Forged (Missoula Smokejumpers Book 3)

by Piper Stone

  “Volunteer? For what, Puevos?”

  Garcia thought about his life, the reason he’d become a firefighter then a smokejumper. His mind drifted to the smokejumper who’d saved his life on a hot day in Arizona. He’d never forget the man’s face or his bravery. He wasn’t that kind of man. “Captain Phillips, I’m offering my resignation from the team.”

  Chapter 8

  Garcia stood by the truck, staring up at the sky, his mind reeling from concern as well as possibilities. Resignation. The look on Captain Phillips’ face had said it all, shock. He concentrated on the swirling clouds as the freezing wind whipped, creating whirlwinds of dust and debris. The mountains were glowing from the hint of the full moon peeking through. Leaning against the truck, he shivered as he realized what he’d done. This was a defining moment for the rest of his life. Whatever came next was his choice alone. He climbed into the cab and started the engine, hesitating before heading out of the parking lot. The rearview mirror told a tale. This could be the last time he left his life, his motivation and the reason he’d given up everything else in his life.

  No more.

  After trying three times to call her and getting voice mail, he gave up, tossing his phone onto the seat. He floored the accelerator, hugging the curves as he headed down the two-lane road. The darkness was overpowering, trees bending to the weight of the ice and snow, creating an ominous look to the slickened road. Shadows crept along the pavement as if creatures were following his every move, taunting his recent decision. He held his breath and leaned over the steering wheel, his inner soul tormenting him in a manner he hadn’t anticipated.

  He was still pumped full of adrenaline, trying to make sense of the entire day. A man had lost his life and for what? He could still hear the single cry for help, the hard thump as his body hit the edge of the cliff. They’d all believed in the system. To keep them safe. To keep them alive. Hell, he wasn’t certain what he was doing mattered any longer. So many nights spent questioning his beliefs, his once infallible convictions. He was tired of trying so hard. Maybe he was just exhausted by life.

  The resignation wasn’t a new thought. In fact, he’d mulled over the concept for a couple of months. The problem was, he wasn’t certain why. Something was pulling him in the direction of resigning. Maybe now, he could do so with some kind of honor. Maybe he wanted a family, a normal routine. He glared out the windshield, his nerves on edge to the point he was having difficulty breathing. He’d promised Captain Phillips that he wouldn’t make any rash decisions so right now he needed to concentrate on making certain that Laney was at least okay.

  He tapped the steering wheel in an endless moment of discipline, furious he’d dropped the ball with her. Laney seemed skittish, as if every past relationship had bitten her on the ass. And what was he stupid enough to go and do?

  By the time he pulled up and could see the marquis for the restaurant, it was almost eleven. Disgusted with himself, he roared into the parking lot and groaned. There were only a few cars scattered in several spaces. Shimmering lights from an area to the right was an invitation for romance, couples sharing celebrations and engagements, passion and stories regarding the future. Killing the engine, he jumped out of the truck, trotting toward the front door. There was no one standing up front, no waiter or other restaurant employee inside.

  He rushed into the dining room, scanning the entire area. Panting, he walked through, praying and hoping to find her there. Sitting alone. Waiting. Why would she wait for him? The dinner rush was definitely over. Busboys milled throughout, picking up plates and glasses.

  “Can I help you?” A young man approached. “You look like you lost something.”

  “Yeah, my mind as well as my girlfriend. Well, not my girlfriend really and especially not after tonight.” Garcia laughed nervously as he noticed the look on the kid’s face.

  The young man smiled, a single eyebrow lifting. “We see a lot of that in here. What did she look like?”

  Garcia envisioned her face, the crinkle of her nose and the light in her eyes when she let go, begging him to fuck her. He was suddenly chilled to the bone. “She has long light brown hair and the most beautiful lavender eyes you’ve ever seen. Her smile lights up a room just by entering. And when she laughs you want nothing more than to take her into your arms.” He dropped and shook his head. “Don’t say it. Not a word.”

