by Piper Stone
Thunk!
Jerking out of the vision, she realized the rain was coming down in sheets. She was also panting, her hand gripped around the steering wheel. Her hand shaking, she attempted to dial the number. When the call connected, she held her breath. At least the other phone was ringing. She heard a series of clicks and was certain the connection would fail.
Then she heard a voice mail click on.
The woman’s voice was sweet, almost demure and the exact same that Reese remembered from all those years ago. “Allison. It’s Reese. Hi. I… Well, I know it’s been a long time and I hope you’re doing well. I have an odd question.” She hesitated as she blinked away tears. This was no time to break down. “Is there any news on Steven Winters? I haven’t kept up with the case. I just didn’t want to know. Anyway, let me know if he was captured and what happened. I need to know. It’s important.” She heard the exasperation in her voice and cringed after leaving the number, ending the call and almost tossing her phone.
She never thought she’d contact anyone from Atlanta ever again. The period of time had been her own personal demon. Breathing out, she gripped the steering wheel with both hands until she could no longer feel her fingers. Perhaps this was a way of finally moving on, letting go of the tentacle the monster continued to have, claws digging into her neck.
Perhaps…
“Hey. Hey!” Shannon placed her index and middle finger in her mouth, whistling the moment Sawyer walked into Ziggy’s.
Sawyer cringed as a group of people began to clap. Giving Shannon a harsh look, he finally broke into a smile. There was no chance of being angry. They were all alive, including the two beautiful children, and the fires were out. Even the terrible storm couldn’t dampen the moods of at least two hundred people in the bar. They’d all faced tragedy and while the situation was horrific, challenging belief in humanity, so many were lucky to be alive. Even given the burning of the buildings, there had been no additional loss of life.
Things could be replaced.
“You did good,” Shannon quipped, giving him a respectful nod.
“Just doing my job, ma’am.” Sawyer kicked up his cowboy twang, giving her an ‘oh-shucks’ expression. He walked closer to the bar, acknowledging several of the regulars who gave him a high five.
She shook her head and immediately reached for a glass. “Your usual, hero boy?”
“Don’t do that. I’m no hero,” he said quietly as he glanced around the overcrowded room.
“She’s not here yet. I’ve kept a look out.” Shannon poured a hefty amount of bourbon, sliding the glass in his direction. “She’ll be here. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind what she feels about you.” Winking, she leaned over the bar. “How are you doing?”
Wrapping his fingers around the glass, he shrugged as he contemplated his answer. “I’m okay.”
“Tough few days. Laney couldn’t say enough about what you did.”
“We were lucky. I’m glad Antonio was there.” He stole a glance at what had been labeled the Burnout Room. After all, almost no one else dared to enter what seemed to be a hallowed space for the Jackals.
“He’s certainly not the brooding man I thought he was,” Shannon said, chuckling under her breath.
“He’s brooding all right but he’s a good guy. Just has his own set of demons.”
“Honey, don’t we all.” She leaned further over. “And I know about the party you guys are planning. Forget about it!”
Feigning shock, he placed his flexed hand over his chest. “Muah? I would do no such thing.”
“Right. And there really is a Santa Claus.”
He tipped his head. “Eloping isn’t the way.” He could see a myriad of emotions in her glistening eyes. “Are you two okay?”
“More than okay. I can’t spend another day without him.”
“Thought you two were already attached at the hip,” he teased.
She grabbed a towel, wiping the bar. “Life is too short, Sawyer. Way too short. I think I’ve finally figured that out. I don’t want to lose him, but I can’t force him to do something he doesn’t want to do. So, we are compromising.”
“Meaning?”
Grinning, she tsked her finger. “You’ll just have to wait, but only if you promise to stop this ridiculous party.”
He took a sip of his drink, his thoughts drifting to Reese. Life was too short and if he’d learned one thing these last traumatic days, it was that he couldn’t take anything for granted. “What if there are two parties?”
She huffed before tossing the towel in his direction. “Over my dead body. I hate parties. You know that. You promised!”
Backing away, he took the steps slowly, making certain the look on his face was one of mischief. “I’m not promising anything.” Turning sharply, he ran smack into Antonio. “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself. Can we talk for just a minute?” Antonio’s dark eyes seemed different, as if reveling with a new darkness. Gone was the anger Sawyer was so used to seeing.
“Sure.”
Antonio headed for the opposite side of the bar.
“The heroes!” A man raised his glass.
“Not heroes, Bob,” Sawyer answered.
“We’re going to buy you guys a drink,” another man grabbed Sawyer’s arm, forcing a handshake.
Antonio flanked his side, holding up his glass. “The drink we’ll take.”
Sawyer rolled his eyes. “Appreciate it, John.” Before he could move, a woman rushed forward, planting a kiss on his cheek first, Antonio second.
“You are two of the hottest smokejumpers around and I know you’re not taken.” Giving Antonio an alluring smile, she allowed her hand to travel down the jumper’s arm.
Antonio grinned. “Well, you’re right about that.”
“I’m Alexandra, by the way. Come find me later,” she purred and blew him a kiss.
“Whew. This hero business ain’t too bad,” Antonio muttered under his breath.
