by Piper Stone
But, tonight? One juicy cheeseburger. And maybe a little flirting. She grinned as she walked up the stairs toward the bedroom.
After throwing on a different blouse, she headed out. This was an adventure after all and she was a big girl. She could find her way. The truck remained daunting as she drove down the winding road, going back the way she came. Only when she reached the main road did the bars on her phone become prominent. She pulled into a gas station and flipped to the internet. To her surprise, Ziggy’s was only a couple of miles away.
The parking lot was full, the vehicles an interesting combination of pick-up trucks and well, more pick-up trucks. Maybe Ana had known what she was doing. She found a spot in back and had to convince herself to walk inside. What if she was recognized? What if she was hassled? The what ifs were going to fry her brain. Counting to five, she opened the door and fell out onto the pavement. The drop was just enough to skin the heels of her hands. Groaning, she darted a look in both directions. Yep, a tourist in action.
She grabbed her purse and slammed the door, wiping her hands on her jeans, laughing the entire way to the entrance. Walking inside wasn’t just surprising, the experience was delightful. Seeing the flashing neon signs, the expansive dining room and elongated bar was inviting, even comforting. The crowd was lively, their voices booming over the multiple television sets and jukebox style country music. Her usual hangout was a corner jazz bar, the sometimes pianist and sultry singer. The only electricity coming from a few claps at the end of a set.
“Would you like a table?” the hostess asked as she swung her hips back and forth to the music.
“I don’t know,” Trinity had to admit. “Maybe just the bar?”
“You’ll be lucky if you find a spot. Game night,” she said then narrowed her eyes. “You’ve never been here before so let me see what I can do.”
Seemed everyone realized she was a newcomer. She waited as she studied the crowd of men and women, various ages and sizes and while her rather keen observation skills allowed her to pick out those with money, she could tell no one cared. Missoula wasn’t about who had the fancier and more expensive car or conversations revolving around the latest conquest, whether in real estate or women. Everyone just wanted to have a good time.
“Follow me,” the hostess beckoned.
She trailed behind, landing a spot smack in the center of the bar. “Thank you. This is perfect.”
“No problem.” The hostess patted her arm. “If you’re bothered by any of the local yocals, ask for Shannon. She’ll kick their butts just as soon as asking them to leave you alone.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Trinity shook her head as she slid onto the barstool. She was beginning to like the city. Within seconds, the bartender approached, his grin matching his twinkling eyes.
“What will the pretty lady have?”
“A glass of merlot. I mean, if you have that.” She wanted to ask for tequila but knew better given the drive and darkened roads. She’d leave that for another day, maybe celebration of finishing her first book.
He tapped the bar and pushed a coaster in her direction. “We might not be the big city, but we do know our wines. How about a selection from Oregon? I have a bottle from 1992 that I think will be perfect for a spring evening.”
Blushing, she rolled her eyes. “Ugh. I’m sorry. As long as it goes with a cheeseburger.”
Rubbing his jaw, he offered a pensive look. “Let me think. Cheeseburger dripping with cheese. A side of the best French fries this side of the Mississippi? I think this will do perfectly.”
“Then your choice sounds divine.”
“Excellent. Comin’ right up.”
Glancing up and down the length of the bar, she enjoyed people watching, catching snippets of conversations. While she’d received several admiring looks, not a soul seemed to recognize her, let alone beg for an autograph. Maybe Hollywood didn’t extend to cowboy country.
Trinity noticed a vibrant redhead move behind the bar, the woman’s eyes sweeping the entire room. After talking with the bartender, she waved to a girl sitting alone a few seats down. Even with the rowdy noise, she caught the majority of their conversation.
“Laney. Haven’t seen you in a couple weeks. How are things?” the redhead asked.
“Hey, Shannon. They’re great, although the kids are a handful with the warm days. I can’t keep their minds on school work,” Laney answered as she swirled a wine glass.
“Uh-huh. I can tell you’re worried. Have you heard from Garcia?”
Laney shook her head. “Not since they left.”
