Firestorm (Missoula Smokejumpers Book 4)

by Piper Stone

  Shoving the gun into his waistband, he headed out the door. Garcia lived several miles down the same road. He floored the accelerator and leaned over the bike, praying to God that Garcia hadn’t run into them. In the distance, he could see smoke billowing up from the trees.

  Missing the turn, he cursed and swung the Harley down a side street, nearly colliding with an oncoming car.

  Holding his breath, he managed to turn just before he ran off the side of the road. “Fuck!” He yanked off his helmet and wiped his eyes, able to hear sirens coming from all directions.

  Boom!

  The explosion was powerful enough, he could feel the rumble on the ground. He threw on his helmet and eased out. Finding the driveway, he sped up the embankment. Seeing Garcia’s truck, he hissed.

  Garcia ran out of the house, his face twisted. “She’s not here!”

  Killing the engine, he climbed off the motorcycle, dropping the helmet. “Did you call her again?”

  “I tried twice.”

  “Try again.”

  Garcia nodded, his hand shaking as he pulled out his phone.

  Pacing, he hissed when he heard the emergency buzz on his phone and he certainly had no need of calling in. He knew exactly where the bomb had gone off.

  “Laney. Where are you?” Garcia’s voice was exasperated. “No. No! You can’t go to the fire. You need to get to safety. Go to the sheriff’s office.” He looked at Riker. “I said, go to the sheriff’s office. You’re in danger. Laney. Laney!”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “She’s with the mayor. The connection is shit but I think they’re going to the government office. A fire. I don’t know.”

  Riker exhaled. “We have to go. We’ve been called in.”

  “What?”

  “Get in your truck. I’m coming with you. Drive.” Pushing on Garcia’s shoulder, he managed to break the man’s trance. He slid onto the passenger seat, slamming the door.

  “I’m going to kill the son of a bitch.”

  “You’re going to let the sheriff and his deputies do their jobs. We have to do ours. Get moving.” They remained silent as Garcia drove and Riker had no idea what they were going to face.

  “I can’t lose her,” Garcia whispered.

  “You’re not going to lose her.” How the hell did he know?

  Garcia rounded the corners, zigzagging his way through traffic. When they neared the city limits, they were able to see what appeared to be three separate fires. “Shit!”

  “Go to the government office. The bomb threat was there,” Riker directed, already removing his seat belt by the time they were only two blocks away. “Jesus.”

  The entire area was blanketed with fire engines, deputy cars and other emergency vehicles blocking the area. Garcia found a parking spot and was out of the truck before Riker could catch him.

  Riker raced behind, running past the crowds of screaming people, workers and customers of the various shops trying desperately to get out of harm’s way. He lost sight of Garcia as they neared the building and he stopped as he studied the flames shooting out of the roof. The bomb had been centralized, taking out only a portion, but the flames were moving fast.

  He searched the area for any sign of the other smokejumpers. He noticed several from the main smokejumping team and headed in their direction. “Where are the Jackals?”

  “I don’t know. We haven’t seen them. There’s a report that the fire on Briar Road crawled up the mountain. Maybe they went there.”

  Nodding, Riker moved closer to the building, passing the various fire engines, scanning the area. If the fucker wanted to make a statement, now would be the time to do it. Black smoke poured out of the building, the wind forcing the smoke to roll toward the streets. People were everywhere, trying to get out of the area. Grabbing his phone, he tried the captain.

  “Riker. Where the hell are you?”

  “At the government building. Where is the team?”

  “They’ve been called to the Briar Road fire. Get your ass up there. We need all the manpower we can get,” Captain Phillips yelled.

  “Yeah. I’m going.” Shoving the phone into his pocket, Riker turned in a full circle, noticing Garcia. He followed the man’s gaze and could just make out a large, black SUV. There was someone sitting in the passenger seat. Heading in the direction, he pushed past several disoriented people, no doubt those who’d been inside the building.

  Boom!

