by Piper Stone
He’d been summoned to his client’s office and stood in the lobby, doing his best not to pace back and forth. He didn’t like being here, couldn’t afford to be seen with the man. Folks had their minds made up about him. Still, Troy had agreed to the favor. He’d actually agreed. Now, to find out the details. What little he knew meant destroying a man’s livelihood. Sure, the agreement would make the poor guy wealthy but to have a hand in little more than swindling was against everything he’d ever stood for.
“You can go in now,” the polite secretary said as she pointed to an oversized door.
Troy nodded and headed for the office, hesitating just outside. One action and you’re done. All the bills are paid off. That’s it. He’d been saying the same words for two days. Inhaling, he walked inside.
“Ah, Mr. Bruester. So good of you to come and on such short notice. Welcome. Would you like something to drink?”
Troy noticed the other man, who sat quietly on the other side of the room, as if he was observing and nothing more. “I’m fine. Thank you. What can I do for you?”
“Those contracts. Do you have those completed?” The man wasn’t introduced, but he was watching intently. The suit was of good quality, but not like the tailored and expensive linen and silk the man sitting across from the desk always wore – including in court. Still, there was an air about the mystery man that was disconcerting, giving him a wary feeling.
“Yes, the transaction is ready. We just need signatures.” Troy moved closer to the massive mahogany desk. He eased his briefcase onto the closest chair and pulled out the paperwork. The sum of money had been inflated, to take care of any items not covered by insurance. “From what I’ve heard. I don’t think he’s going to sign.” He was praying the man would cease his actions, find another way to make money.
“You leave that to me.” He took the papers and slipped them into a folder then leaned across the desk. “Now, let’s get to why I really asked you here. You’ve proven to be invaluable to me during these last few months and I wanted to thank you and to offer you another job. Something has just come to my attention and it’s really a gift, a time for celebration.” The look on his face was one of utter bliss.
“I have a job, but thank you.” Troy could sense the hair standing on the back of his neck.
Laughing, he sat back and looked at the mysterious visitor. “Let me rephrase. You’re going to handle one last task for me. If you do, then our relationship will disappear. I won’t need your services for any additional aspects. I thought my men tried to explain this to you.” He glanced at Troy’s face, concentrating on the bruises.
Troy could read between the lines. The blood money continued to have strings. He’d never get out from under this. He shifted from foot to foot, resigned to at least listening. “What do you need me to do?”
He looked Troy up and down for what seemed like an eternity before sliding a second folder in his direction. “Should take you no time and there’s no one who will give a damn.”
He hated the fact his hands were shaking. As he picked up the file and looked at the specifics, he had to grip the edge of his desk. “I don’t understand.” No. No!
“I think you do. It’s spelled out very clearly.”
“I’m not going to do this. I refuse.” Troy closed and yanked his briefcase, glaring at the other man before taking a long stride away from the desk.
A smile crossed the man’s face as he opened his desk drawer and pulled out a glossy photograph, sliding it very slowly across the desk. “I think you are going to change your mind. I would hate for anything to happen. I can only imagine the pain.”
Seeing the beautiful face of his little boy, he gulped for air. There was nothing else he could do. He’d been sucked into Hell. The monster had him by the balls.
“What exactly are we doing here?” Antonio asked as he peered out the windshield.
“Talking to the sheriff about the Hatcher ranch incident and The Wild Orchid fire.” Garcia cut the engine.
“They were ruled accidents. At least that’s what I heard.”
“Landen found evidence that James Hatcher is the owner of The Wild Orchid. Don’t you think that’s coincidental?”
Antonio snorted. “We’ve seen lots of fires.”
“Doesn’t mean they aren’t connected. You know Carter Worth?”
“So what?”
“So,” Garcia said as he yanked the keys from the ignition. “I ran into him a few nights ago and I could tell he was hiding something about the initial investigation.”
Antonio gave him a hard look, one full of contempt. “I guess we’re not being buddies here.”