  “I’d remember a woman that gorgeous but I’m so sorry. I don’t think she was here. You can ask the hostess if you’d like. We were very busy tonight.”

  Garcia hadn’t considered the possibility that she’d hadn’t even come. Maybe she’d chickened out. After all, he’d snooped in her diary after being a forceful Neanderthal type of man. “Yeah, you’re probably right. Thank you.”

  Hissing, he turned to go, and you bet he was going to her house. To apologize if nothing else. A sizzling tingle prompted him to slow down, glance toward the back portion of the dining room. A stern face and cold eyes peered in Garcia’s direction. He recognized the face, and tipped his head, stopping short. The uptight father who’d been in Laney’s classroom, his eyes pinned on Garcia, the expression the same as he’d seen before. Full of fury. What were the chances this was a coincidence? None in his mind.

  The man made no attempt to speak to him and certainly didn’t offer any gesture of friendship, but his eyes remained, cold and calculating. He clenched his fist, fighting the urge to confront the guy and headed back out to his truck, slamming his hand against the heavy wooden door on his way out.

  A cold chill filled the cab, a fleeting but profound feeling that Laney and the guy had something going on. He couldn’t blame her. Still, the odd sensations remained troubling.

  The drive gave him time to think, but the only conclusion he’d arrived at was he was jealous. Perfect. He’d just quit his job and all he could concentrate on was the fact another man might be in her life. He was in high school.

  Garcia pulled up the driveway and idled. She was home. There was at least one light on and Topper was barking, announcing his arrival. Swallowing back apprehension, a wash of fear, he shoved the gear into park and leaned over the steering wheel. As he cut the engine, the outside lights came on, but the door remained closed. He waited, hoping Laney would open the door and throw her arms around him. That wasn’t going to happen.

  The walk to her door was with heavy feet, a weighted heart. What was he supposed to offer her now? He had no job, no direction. She deserved a man who could shower her with gifts, give her attention, comfort and even the discipline she required. My God. What in the hell was he thinking? Shoving his hands into his pockets, he clenched his fists, his breathing shallow. All the women he’d dated, slept with, he’d never been this nervous. He was a fucking fool.

  He hesitated before knocking and when he did, Topper howled once then he heard nothing else from the pup. There were also no footsteps, no soft and soulful music and no indication that she was planning on coming to the door. Exhaling, he looked down, finding what seemed to be the last of his courage. “Laney. I know you’re in there. Can we talk? Just talk. Okay?”

  The weight of the world pressed against his heart as the few seconds of intense quiet turned into a minute. Then two.

  “Please?”

  “I don’t want to talk to you, Garcia. Please, just go away. I can’t do this. I can’t see you.” Laney’s voice was small, cracking as if she’d been crying.

  But she was close to the door.

  Talk to her. Tell her how you feel. “Because I didn’t make dinner? I’m so sorry. Work. I know you don’t want to hear that, but I had some things… A fire. Worse.” The words died off. Excuses. His entire life he’d made excuses. “You have to give me another chance. Come on. At least allow me to explain.” He pressed his forehead against the door, swearing he could hear her crying. “Laney. Open the door.”

  “Garcia. Please just go. You don’t want to be involved with me.” This time, the tone was filled with strained conviction.

&nbs
p; But the words caught in her throat and he bristled, his thoughts drifting to the man in the restaurant. A sickening feeling, a knowing that she was running from herself settled into his system. She needed his help. Protection. “Whatever you’re going through, I might be able to help.”

  “No! You can’t help me. Thank you but you can’t,” she stated. Every word was calculated, planned.

  Her voice no longer sounded far away but right behind the door.

  “Laney.”

  Tap. Tap. He allowed his fingers to continuously rap on her door. Now, he could only hear his own heart beating.

  “Laney, please talk to me.”

  Groaning, he could hear the fear in her voice, a wretched strangling that was intolerable. But there was little he could do. He waited. He wanted. He needed. He’d never wanted to be with anyone as much. All the women, the laughs and good times. All the passion he thought had kept him alive had actually stripped him of any real emotion, leaving him nothing but a shell. “Laney.” The last attempt was a choked reminder of the man he’d become. Worthless.