  The rattle rumbled the earth, cascading burning embers out several hundred feet. Ducking, he tried to focus as the smoke stung his eyes. He continued in the same direction and just as he swerved past a group of firefighters, he could see Laney, her terrified face as she opened the passenger door. “No!”

  Garcia was almost to her. Almost.

  Then the mayor stepped out, moving in front, her arms crossed, her eyes on the building.

  Riker zigged and zagged, jumping over one of the water hoses. “Mayor!”

  Mayor Falk looked in his direction, recognition on her face. She took several steps forward, her face pensive.

  “Wait.” As he pushed through another group, racing out of the building, he noticed a glint, a single flash. And he knew in his gut what he was seeing. Yanking the gun from his back, he popped the safety and planted both hands together, his arms out straight.

  A look of horror washed onto the mayor’s face as she followed his gaze.

  Riker sprinted in her direction and could see the shooter, could just make out the man’s face a split second before… Lunging forward, he pressed his finger on the trigger.

  Bam!

  “You, are a nutcase. An asshole. An idiot!” Landen threw out, his face ashen. “Why?”

  Riker shifted, groaning as he swung his legs onto the floor. “Just doing my job.”

  “You’re not a damn cop!” Captain Phillips inched closer. “Get back in that bed.”

  “Just a damn scratch.” Wincing, Riker struggled to get up. The damn sling was the problem. He ripped at the Velcro, yanking the covering off his arm.

  “Hardheaded asshole,” Stoker said as he came into the room. “You could have gotten yourself killed.”

  “He wanted more hero time,” Landen insisted. “When you get out of here, I’m kicking your ass.”

  “You’re going to have to take a number on that one, Hansen,” the captain huffed. “You could have internal bleeding issues. The doctor is running more tests.”

  “Over my dead ass body,” Riker hissed.

  “I’ll tie him down,” Moose teased.

  “You and what army? How’s the mayor?” Riker was hesitant to ask. He wasn’t certain how long he’d been out, but the bright sun indicated at least several hours.

  “She’s fine. Your damn heroic act saved her life.” Stoker looked from one to the other.

  “And Laney?”

  “Not a scratch. Garcia is with her. Said he owes you one.” Captain Phillips mumbled under his breath. “This thing got out of hand.”

  Riker walked toward the window. “What about the perp?”

  Stoker exhaled. “Don’t know how you did it, buddy, but you shot him right between the eyes.”

  “The press is going to insist a damn street is named after you,” Landen snarked. “We ain’t gonna let that happen. Your head will never get through the door.”

  Chuckling, Riker was glad the wretched experience was over. He looked down at the parking lot, his thoughts drifting to Trinity. “Any phone calls? Anyone checking up on me?”

  There was a collective silence.

  “Sorry, buddy. Only been a day,” Landen said quietly.

  “Now, the boy here needs his rest. The sheriff and a whole lot of FBI agents have been bucking to talk to you. The doctor won’t allow them to bother you so stay here. Can you comprehend direct orders?” Captain Phillips moved closer.

  Riker looked in his direction. “I got it. I’m not going anywhere.” In truth, he didn’t give a shit where he went.

  “We’ll leave
you alone.” Moose patted him on the back. “Everything will be okay, buddy. It will.”

  “Yeah. Whatever.” Riker remained standing in front of the window, enjoying the rays of sunshine. He wanted nothing more than to talk to Trinity, to at least hear her voice. Then again, why worry her? Sighing, he closed his eyes until he heard a set of footsteps. “I’m fine. Really. Okay?”

  “That’s not what the guys are telling me. They said you’re a pain in the ass.”

  His eyes shooting open, he glanced at the reflection. Her reflection. “Trinity?” Turning around slowly, he blinked as he tried to focus. The sunlight showered her face, her beautiful and dazzling face.

  Nodding, she took two short steps then closed the distance. “Riker. I thought I’d lost you. Landen called me last night and I was on the first flight out. My God, you’re shot!” Throwing her arms around him, she pressed her lips against his.