Sawyer chuckled and found a spot near the wall, standing room only. “What’s on your mind, hero?”
His grin fading, he took a long pull on his beer, his eyes studying Sawyer. “I’m no fool.”
“Okay. We have that established.” Sawyer smiled but knew his team member was being serious. “What’s on your mind?”
Antonio hesitated again. “I’m not certain what I’m doing here.”
“Here? As in Missoula?”
“As in with the smokejumpers. Don’t get me wrong. I love this job. I crave it every day and even during the horrible times like today, I know I’m doing the right thing.”
“So why the question?”
He tapped his beer bottle, an anguished sigh pushing past his lips. “Because I’m no leader. I’ve tried. I’ve failed. That’s becoming more evident every day.”
“Don’t sell yourself short.”
“I have abilities and I’m a damn good jumper. I don’t question that at all.”
Sawyer wasn’t certain he liked where this was going. “So, what are you saying?”
“The captain talked to you about taking over. Didn’t he?”
Sawyer had never felt so awkward in his life. “He mentioned that he wanted to give the mayor a recommendation.”
Antonio nodded several times. “The captain is a good man and I respect him. His recommendation will be the decision maker. The mayor listens to what the Cap’n has to say, at least most of the time.” He gave a nervous grin.
“O-kay.” He gave a questioning look. “I understood that to be the case.” What was Antonio getting at? From where he was standing, he could see the television set, the dozens of reporters hunkering down, waiting for the mayor to make a statement. He wasn’t interested in listening after the damn long day.
“Hey, Shannon. Turn that up,” a call came from the middle of the customers.
Antonio waited for a second, moving just enough to be able to eye the news broadcast. “Damn shame there can’t be good news.”
“Yeah.
Black cloud hanging over Missoula right now, but the authorities will catch the Dreyfus kids.”
“And we’re just about to begin the press conference from Mayor Jasmine Falk, who has several announcements to make,” the local television reporter stated.
“I’m just going to go ahead and say this, and you can doubt me if you need to. You and I haven’t always seen eye to eye on things.”
“Welcome, Mayor Jasmine Falk.”
The patrons in Ziggy’s moved closer to the bar and a hush fell over the room.
“Not always.” Sawyer moved his drink back and forth from hand to hand. The pictures of the burned-out buildings as well as the elementary school were terrifying reminders of the madness of certain humans. He cringed and noticed Reese moving through the crowd. A sense of relief mixed with excitement.
“I’m sorry about that. I sure as shit haven’t been the best team member and I’m going to try and change the way I handle things,” Antonio continued, narrowing his eyes as he watched the horror on the television unfolding.
“Thank you and I’m saddened to be here,” Mayor Falk began. “We’ve had yet another tragedy in our amazing city, one orchestrated by former members of our community. I am here to promise you that no matter what it takes, Katrina Dreyfus, Bo Dreyfus and anyone who helped in the escape of Ms. Dreyfus as well as the murders of our citizens and the arson of our property will. Be. Hunted. Down.”
Sawyer held his breath as she continued, her face as full of rage as he’d ever seen.
“She’s serious. Heard there are hundreds of law enforcement officers on the hunt.” Antonio kept his voice low.
“We all learned the hard way it’s going to be tough to catch them.” Sawyer locked eyes with Reese. He noticed her pensive expression and wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms. They were all drained, exhausted from the experience.
“While we have many things to be saddened about, including the loss of lives, we also have so many reasons to be thankful,” Mayor Falk gave a polished smile.
“She’s damn good at this.” Antonio lifted his glass.
“Antonio. Just say it. You want the job. I get it. Do you want to know the truth?” He didn’t wait for the man to respond. “I don’t. I don’t think I’d be the best man to lead the team. I want to explore other aspects of my life. Besides, I might just have a special someone.” Breathing out, he was certain this was the best decision and a huge burden was ripped off his shoulders. “You can have it.” He nodded to several of the other jumpers as they crowded around the outskirts of the bar, the majority listening intently.
“Including our First Responders. I want to give a very special thank you to the men and women who fight bravely every day in order for everyone in this community to live a better life. Where ever you are, please take a moment to say thank you. They saved many lives today, including those of our beloved children. We are blessed with some of the finest teams in the country.” Mayor Falk waited as the entire crowd surrounding her platform clapped, cheers erupting even in the bar.
Sawyer could feel the heat rising as almost every single person in the bar began to clap, raising their glasses. Both he and Antonio raised theirs and he had to admit, he’d never felt such pride in his fellow jumpers, in the fire departments who worked tirelessly, as well as the sheriff’s department and the EMT units. Reese smiled as she walked closer, the same pride he was feeling showing in her eyes.
“We have two smokejumpers in particular to celebrate tonight. Two men who ran bravely into a burning school in order to save children. Antonio Giovanni and Sawyer Lincoln.” Mayor Falk gripped the podium.
“My hero,” Reese stated as she closed the distance.
Sawyer rolled his eyes. There were at least a half dozen smokejumpers from the Rattlesnake team drinking inside the bar. They didn’t appear quite as happy as everyone else.