“I asked for your advice. That’s all. I’ll do the talking.”
“Sure. Whatever.”
He placed his hand on the handle then hesitated. “Look, no one else thinks this is important, but you weren’t there. You didn’t see how terrified Mr. Hatcher was. You didn’t see the look in his eyes. If I’m wrong then I’ll be glad that I am, but I can’t have this hanging over my head. And no, we might not be friends, but we do share the same respect regarding fire and I would assume right versus wrong.” He didn’t wait for Antonio to answer before climbing out of the truck. He was grateful Antonio followed.
They walked into the sheriff’s office and waited. He noticed the deputy’s name and smiled as she finally looked up. “Deputy Sampson. Is Sheriff Brennan available?”
“He’s out on a call. Anything I can do for you?” she asked, giving Antonio a respectful nod.
“How about Deputy Worth?” Garcia kept the smile on his face.
“I think he’s around here somewhere. Let me check. And you are?”
“We’re from the smokejumping team. Garcia Puevos and this is Antonio Giovanni.”
When she walked off, he turned toward Antonio. “Just a few questions. That’s it.”
Antonio remained quiet, yet his eyes swept the room.
They had to wait for a full five minutes.
“Hey, old friend. Where ya been hiding?” Carter swung around the door, a huge grin on his face. He gripped Antonio’s hand then pulled him into a hug. “You guys have been on fire. No pun intended.”
“Been busy.” Antonio’s voice was subdued.
“Just wanted to ask you a few questions if we could,” Garcia said from behind.
“Sure. Sure. Anything for the boys. How’s that wildcat you were with that night?” Carter teased, a huge grin remaining on his face.
“Out of my life,” Garcia mumbled.
“She was a looker. I tell you what. Come on. Let’s go into the sheriff’s office. He’s out but I know he won’t mind.” Carter led them into a small office. “So, whatcha got?”
“The Hatcher fire and the one at The Wild Orchid, I know, were listed as accidents,” Garcia launched in.
“Yeah. Nothing spectacular and no crime for us to investigate really. Why?” Carter sat on the edge of the sheriff’s desk.
“What if I told you that Mr. Hatcher owned The Wild Orchid?” Garcia threw out the carrot.
Carter scratched his head and darted a glance at Antonio. “Well, I’d say that is interesting, but given the different nature of the fires, more sad than anything.”
“But you knew Mr. Hatcher was terrified of something or someone,” Garcia continued.
“Yeah, so you told me. Even went to the hospital to talk with him. He didn’t say a word about anything being wrong. I tried.” Carter kept his smile.
“Nothing odd about the fires at all?” Antonio finally asked.
“Not really. The insurance will pay for the damage.”
Garcia knew in his gut there was more. “I don’t buy the coincidence.”
“Well, then talk with Freddie if you’d like. I have his report somewhere if you’d like to see it.” Carter narrowed his eyes.
“I’ll talk with Mr. Nelson. As you can imagine, he’s worked with our team on several cases. Thank you.” Garcia moved toward the door. Now, he knew there was mo
re going on.
“Hold on a minute. Close the door.”
Hearing the change in Carter’s voice, he exhaled then did as requested. “Did you think of something?”
“My head will be on the chopping block for telling you this, but…” Carter half whispered.
“Just here to get the right information,” Antonio stated.
Carter took a deep breath. “Someone took out a large insurance policy on both places about a month before the fires. We’re keeping it quiet until Mr. Hatcher is out of the hospital, to see what he’s going to do. No evidence that he had anything to do with the insurance purchase, but the sheriff is looking into it. Don’t ask me any other details because I don’t know.”
Garcia noticed the twitch in the corner of Carter’s mouth. Why give them some information and hide other evidence?
Antonio shot Garcia a skeptical look. “That’s all we need. Appreciate the information.”
“No problem. Hey, you wanna grab a beer on Friday?”