  He didn’t care about the pain or about anything that had happened. As he pulled her into a tight embrace, tears slid down both sides of his face. The kiss was sweet but more powerful than any before.

  When she eased back, she gulped for air. “Riker. Oh my God. I heard what happened. I heard what you did. You saved that woman. You…” Choking, she rubbed his face, brushing the tips of her fingers against his skin.

  “You didn’t have to come all this way.”

  “You are stubborn, pigheaded, a fool running into danger and that’s why I love you.” Trinity kissed his cheek. “And if you ever do anything like that again, I will kick your ass.”

  Tap. Tap.

  Hearing a knock on the door, he exhaled. “Yes?”

  Mayor Falk walked in, a waning smile on her face. “Do you have a few minutes? I’m not trying to interrupt. I know you need time to recover.”

  “That’s okay. I need to leave anyway,” Trinity said as she gripped Riker’s hand.

  “You’re leaving? I mean, so soon?”

  Rising onto her tiptoes, she whispered in his ear. “I’m never leaving your side again, big he-man hero. Seems like you need someone to take care of you. I’ll be back. Just need to make a couple phone calls.”

  Relief rushed into his system and he gripped her hand, squeezing her fingers. “If you do leave, I’ll hunt you down.”

  “Promise?” Trinity laughed.

  “You can count on it.” There were so many things he wanted to say to her, so many thoughts.

  Mayor Falk moved closer. “I owe you an explanation and a huge thank you for saving my life.” She inched forward, her hand running across the end of the hospital bed. “I also owe you an apology.”

  “For?”

  “Risking your life, your team. I should have told you the truth from the start, but I couldn’t.”

  “Okay.”

  She rubbed her mouth and sighed. “Chris Camden and I were lovers, a long time ago. We thought we were in love. I met him almost two years ago, when he was still working with the military. He was set to retire and wanted to move out here to be closer to me.”

  Riker could see how much the story was troubling her.

  “Anyway, I realized that Chris was involved with some aspects that were… Let’s just say unscrupulous after I was contacted by certain parties in the government. Unfortunately, I can’t give you details as they are classified, but I can say that after I was convinced of Chris’ betrayal of our country, I agreed to work with the CIA to try and bring justice. I knew his son was in a critical state and never believed that Chris would somehow manage to get him out of the psychiatric hospital. He kept that a secret from me and from the entire world really.”

  “Interesting story. How does that equate to what happened? The bombs?”

  “I had no idea that Michael was involved until the investigators came into town. They are actually CIA agents. When I learned what had happened, they tried to convince me that my son was involved. I knew better. A mother knows when her child is gone. At that point, with Chris missing, I had no idea what to believe.”

  “So, you allowed our team and everyone else believe that your son could be involved.” Riker shook his head. Unbelievable.

  “I did. I had no choice. I can tell you that the information I found on Chris Camden and those who worked with him is a matter of national security. There’s nothing more I can tell you except that I’m sorry and so grateful for what you did, your entire team. You are heroes.”

  A series of nasty comments remained on the tip of Riker’s tongue, but the Mayor was as much of a pawn as they all had been. “I’m sorry about the loss of your son. If your help with the investigation into a mission, and no doubt several others, gives my friends, the real heroes, any peace, then I’ll offer you my gratitude. Their lives and their friendship was almost destroyed.”

  “I know, and I understand. Stoker Hansen and Cooper McKenzie are going to be given the Silver Star for their bravery during the mission in Afghanistan. That, of course, is out of my hands. I hope that in time you’ll forgive me.”

  “There’s nothing to forgive, Mayor Falk. You did what you thought was right.”

  She nodded and turned away then stopped and tipped her head. “When I saw that little boy in yours arms, I was lost in the past. You will make a great father as you do a role model. I hope you take that to heart.”

  Riker looked away and could only give her a single nod. When she walked out of the room, he stumbled back against the window, his breathing shallow. And he could hear Grace’s little voice, the few words she’d learned before she died.

  “I love you, Daddy.”