“I wouldn’t worry. Flying to West Virginia was a surprise. You know they’re just busy. I used to worry about Landen constantly, but I learned to box up my fears.”
Wham!
A loud noise drew Trinity’s attention. Two men were pointing fingers, yelling over the music. She held back a smile as Shannon promptly walked from behind the bar and toward them, her expression changed to the look of one pissed off vixen.
“Hey! You two. This is a nice establishment. Take it outside or you’re banned for life. Got it?” Shannon demanded, her finger shoved into one of the dude’s faces.
She couldn’t help but admire the feisty woman. If only she could be just as forceful in her career, hell, in her life.
“Sorry, Shannon,” the second man said, his face sheepish. “Just a disagreement.”
“Outside. One warning.” Shannon gave both a hard look before taking long strides back toward the bar. She leaned over, grinning at Laney. “Now, where were we?”
“I heard a plane went down and…” Laney stated, her voice fading off.
“You came,” he half whispered.
The deep and very masculine voice was right behind her. Trinity inhaled before tipping her head. The cowboy had changed, the simple blue Henley the color of his eyes.
“Zane. Remember? The airport and one big he-man truck?” Zane laughed as he crowded into the bar.
“How could I forget?”
“Glad to see you.”
“Zane! You’re here. What happened. Where are the guys? Are they on the way?” Shannon piped in, storming in their direction.
Zane opened his eyes wide. “What are you talking about?”
“The trip to West Virginia? Some plane crash?” Shannon demanded, giving Trinity a single nod.
“Wait. West Virginia?” Zane shook his head. “I was on vacation. Just got back a couple hours ago. Haven’t even called in. What are you talking about?”
“Vacation? I didn’t think smokejumpers were allowed any vacation time. Landen hasn’t gotten any,” Shannon huffed as she reached the other side of the bar.
Zane smiled at Trinity. “They didn’t have a choice. A wedding I couldn’t get out of. Now, freaking tell me what you’re talking about.”
“Hold your horses. Let me see what I can find on the news.” Shannon pointed a remote at the closest television, flipping channels.
“Smokejumper?” Trinity asked as Laney approached, her eyes misting over.
“Yeah. Laney, right?” Zane asked, his eyes darting up to the television.
“Yes. You remember. Have you talked with Garcia?” Laney asked, her voice almost inaudible.
“As I was telling Shannon, I have no idea what the team is up to. Just rolled in. Plane crash?” Zane hissed.
Laney nodded. “I caught one of the morning shows today, just the tail end, but a plane fell out of the sky and it was full of firefighters.”
“Okay. This isn’t making any sense.” Zane looked down then motioned to Laney. “I’m sorry. Laney… Cavanaugh? This is Trinity… Hell, I’m sorry.”
“Hargrove. Trinity Hargrove and don’t worry. Looks like everyone is worried. Nice to meet you, Laney.”
“Thanks. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt your date,” Laney gave a half smile as she shook Trinity’s hand. “You look familiar.”
“We’re not dating,” both Zane and Trinity said at the same time.
<
br /> Trinity laughed. “I just met Zane at the airport and I get that about my face all the time.” She looked away, grabbing for her wine and hiding behind the glass.
“Damn it! I can’t find anything.” Shannon growled and continued flipping.
“I’ll call the hangar and see what I can find out. Hold on. I’ll be right back.” Zane seemed awkward saying the words.
“Okay.” Trinity looked back and forth between the women. “Do you mind if I ask, what’s a smokejumper?”
Laney smiled. “Don’t feel bad. I had no idea before I met Garcia. He’s my fiancé and a member of the team. They fight fires, the worst kind only they don’t use water. They cut down timber and cut trenches to try and push the fire in another direction. Dangerous work. Very dangerous.” She looked down, her lower lip quivering.
“I’m sure he’s all right.” What else could Trinity say to the poor girl?
“He loves the work. He was going to quit, and I talked him out of it. Now, I’m beginning to wonder why. I don’t know how I’m going to be able to get through the season.”
“Season?”