  Turning around, he stood at the edge of the porch, looking up at the sky. Twinkle. Twinkle. Little Star. How I wonder… Only there were no stars shining brightly, showing him the way. Only a telltale sign of his life.

  The clouds had thickened up and he had no doubt a storm was coming. As if on cue, light snow began to fall, beautiful but damaged ice crystals falling silently to earth. He held out his hand, catching several. What the hell are you doing? Who are you? The question couldn’t be answered easily. He closed his eyes and balled his fist, anger furrowing deep inside.

  Hell no, he wasn’t going to give up that easily. He walked back to the door, pressing his hand against the cool wood. “Laney. I had to work. I’m so sorry. We were called out on a mission and I had no way of getting in touch with you. I don’t take my phone with me and there was no time to even think. I should have thought to at least call the restaurant, but everything happened so fast.” He waited. Nothing. “Then there was this bear, charging toward us. Fortunately, Landen killed him. Just a bad day. I hope you can understand.”

  The quiet continued and he resisted knocking again. “Anyway, I’m sorry.” Shivering, he held his arms and took a step back, counting to five before heading toward the truck.

  Click.

  “Bear?” Laney asked as she opened the door a crack. “That has to be the best excuse I’ve ever heard for standing up a lady.”

  Garcia cocked his head before turning around, giving her a teasing smile. He could tell she’d been crying but her smile was laced with a moment of ire. “But true. There is no way I could make up a story about a bear in the woods.”

  “Right. Let me think. I’m a teacher. You forget that. I’ve heard every kind of excuse there is. You’re going to have to do better than a bear attack.” Her smile turned into a laugh.

  He heard her words, the light inflection. He knew she was speaking to him, but for a few precious seconds, he was lost in the vision. He’d never seen such a beautiful woman in his life. She stood in bare feet, her dress highlighting her voluptuous curves, the light in her eyes and even though she held such a sad aura, she was exquisite. Every step methodical, he closed the distance, using the tip of his finger to brush hair out of her mouth. “Will you at least forgive me?”

  Shuddering, her head moved toward the gentle touch. “I got your messages and your texts. I just… I guess I was hurt at first, but there’s nothing to forgive. I knew something must have come up. Now, a bear…” She allowed the words to trail off. She didn’t invite him in and her hand wrapped around the edge of the door, clutching, her fingers white.

  “The bear story is true. Honest Injun.”

  “Mmm. I didn’t think you had Indian blood in you.”

  “You’d be surprised. I’m a man of mystery.” His face clouded as he thought about the day, the emotions suddenly overwhelming. When he spoke, the words were hollow, so many realizations haunting him. “We were training today. Lots of dollars cut in the budget around what we do. Been this way for a couple of years, long before I came on board. Everyone feels the strangulation. We can’t perform our jobs the way we’re supposed to.”

  She opened the door another few inches, her mouth pursed. “That’s terrible.”

  “Yeah, it is. Anyway, new parachutes were mandated. They need to get replaced every few years. They keep us alive. You know?” Garcia could feel his throat tightening. “We jump into areas firefighters can’t go. Parachutes are vital. They save lives.”

  “Garcia, what happened?”

  “A man died today during the training exercise. He fell. I heard him screaming.”

  “What?” Laney grabbed his arm. “That’s horrible. How?”

  “Failed to open. New goddamn chutes and the fucking thing failed to open. Can you believe that?”

  Her steps timid, she moved onto the porch, wrapping her arms around him, holding him tightly. “I’m so sorry. How can you do that job? So dangerous.”

  He thought about her question and it was one he’d asked himself dozens of times. Brushing his hand down the back of her head, he nuzzled closer, savoring the warmth, the heat of her body. Comfort he wasn’t used to. “There’s danger everywhere in almost everything you do. You know that, Laney. Life is what we make it and often the cards we’re dealt aren’t the ones we would have chosen, but what are we supposed to do? We live our lives, fulfilling expectations, performing because we have to pay our bills. Sometimes, the cards are stacked against us. Karma has a way of stopping time, fulfilling a prophecy.” Inhaling, he held her perfume in his nostrils, enjoying the connection, the electricity surging between them.