  Chapter 15

  Two weeks later

  “Relax. You look amazing,” Trinity said then laughed as she watched Riker’s pinched face, the way he growled every time he moved.

  “I look ridiculous and you know it. How the hell did you talk me into this?”

  “I did and could because you love me.”

  Riker rolled his eyes and adjusted his tie. “I’m choking to death.”

  Leaning over, she fiddled with the ends before pressing her hand against his shirt. “You’re going to be the most handsome man there.” She realized tears had formed in her eyes and she looked away, fearful he’d notice her emotional state. The rugged hero wasn’t one who could tolerate female hormones on a regular basis. No, he was rough and tumble, the kind of man erotic novels were made of. Little did he know she’d penned his likeness in her latest hero. If he found out? There would no doubt be a spanking on her horizon. “Did you know Ana is bringing Troy tonight?”

  “The poor man got suckered into this as well?”

  Trinity rolled her eyes. “Very funny. They are quite the item, I understand. I think wedding bells might be in order.”

  Riker shook his head. “Well, good for him. A good guy.”

  “Yeah, so I’ve heard. Laney told me the entire story. Seems Missoula is a hot basin for criminal activity.”

  Bursting into laughter, he nodded several times. “Yeah. We’re hoping for a quiet summer.”

  She knew better. She’d heard the odds, read various articles on the two teams stationed in Missoula. Would fear for his safety ever allow her to feel peace?

  “How long do we have to be here?”

  The question had been asked and answered at least five times. This time she answered differently. “Too long.” Giving him a mischievous grin, she ran the edge of her manicured nail down the side of his face as she crowded closer, using her other hand to stroke his crotch. The fact he was hard, throbbing gave her shivers. “How about we skip this shindig and find a kinky bar, do a little dancing?”

  Riker inhaled and closed his eyes, his body tense. “How about I pull you over my lap and give you that spanking you so desperately need?”

  “Party pooper.”

  Unclasping the seatbelt, he shifted his body, taking her hands into his and kissing several of her fingers. “We have all the time in the world to go to a bar, but tonight is your night. Besides, I don’t dance.”

  A laugh bubbli
ng past her lips, she cupped his face. “Do you know how important you are to me?”

  “You keep telling me that. I’ll let you show me later.” His eyes twinkled as they rolled past a series of neon lights, the marquis signs lighting up the crowded road.

  Trinity settled back against her seat, thinking about the past four whirlwind weeks. The decisions she’d made affected several lives, but for her, this was the beginning of an important phase. There would be no glitz and glamour, no large sums of money funding her bank account. She would go back to her roots, living simply. A life with love. Nuzzling against him, she realized she was living the fairy tale.

  And it had nothing to do with Hollywood.

  “Whatever happens tonight, you are the most special and beautiful woman that I’ve ever seen. Never forget that. I’m right by your side.”

  Hearing his words, the kind he infrequently said, were more incredible than praise from the biggest producers, directors or agents. She squeezed his arm and sighed as they rounded the last corner. “I know that. Thank you for being my Knight in Shining Armor.”

  Nuzzling against her neck, he nipped her earlobe before whispering, “Does that mean I need to buy a white steed?”

  “Actually?” she mumbled, her nipples hardening, “Yes.”

  “Then I will.”

  She sat up on the edge of her seat, peering out the side window. “Jesus.”

  Riker groaned and shook his head. “I’m not cut out for this shit. I’m not polished enough for these people.”

  “Keep something in mind, my sexy smokejumper. These people are fakes. You should see what they look like without their clothes.” Grinning, she pressed her lips against his, drinking in the scent of his all male cologne. When the photographers got a load of Riker, they would go nuts. This was her secret weapon for the night.

  When the car stopped, she held her breath then took a quick look down at her dress. “Do you think scarlet red is too much?”

  As he eased his hand down her leg, crawling the dress up to the point he could touch her inner thigh, he issued a single husky growl. “Red is your color but I do plan on ripping this dress off later. Keep that in mind.”