Laney nodded. “Summer is the worst time for fires going into the fall. When there’s a huge drought then the foliage and ground is dry. Fires start any time. Like California last winter. Brutal.”
She remembered the terrible season, had been lucky enough to live in an area that hadn’t been affected.
“Wait. I might have something,” Shannon said loudly.
Laney crowded into the bar, leaning over. “Oh, please be all right.”
“In breaking news, the fire on the Appalachian’s is now almost fifty percent contained. Given the improving weather conditions, local and national firefighters believe they have the blaze under control. While there have been no casualties, a plane carrying smokejumpers from Missoula, Montana went down.”
“What?” Laney screeched.
Shannon stumbled back toward the other side of the bar, grabbing Laney’s hand. “Hold on, honey.”
Trinity watched as the cameras panned to an overhead view of the fire. “Shit.” The blaze seemed to be covering dozens of miles if not more. “Contained?” She looked over her shoulder. At least fifty people had crowded up to the bar, all eyes on the television.
“No!” Laney yelped.
“Fortunately, the plane was able to land and from what we’ve learned, all the crew members are safe and accounted for,” the reporter continued.
“Yes!” Shannon slapped her other hand on top of the bar. “That’s our boys!”
The crowd cheered.
“We’ve also learned that two of the members of the Missoula team were responsible for the rescue of one lucky little boy and his dog.” The reporter was smiling.
Everyone leaned in further, watching in awe as the picture shifted to a parking lot of a hospital. Several people were gathered around, including three different television stations. The camera panned in on a sobbing woman, her hand clutching the fingers of a little boy. A man was crouched down, hugging on a dog, tears in his eyes.
“Oh my God.” Laney shook her head.
Trinity was sucked in, watching every moment as the scene continued to remain chaotic, reporters clamoring to get closer to what had to be the family.
The report was switched back to the blonde. “From what we’ve learned, both men risked their lives to save him as the fire threatened to consume the area. They were able to pull him to safety just seconds before the entire area went up in flames. I’m trying to confirm their names.”
“Amazing,” a man said behind Trinity.
“They do this kind of thing all the time,” another said.
“Hey Shannon, how about a round on our heroes?” a third asked, getting the entire crowd jazzed.
Shannon lifted her arm, shooting off her middle finger. “Not a chance, boys. You pay to play.”
Trinity chuckled and glanced back at the door. Zane seemed troubled as he walked back inside, his brow furrowed. He glanced up at the television, watching the report for several seconds before heading back in their direction.
“What did you find out?” Shannon asked.
“I should have been there. Damn it. They needed me,” Zane said under his breath.
“Everyone okay?” Trinity asked.
Shrugging, he rubbed his mouth. “I need a bourbon.”
“I think we all do,” Shannon stated then grabbed a glass.
“You have a team?” Trinity was more than curious given the reactions from the customers.
He nodded and leaned against the bar. “Yeah. Ten of us. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have gone. We count on each other.”
“You deserve to live your life,” Laney suggested.
“Not when it risks the others,” Zane countered.
Trinity was taken aback. She’d never been a part of a life-saving team and the realization of how much they cared for each other was heart-warming.
“Wait. There’s more. Look at those faces.” Shannon laughed as she pointed at the screen.
“From what we’ve just learned, Mathew Washington and Riker Sheffield were the two smokejumpers responsible for saving Eric Baker. Eric is only six years old and walked away from his family during an outing. I’d say Eric and his dog, Rusty are very lucky to be alive. While I don’t have all the details about the event, I can tell you that both Mathew and Riker are two seasoned smokejumpers with the Missoula, Montana department. They were called here to help with the fire and from what I can see, their new title will be heroes.”
“Yes!”
The entire room seemed to be clapping, whistling as the man they called Mathew’s picture was flashed on the screen. Trinity studied the man’s face, his tired eyes and sighed. What a life.
“Good guys. All of them,” Zane said as he wrapped his hand around the rocks glass.
Trinity exhaled and realized she was shaking, her pulse skipping. Why? Because she fell into the camaraderie of the entire room? The thought was riveting.