“Sure,” Antonio answered, the tone remaining bland.
“I’ll call you.” Carter held out his hand again. “Good to see you guys.”
“You too.” Garcia waited until they were out in the parking lot before turning toward Antonio. “He’s lying.”
“He knows more than he’s able to tell us. Now, what aren’t you telling me?”
He inched closer so that only Antonio could hear. “The fire investigator thinks there’s more to this and…”
“And?”
“I was shot at by two men and I think they were looking for something and not insurance papers.”
Antonio had a wry smile on his face. “Buried treasure?”
“My honest guess is that however they detonated the fire, they wanted to eradicate the evidence. Especially if we’re talking about an insurance fire.”
“Fraud. Interesting. Only one way to find out.”
Garcia couldn’t have been more surprised. “If you’re up for it, let’s go hunting.”
“What the hell. Now, you have me curious.”
For the first time in days, Antonio smiled.
Laney shifted in her seat, her thoughts remaining on the unknown caller. She didn’t buy that Detective Braxton would be careless enough to call her or have any additional reason to do so. Wringing her hands, she tried to maintain her composure, but the fear was crowding out every aspect of reality.
“Garcia. I never thought he’d find the right girl,” Shannon said then laughed as she eased out of the parking lot.
“I’m not sure I’m the right girl.”
“Oh, trust me. He’s head over heels.”
Laney couldn’t make small talk. She just couldn’t. She could barely think straight.
“So, did he explain Burnout to you?” Shannon continued.
“The smokejumpers get together and talk about disciplining women.”
She burst into laughter. “I’ve never heard it put quite that frankly. Yes, you’re right. I was in mild shock when I heard, but when you get to know the guys, their dangerous tendencies and their need to command all things, you begin to understand.”
“I see.”
“Is this something you’re interested in?”
“I thought I was,” Laney said as she shivered.
“And now?” Shannon turned up the heat in her car.
She wanted to confide in someone else, to open up and share aspects of her life, but she was finally coming to terms with the fact she needed to leave. There was simply no other way. No matter what the detective had told her, something was off. “I could see myself living a domestic discipline lifestyle. I would love to have a man cherish the woman inside, keeping me safe while instilling rules. I think that must sound insane.”
“No, that sounds idealistic and an understanding I had to come to when I allowed Landen in my life. The change for me has been amazing.” She waited, as if wanting Laney to agree. “Garcia is a good man. I don’t know him very well, but he’s honest and trustworthy and will give anyone the shirt off his back.”
“I can tell. I… Well, I love him.” The words opened a valve, pushing her past a point of sadness she didn’t realize would happen. She just didn’t want to lose him. “I do. I’ve never loved another man and he’s so special, so giving. I want to be with him so much.” She heard the strangled, angry and haunted sound to her voice. What the hell was she going to do? How could she have the strength to leave this wonderful place?
“Laney, what’s wrong? Talk to me. I’m a good listener. Did he hurt you? If he did, I swear to fucking God, I’ll kick his ass!” Shannon snapped. “I will, too.”
“No! Nothing like that. He’s been amazing. I just…” She dropped her head into her hands. “My past. My past won’t leave me alone.”
“Does Garcia know?”
She nodded as she wiped away the tears that refused to stop. “He can’t do anything. I thought it was over. I thought I could live again. I was wrong. I don’t know what to do!”
“Whoa,” Shannon breathed out as she pulled the car over, slamming the gear into park. “You don’t know me, and you don’t have to tell me, but if Garcia knows anything about this, you have to talk to him. He’ll help you. We’ll all help you, honey. Really. We’re pretty good people.”
Laney sniffed then jerked her head up, forcing her resolve to wrap around her, allowing her to focus. “I wish I could help you understand, but its best you don’t know.”
“Hmmm… Well, is there anything I can do?”
She turned to look at the lovely redheaded woman and could see genuine care in her eyes. “Just make certain Garcia knows I love him.”
