Firestorm (Missoula Smokejumpers Book 4)

by Piper Stone

  “And da-you tried to kill me.”

  She heard the slur in his words and caught the scent of alcohol, copious amounts of alcohol.

  “Landen. What in the hell are you doing here?” Riker shook his head as he walked closer. “You reek, buddy. What in the fuck? I haven’t seen you drunk since we’ve been friends. What are you doing?”

  At that moment, she realized that Riker was naked, and she was wearing only the man’s shirt. Fucking fantastic. Lowering her head, she groaned as she headed back toward the fireplace, dropping the poker into its slot. She stood with her back toward both men, trying to calm her breathing. This was the last thing she needed.

  “Whoa. Talkin’ about me. Look at chu, bubba.” Landen laughed. “Naked as the day you were born. Interrupt somethin’?”

  Riker exhaled. “How the hell did you drive here?”

  “Know de place like back of my hand.”

  Wincing, she breathed out as she shot a look in Riker’s direction. The man was pissed. “I should be going.”

  “You were invited. This hunk of flesh on the other hand,” Riker growled.

  “You can’t let him leave. He’s drunk. He’ll kill himself or others.”

  “I’m right here!” Landen pounded his chest then coughed.

  “Let me get dressed. You, stay right here. And I mean right here. You move, I’ll hunt you down.”

  “Yeah. Sure,” Landen slumped and staggered toward the couch. “I know you. Right?” Grinning, he gave her a once over.

  “We met.” She grabbed her things and sidestepped him, following Riker into the bedroom and closing the door. “I’ll leave. He’s your friend and I think he needs you right now.”

  He paced the floor, his hands on his hips. “He hasn’t done this shit before. Means he’s off the wagon. At least with liquor. He promised himself he wouldn’t do that shit after what happened in New York. Long story. What the hell has gotten into him?”

  “Sometimes life gives you painful reminders of your past, a place you can’t go to without help.” She heard the angst in her voice and swallowed back tears.

  Riker tilted his head and groaned. “Shannon is the best thing that’s happened in his life. He’s fucking up the relationship. The man is scarred. Hurting.”

  She closed the distance, placing her hand on his arm. “Be his friend, Riker.”

  “I don’t know how to be anyone’s friend, not like this.”

  “Yes, you do. When you allow that huge chip I was talking about to fall away, even for a short period, you’re an amazing man. He needs you and if you want to know the truth, I think you need him.”

  He glanced into her eyes before taking her hand, pressing his lips against her palm. “You think you know me, lady?”

  “For a short period of time, you allowed me in. You showed me an incredible man, so the answer is yes. I need to leave.”

  “It’s dark. I’m worried about you getting back.”

  “I’m a big girl. Time, I started taking care of myself instead of allowing a staff or people I pay to do so.”

  Riker chuckled. “I hope that tonight was…”

  She darted her eyes toward the picture, exhaling when she noticed he’d pushed it down onto his nightstand, away from prying eyes.

  He seemed to catch her look and darted his eyes, his face pinching.

  Reaching up, she brushed her fingers across his cheek. “I enjoyed tonight.”

  “Yeah.”

  She could tell he was pulling away. “I’ll get dressed.” Hurt filtered into her heart, the back of her mind. This had been a fabulous one-night stand and nothing more. What could she say? She certainly wasn’t going to beg him to see her again. Maybe this was for the best. Her life was a muddled mess of shit and she had to work on a ridiculous statement for the Press. Whatever she was going to say needed to keep the vultures away.

  Unable to look at him, she slid into her jeans but for some reason, removing his shirt, the one that smelled just like him, was more painful than saying goodbye. She held the thick cotton to her nose, breathing in. His rugged scent filled her nostrils and she found herself tearing up again. No. The man wasn’t going to see her break down twice in two days. She was stronger than this. He was just a man. They’d shared a good time. Nothing more.

  She was surprised he’d remained in the room, as if waiting or wanting to find the right words. He stood with his hands leaning on the dresser, glaring at his reflection. She studied him, his tense shoulders and angry expression and wanted so very much to hold him, to wrap her arms around his chest and never let go. Instead, she placed the folded shirt on the bed, patting the material before clearing her throat. “I left this here for you. Thank you for letting me borrow it.”