“I am both saddened as well as grateful for the opportunity to work with Captain Scully Phillips. I cannot say enough about this highly decorated and respected Captain of the Jackals, a former smokejumper himself. I’ve known Scully for almost fifteen years. As many of you may have heard, his decision to retire has been met with my personal pushback.” Mayor Falk shook her head. “And for any of you who know the man, you know that he’s a tough old bird.”
Shaking his head, Antonio muttered under his breath before breaking into a huge grin. “Well, buddy. I think the decision has already been made for you.”
“What are you talking about?” Sawyer darted his eyes in Antonio’s direction.
“After many long conversations with Scully, various members of my team as well as several smokejumpers, his replacement has been decided. In addition, I’m here to announce that the two smokejumping teams will be combined, working together as one effective October 1st, the official date of Captain Scully Phillips’ retirement.”
Sawyer walked closer to the television, his heart pounding.
“This combined team will be under the helm of Captain Sawyer Lincoln.”
Chapter 14
“What?” Sawyer almost dropped his glass. “I…” He turned toward Antonio, getting in the man’s face. “Did you have anything to do with this?” He heard the demanding tone in his voice. He also heard the exclamations of surprise from the various members of his team.
“I might have had a conversation with the mayor,” Antonio responded, his gaze moving over Sawyer’s shoulder.
Sawyer tilted his head, unable to even think clearly. This couldn’t be happening. “I don’t understand.”
Reese wrapped her arm around him, a smile on her face.
“So, did I,” Stoker said as he walked closer, Jessica hanging on his arm.
“And I did,” Garcia added.
“I might have said a few things myself,” Landen said, his eyes twinkling.
Moose and Zane walked over, giving Antonio a look. “We all did, Sawyer. All of us,” Moose said almost defiantly. “I’ve worked with some good people in my time, damn good, but you are a natural leader.”
“I’ll agree.” Cooper winked as he walked closer.
“You did what?” Sawyer managed.
“The fact is, every member of the team agreed that you are the only one who could lead the team. Now, we had no idea the teams really were going to be combined. I’ll give you that.” Antonio laughed.
“The Rattlesnakes will get the hell over this or they’ll have me to talk to,” Steel stated then broke into an unusual grin. “Working together, we can accomplish a hell of a lot.”
Sawyer took a step away, a rush of adrenaline kicking his ass. “I didn’t decide to do this. I was asked, but I hadn’t reached a decision.” He glared at Boone.
“Okay. I’ll confess. I might have told them that you were thinking about retiring,” Boone said sheepishly.
“And we couldn’t have that. We’re not losing any member of this team by choice. Indentured servants,” Riker huffed, lifting his beer. “To the new captain.”
“Here. Here.”
Stunned, Sawyer had no idea what to say. As he looked around the room, various faces beaming, members of the Rattlesnakes bewildered, he was lost in a vacuum. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Just say that you’ll be weak and easy to get along with,” Boone teased.
Sawyer leaned over to Boone. “That means you’re not leaving the team either.”
“We’ll see,” Boone answered.
“You’re going to be great,” Reese whispered. “The demons can rest now.”
Could they? Could he actually find some peace? Sawyer wanted nothing more than to talk with the captain. “What did the captain say?”
Antonio walked closer. “You know what he wanted in the first place, Sawyer. When Boone said you were thinking about retiring, we couldn’t let you go. You’re too valuable as a team mate and as a friend.”
His heart swelling, Sawyer continued to feel the pride, but right now, was unable to put everything in its place the way it needed to be. “I
just don’t know if this is the right thing to do.”
“Why? Do you have some other burning career choice? Are you making a big change to superhero?” Laughing, Landen tapped Sawyer on the shoulder.
“Hey. Speaking of our heroes.” Riker pointed back to the television. “Look at those cute faces.”
“Sexy is more like it,” Reese cooed.
Sawyer rubbed sweat from his eyes as the various pictures of Antonio and himself flashed across the television. “Turn that off!”
“No can do, partner,” Shannon called back.
He glared at the television as the reporter seemed to be giving their entire life story. “This is getting out of hand. There were dozens of people fighting to save lives today. Dozens.”
“Yeah? Not any who ran into a burning building to save children.” Boone grinned. “Just enjoy the five minutes. It won’t last. You know how the game works.”
Sawyer closed his eyes. “Unbelievable.”
“I’m glad I was here,” Reese said quietly.
“You okay?”
“I’m fine. Just a little scare at the condo. Nothing to worry about. Most likely my imagination playing tricks.” Reese kept her voice as low as possible. “I need a drink.”
“What do you mean?” Sawyer moved in front of her.
“I just thought someone was following me. That’s all. But I’m here. Buy me a drink, my personal hero?” She clung to him, nuzzling into his chest.
“You bet. Then I need to figure out what I’m doing.” Sawyer was in a fog, his thoughts reeling from the concept alone.
“Don’t go too far. We’re going to celebrate.” Boone chastised.
He should be angry with all of them, but the respect was something he’d never comprehended in this manner. Perhaps seeing the horse was meant as a sign to stay, to fight and face the monsters still living inside.
“Our hero. What can I get you both?” Shannon moved around the two bartenders, heading toward them.