“There’s that sexy man!” Shannon called then placed her fingers into her mouth, letting out a shrill whistle.
As the second picture flashed on the wide screen, Trinity sucked in her breath. Riker Sheffield. She could honestly say that she’d never seen a sexier and more attractive man in her entire life. Electric jolts shot through her system, every cell and every muscle until she was panting. And she knew at that very moment that she came to Missoula for a reason.
“Wow.” As the single word left her mouth, she caught Zane’s expression.
The man was crushed.
Chapter 5
“Jesus Christ. Aren’t you exhausted?” Landen asked as he sat back in the seat, using his fork to push around his food.
“Slept on the plane ride back.” Riker gave him a look then took another bite of his sandwich. The three days had been grueling, the flight back at least better than the one going in. There had been zero sleep and he was exhausted. The vision of his wife and little girl had left him restless, the bitter sadness and anger keeping him on edge.
“Mama!”
“Oh, my little baby. You’re okay,” she sobbed as she leaned over, covering his body with hers. Seconds later, she looked up, reaching out for Riker and Moose. “You’re the men who saved my little boy?”
Riker swallowed hard, nodding as he blinked several times, pushing away the tears.
“Just doing our job, ma’am,” Moose muttered.
“You’re wonderful, my heroes. If there’s anything I can do for you, anything at all.”
Riker clenched his fist, the memory of the woman’s tear stained face and haunted eyes would remain in his mind forever. A buzzing sound floated in his ears, creating a series of jitters. He gripped the table in an effort to keep from falling over.
“Riker. Yo, buddy. You okay?”
“What?” Riker finally managed. The buzzing faded but he was left with a throbbing ache just behind his eyes.
“You look like shit,” Landen huffed. “Go
home. Put your feet up. Drink a beer.”
“I’m fine. Good. Just fine.”
“Bullshit!”
Shrugging, he exhaled and shook his head. “I’m fine, Landen. Leave it alone.”
“That’s what you’ve been telling me for weeks. You’re anything but fine.” Landen folded his arms, his brow furrowing. “Heroes are allowed to sleep, you know,” he teased.
“Stop with the hero shit. Moose and I were in the right place at the right time.” His thoughts shifted to the little boy, the angelic face and the way he wailed when he saw his mother. He’d also never forget how the little boy hugged his dog, clinging to the matted fur on the pup’s neck the entire flight in the helicopter.
Landen shook his head. “The kid was lucky and one day you’re going to have to explain to me how you kept that tree in mid-air all by yourself. You’re strong, dude, but holy crap, that was insane.”
He didn’t want to remember the incident or the visions he’d experienced, but he had the distinct feeling they weren’t going away. A single shiver shifted down his spine, settling into his legs. He hadn’t experienced anything like that in years. Not since… Swallowing, he looked away, studying the various people shopping, laughing and going about their day to day business. Happy. They all seemed happy. For him, nothing would ever be so simple. Casual. “Adrenaline. You know the story.”
“No, I don’t know. I’ve never been put in that kind of position. Even Moose is silent about the shit.” Landen leaned over, as if waiting for an answer. “You guys bury the hatchet once and for all?”
“There was no hatchet. We just don’t get along.”
“Right. Tell me another lie.” Sniffing, he took another bite of his food then reached for his beer. “Well, anyway. I heard some shit through the grapevine.”
“How do you always hear shit? We just got back a few hours ago.”
“Shannon knows all.” Laughing, he shoved his plate back and kept his voice low. “She said the entire government center was evacuated the day we left.”
“Evacuated? Why?”
“Bomb threat.”
“What?” Riker hadn’t heard any news since their return, not that he’d bothered to turn on the television or open a paper. He’d heard enough about the life saving maneuvers to make him sick to his stomach. Tossing his sandwich, he wanted nothing more than to crawl in bed, sleep for a full day. Lunch had been more than a diversion, an attempt to stay awake. He had no doubt the nightmares would come, filling every night with memories, horrors from the past. He couldn’t go through it again. Not ever.