  Riker didn’t move, merely blinked as if she could see his reaction.

  Walking around him, she hesitated before looking back in his direction. “I’m so glad I met you, Riker. Thank you for allowing the girl inside to be free. If only for a single night.”

  He remained silent then when he spoke, his words were cracked, full of sadness. “Be careful.”

  “Yeah. I will.” Why won’t you talk to me? Why won’t you confide in me? Her little voice was screaming, throwing a tantrum. This man didn’t have the capabilities of opening up. Not to her. Perhaps not to anyone. As she walked past Landen, she could tell he’d fallen into a drunken stupor, his head thrown back, his mouth open. Hopefully, the man would remember nothing in the morning.

  When she walked out the door, her boots hitting the landing, she knew in her heart that she’d never see him again. As she headed to her truck, she allowed the tears to fall.

  “What do you think is going on?” Stoker asked as he nodded toward the captain’s office. “Whoever that dude is, seems arrogant.”

  “He’s been in there talking with the suit for almost an hour. Heated conversation from what I could tell,” Garcia answered as he folded his arms. “I hope this isn’t about another budget cut. I caught the mayor on the news. The whole city council is working on some veteran referendum. Pissing off a bunch of people. That much I can tell you.”

  “What the hell does that have to do with us?” Boone asked, a lilt in his voice.

  “Think about it. We’re the last expense that was voted on. Maybe they need the money.” Garcia rubbed his jaw.

  “I don’t buy that. Mayor Falk is a woman of her word.” Riker wasn’t into politics, but the mayor had come through on more than one occasion, keeping them in uniform and in a job.

  Zane snorted and walked away. “Maybe she didn’t do such a good thing.”

  “What’s eating his ass?” Sawyer chuckled.

  Moose gave Riker a look. “Something about a girl that has a crush on our boy here.”

  Riker huffed. “What are you talking about?”

  “You’ll have to ask Zane.” Moose slapped him on the arm.

  “Look at them go at it. Shit!” Garcia exclaimed.

  “The guy in the cheap ass suit isn’t from the county. That much I know,” Antonio said as he joined them. “The guy’s too polished. Slick.”

  “An attorney,” Riker said under his breath.

  The men looked at him as if he knew something.

  “Maybe so. Are we involved in some legal issues?” Boone joined them, his face pensive.

  “We’re always in some legal issues,” Sawyer said then laughed. “I overheard Captain Phillips on the phone yesterday. Something about the land the hangar is on.”

  “The land?” Landen piped in. “The hangar has been here for years. Hell, the thing’s so dilapidated, I’m surprised we don’t freeze to death in the winter.”

  As if knowing he was being watched, the captain glared at his men then stormed over to the blinds on the windows looking out into the hangar space, closing them with a jerk.

  “Well. Guess we’re not supposed to know.” Sawyer shook his head. “I wish we could have a quiet few months.”

  “We did. Time’s over. The season is ready to begi
n,” Moose stated as he looked from man to man. “Hey, heard you were in an accident. Care to share?” His question directed at Riker, he remained stoic, his eyes never blinking.

  “An accident. What the hell, dude? You didn’t tell anyone?” Landen slapped Riker on the arm.

  “Seems like you were too damn busy sucking face with a bottle to give a shit.” Riker knew the words were harsh but given the fact Landen hadn’t remembered driving to his place, let alone why he was on Riker’s couch, the man deserved a hell of a lot of shit thrown his way.

  “Whoa. I think that’s our key to leave these two love birds alone.” Boone held up his hands and backed away, heading toward the lockers.

  Landen bristled and rubbed his eyes before glaring at Riker. “I had my reasons.” Storming off, his heavy feet created an echo on the cold, tile floor.

  “Is he okay?” Stoker asked quietly as he flanked Riker’s side.

  Riker shrugged. “I have no fucking idea. Showed up at my place drunk off his ass.”

