of which, shouldn’t we be able to see him now?” I glanced at my watch. “They’ve had him for three hours. What’s going on?”
Billy marched over to the lady sitting at a desk, a volunteer who monitored the phone and the coming and going of visitors to ER.
He gave his name and asked about Jake Montano.
The lady got on the phone to inquire then gave us the good news. “You can go in now. But only two at a time.”
Billy and I went first, and my pulse was beating as rapidly as a Mariachi band on steroids.
“I’m nervous,” I said to Billy. “What if he doesn’t make it?”
“Then you’ll just have to find someone else.”
I punched him and grinned. “You can be such an idiot.”
“You should talk. Should have married him years ago.”
“Now you tell me.”
We walked into the hushed, starched white room. The nurse nodded at us, and spoke reassuringly. “Hi. I’m Krista, and I’ll be taking care of him all night. He’s doing fine.” She smiled. “He was awake a little while ago, but you just missed it.”
She busied herself, adjusting the IV lines. He had one in his hand and an airflow of oxygen in his nose.
“They said he might need surgery for his collapsed lung,” I told her. “Is that what took so long?”
The nurse glanced at both of us. “Didn’t a doctor come and speak with you?” At our shake of the head, she said, “We’ve been exceptionally busy tonight, I’m afraid. Big accident on the Turnpike. So who is the next of kin?”
The Candy Bar Complete - 4 book box set: Candy Bar Series Page 83