Shannon finally nodded and continued driving, both remaining silent until she pulled up into Garcia’s driveway. “I ran away from my life years ago, hoping I’d find solace in any place but home. While I was one of the lucky ones, I couldn’t accept my new life until I accepted the woman inside and that was the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. Courage. Find the courage you have inside, and everything will work out.”
Laney turned to look at her and the words were so simple yet incredibly powerful. “That’s sage advice. I’m going to try.”
“I’m around if you want to talk.”
She climbed out of the car and held her breath as the snow continued to fall. “Thanks for everything.”
“Any time.”
Laney stood on the porch, her entire body shaking. She could hear Topper inside, wanting to see his mommy dog, to play in the snow. She grabbed her phone and navigated to Safari. The phone number was easy enough to find. When she hit dial, she was terrified of the answer. “Yes, I’d like to speak to Detective Brian Braxton.”
“Daddy, can we go out and play in the snow?”
Troy looked up from the computer and smiled as he reached out, tousling the boy’s hair. “Sorry, honey. Daddy has to go out and do some things, but I’ll be back later. I promise. Aunt Sandy will be here with you.”
“But you say that all the time,” Jamie whined.
“I thought you were taking the rest of the day off,” Sandy said as she kept a smile on her face.
He knew the plastic, admonishing look, the one he’d seen more often than he cared to admit. “I just have something to do for a client. Then I’ll be back. And guess what, buddy?”
Jamie continued to pout, but his eyes held a sparkle. “What?”
“We’re going to get a puppy!”
“Yay!” The little boy jumped up and down, squealing as he began to race around the room.
“Do you think that’s wise?” Sandy asked, this time her voice hushed.
“I do. We need a special present for my wonderful little boy.” The words caught in his throat. He glanced back at the computer, exiting out of the program he was in. His heart remained heavy, fearful of his decision but knowing there was no other choice. “Hey, Jaime, would you go and get Daddy’s jacket from the bedroom?”
“Sure! Puppy! Puppy! Puppy!�
�
He rose to his feet and turned toward his sister. “Sandy, this is important so listen to me. If anything happens this afternoon, I’ve left instructions on the computer. Okay? Don’t ask me any questions. Just do as I ask.”
“You’re scaring me. What have you gotten yourself into?”
“I’m just doing a favor for a client. Should be nothing, but don’t let Jaime out of your sight. In fact, take him to the movies this afternoon. Okay? Promise me you will do that.”
“What the hell is going on, Troy? I don’t like this at all.”
Troy resisted barking in anger. She couldn’t know what a terrible person he’d become. “Just please do as I ask. It’s vital. Okay? If I’m not back by seven, take him to a hotel. I have some cash in my bedroom drawer. Use that. Stay there until you hear from me and don’t call anyone. Please tell me you understand?”
“You’re scaring me, Troy.”
“Just do it! Please. I don’t have any time to explain.”
Her eyes darted back and forth. “Okay, but you’re going to have to tell me what’s going on.”
“I will when I can. Promise.”
“Here you go, Daddy. Puppy!” Jaime raced back into the room.
Bending down, he wrapped his arms around his little boy, holding him tight. “I love you so much. Mind your aunt. Okay? And remember Daddy loves you.”
“I know that. Good gosh, Daddy.”
Troy grabbed his keys and as he walked toward the door, he looked around the room. So many memories, so much to be thankful for. “Bye.”
The moment the snow hit him in the face, he knew.
Today, he was going to die.
Chapter 13
“I don’t see anything.” Antonio wiped snow from his face.
“There has to be a detonator of some kind. I know this fire wasn’t started by a heater.” Garcia trudged through the snow, bending down and looking under various mounds of debris. He’d taken Antonio to The Wild Orchid first, hoping they’d find any indication of tampering. They’d found nothing after two hours of sifting through the rubble. Standing at Mr. Hatcher’s farm, he had a feeling they were being watched.