  Garcia looked at Stoker, both men wincing. “That’s not like him. He’s a beer drinker at best.”

  “That’s what I told him.” Riker hadn’t gotten more than five words out of his friend, let alone the reason for the setback. He had an idea, but what good would it do to confront him with questions at this point? Exhaling, he knew he needed to offer some sort of comfort, but what the hell was he supposed to say? He knew where he’d find Landen, lifting weights. As if the exercise would rid him of his demons.

  “What’s with the bomb threats? Anybody know?” Zane walked closer.

  “Haven’t heard shit except the one at the Best Buy was a dud.” Antonio sighed, his eyes never leaving the captain’s office.

  “Least you guys were there in case.” Stoker gave Riker a high five. “Right place. Right time.”

  The crew laughed, forcing Riker to shake his head. “Yeah. Scared the shit out of the customers.” He left the group, heading in the direction of the weight room. He might be the only one who could talk some sense into Landen. When he crossed the threshold, he nodded to Steel as the man grabbed a towel, tossing it around his neck. He waited until the jumper left before approaching Landen, who was dead lifting way too many pounds. “You need a spotter.”

  “I’m fine.” Landen hissed as he struggled to lift the set of weights.

  Riker straddled the back, peering down over him. “You ready to talk about last night?”

  “There’s nothing to talk about.”

  “You show up fuckin’ drunk at my place at four in the morning so yeah, we have shit to talk about.”

  “Like you’re perfect.” Grunting, he puffed out a long exhale as his arms began to shake.

  “You’re going to hurt yourself. Jesus Christ. You can’t lift this kind of weight.” Grabbing the bar, he held it in mid-air, glaring down at his friend.

  “Would you leave me the hell alone? Mind your shit!” Landen attempted to jerk the bar from Riker’s hands.

  Riker’s hands slipped at the same time Landen tried to grab the bar. “Shit!”

  Boom!

  The thud of the weight slamming against the floor echoed, causing the entire team to race into the room.

  “Are you guys okay?” Antonio huffed.

  “We’re dandy. Just daddy-o trying to interfere as he always does.” Landen popped off the bench, shaking his head.

  “Looks like he was trying to help,” Boone said, a wry look on his face.

  “I don’t need anybody’s help!” Landen’s exclamation brought a series of surprised expressions. “I’m fine. Okay?”

  “If you say so.” Garcia was the only one to answer.

  The others shook their heads as they backed out of the room.

  Riker held his tongue until they left, then he let loose. “Whatever you’re going through, I get it, but you could have gotten yourself killed last night or worse. You’ve never been so irresponsible. Get your shit together.”

  “As if you should talk. Fuckin’ around with a girl you don’t even know. Guess that’s better than the whores you’ve picked up lately.”

  Wham!

  The punch hit Landen square in the jaw, knocking him across the room. “You asshole.”

  “You’re the asshole!” Landen pushed off the wall, racing in Riker’s direction.

  Bam! Whoosh!

  Riker grabbed him around the neck as Landen swung, catching him in the gut. Anger boiled within him, an overwhelming feeling of despair.

  Wham!

  “What the fuck are you two doing? Get the hell off each other.” Antonio jumped into the fight, yanking at Landen while Stoker grabbed Riker’s arms.

  “You’re friends, remember?” Stoker hissed between clenched teeth.

  “He’s no friend of mine!” Landen yelled, able to jerk away. He threw another punch, hitting Riker on the side of the neck.

  A growl pushing past his lips, Riker crouched down, pummeling Landen.

  “That’s it. Both of you.” Moose managed to yank Landen out of the way and stood in the middle, his arms outstretched.

  “No more!” Stoker added, getting in Riker’s face. “Stop. Okay?”

  Riker took a step back, his chest heaving.

  “What the hell is going on here?” Captain Phillips swept into the room, his face beet red. “We’re a team. Or did you forget?”

  “No, Cap’n,” Boone offered after the others remained quiet.

  “Then act like a team. We don’t need this. Not now. Not ever!” Captain Phillips walked toward Riker, tilting his head so he could stare at the larger man in the eyes. “You’re a leader.” He shot Landen a harsh look. “So are you. Act like it or at least act like adults.”