  “You’re a wise man.” Easing back, she brushed the back of her hand across his cheek.

  “Some might consider me a fool.”

  “I don’t think so. I’ll never understand why you do what you do, but that’s your choice. We all must make difficult decisions and choices in our lives. I know that well.” She took another step, methodically, purposefully until she was back inside, the separation a decision made.

  He shook his head, words regarding the resignation on the tip of his tongue. No, not yet. He took a long stride forward. “Then, why don’t you tell me what’s going on?” he asked as he placed his foot in the door, refusing to allow her to shut him out. Topper eased around her leg, his tail wagging.

  She looked down before issuing a single snort. “Something I have to handle. You don’t have to be worried about me. I can take care of myself.”

  “Laney, you’re upset, and I do worry. Talk with me. I’m a good listener.”

  Woof!

  “Nobody can help me at this point.” She reached down, petting Topper’s head, her fingers stiff.

  “That’s not true, but I certainly can’t unless you confide in me.” When she seemed teetering on the edge, he pushed his luck. “Does this have anything to do with the guy from the school, the same one who was at the restaurant when I arrived looking for you?”

  Laney fisted her mouth, her eyes opening wide. Shutting down her reaction, she crowded closer to the door. “Garcia. Don’t.”

  “I can be observant.”

  A single hiss pushed past her lips. “Damn it.”

  “I take that to mean a ‘yes’. Can I come in? Even for a little while?”

  “I don’t think that’s wise.”

  “I do.”

  She looked around and over him before opening the door wider. “You’re pushy.” After closing and locking the door behind her, she folded her arms. “Look, I’m sorry I didn’t let you in before, but there’s nothing you can do to help me.”

  “You’re frightened, and I think you like me being pushy. I don’t like this at all. Did he threaten you? Who is this guy? Who is he to you?” Garcia crowded her space. “I know I shouldn’t have read the diary but you’re hiding from the past.”

  Pressing a hand against his chest, she shushed him. “Just hold on. There’s nothing to talk abo
ut. I want to know how you’re doing.” She backed away.

  He pulled off his coat, tossing it on the back of the couch and studied the room. There was nothing out of place, no sign that anyone else had been here. “As well as can be expected. Don’t change the conversation.”

  A slight smile crossed her pensive face. “I’m all out of wine tonight, but I make a mean gin and tonic. That’s what I’m having. Care to join me?” She didn’t wait for an answer but walked quickly to the coffee table, picking up her glass and heading toward the kitchen.

  He trailed behind her. Seeing her diary on the counter, he couldn’t help but smile and his finger traveled absently across the binding. She seemed to notice the look on his face and blushed. He needed to try another tactic. “The man in the restaurant, is he really a parent of a student?”

  “Yes, and I was surprised to see Troy there. You met Jamie Bruester. The kid that countered every one of your comments with ten questions?”

  “Oh, yeah. Bright kid.”

  “Daddy’s an attorney.”

  Garcia wrinkled his brow. “Okay. Does that mean you’re in trouble with the law?”

  Her body slumped as she plopped several cubes of ice into a fresh glass, a single one in her own. “Not exactly.”

  “That’s not an answer.” He noticed the heavy pour and limited tonic water but didn’t say anything. She was obviously rattled.

  She waited until she’d finished preparing the drinks. After sliding one glass across the counter, she looked him directly in the eyes. “I can’t, and I won’t tell you details. That would place you in danger.”

  “Wait a minute,” Garcia started.

  “Hold on there, smokejumper. I also might be seeing ghosts. I may be a woman and often emotional, but I refuse to continue overreacting, dramatizing or accusing an innocent man of practically stalking me.”

  “Stalking. Now, you’re scaring me.”