  Landen yanked away from Antonio, rubbing his arms. “We’re fine. Just an argument. Nothing more.”

  The captain rubbed his brow. “I need you all cohesive right now. Okay?”

  “Yes, sir,” several of the men said at the same time.

  “I didn’t hear you!”

  “Yes. Sir.”

  Captain Phillips grumbled under his breath. “Better. Now, while you’re all here. I need to tell you the latest saga in the Jackal world.”

  “Uh-oh.” Sawyer whistled.

  “What’s up, Cap’n?” Boone folded his arms and leaned against the wall.

  “I had a very terse meeting with an attorney. He’s representing the folks who own the land and leased the use almost twenty years ago. Seems there are some mineral rights that no one knew about. A recent test indicates that there is enough iron as well as other valuable metals that the land holder is evoking their rights.” The captain looked around the room.

  “What the hell does that mean?” Garcia asked.

  “It means, gentlemen, that the attorney was here to tell me that we have to move. They are in the process of scheduling demolition to this building in thirty days.”

  “What. The. Fuck?” Stoker breathed.

  Captain Phillips sagged. “The paper work seems on the up and up and before you ask, this isn’t something the city council is going to lift a finger to help us with. Not their land. The owners are planning to dig.”

  “Isn’t there anything we can do?” Garcia asked.

  “Well, we can try and hire an attorney, but the cost to fight this could be astronomical and I certainly don’t have the extra cash lying around.” Captain Phillips groaned. “I will talk with the mayor, but be prepared.”

  “I know an attorney who might help us. He’s a corporate attorney but owes me a big favor,” Garcia stated as he nodded toward Stoker.

  Stoker shook his head. “Do you think Troy would help us?”

  “Can’t hurt to ask. He owes the fact he still has a license to practice law to Laney. My bet is he’s ready to pay off the debt.” Garcia’s eyes were twinkling.

  “That’s not a bad idea, Cap’n. I’ve heard about the guy’s reputation. Troy Bruester is a shark both in and out of the courtroom.” Antonio gave Garcia a high five. “Damn good idea.” />
  “Well, it couldn’t hurt. Will you set up a meeting with him?” Captain Phillips asked.

  “You bet your sweet ass,” Garcia said then laughed. “Might give the man something to sink his teeth into.”

  Riker sighed. The damn team could never seem to catch a break.

  “All right. Let’s see what we can do.” The captain grinned.

  “I thought I heard you guys in here. I hope I’m not interrupting.” As the sheriff walked in, he gave the group a collective smile.

  “Not at all. What can we do for you?” Captain Phillips asked then shook the sheriff’s hand.

  “Well, you guys obviously know about the bomb threats. Two phone calls from what we think is the same guy. The bombs were real, but they weren’t finished. The first one never went off. The second contained a soot like compound, the lab is still analyzing. I have a feeling the perpetrator is sending a message.” Sheriff James moved his hat from hand to hand. “I just worry that these threats are going to escalate.”

  “How can we help?” the captain asked.

  “Keep your eye out. If you hear anything or come across any weird fires, let me know. Never can be too careful.” The sheriff’s voice was gruff, his face flushed. “Hate this kind of coward. We just don’t need anyone to get hurt.”

  Captain Phillips glanced at his men. “We’ll do what we can. What does the fire department say?”

  “They’ve had a few suspicious fires, but nothing that included a bomb of any kind. I hate to say this but just the usual. Kids playing, a pipe bomb but that was drug related.”

  Riker thought about the bomb. “The casing around that last bomb was of military origin.”

  “How the hell would you know that?” Antonio scoffed.

  “Seen enough in my time. Worked with the FBI when I was with the Fire Department in Baltimore. They had a serial arsonist that ended up being a military man on leave. His bombs were of similar design.”

  The men all seemed to take a deep breath.

  “Well then, son. I think you might need to talk to the bomb squad about what you know. Anything might be able to help.” Sheriff James gave Riker a nod of respect. “Well, they’re actually heading a special task force.”