Blaze

by Piper Stone

  No longer.

  Drake tilted his head and gave her some space. “Look. I just want to take you out to dinner. We can talk further. I wanted to make certain that you’re all right. I guess I want the chance to explain myself, my actions. I know my behavior was suffocating. We didn’t leave on the best of terms.”

  “Suffocating.” Snorting, she slapped her hand over her mouth and shook her head. She was no longer afraid of him, merely saddened that she’d spent the better part of three years with a man she could never love. She didn’t know the difference. Showered with gifts, poems of adoration, she’d fallen into his trap and more than once. “No, we didn’t leave on the best of terms since you promised me that you would hunt me down, no matter where I went. And here you are. You don’t get it at all. You never did. I’m nobody’s slave. I could never be.”

  He reached out to touch her then curled his fingers. “I always knew you were a strong woman and I adored you for that. I was obsessed with you, with what we shared. I crossed the line.”

  “You crossed a lot of lines.” Folding her arms, she took a purposeful step away. “You hurt me. You used me. And don’t say a damn word. I knew what I was getting into, or so I thought, but your brand of punishment was nothing more than torture.” Tears rushed to her eyes. She’d been such a good little girl, obeying every command no matter how sadistic. Guilt continued to riddle her, clouding every decision.

  “I’m sorry. That’s all I can say to you.” Drake’s voice was hushed. He looked down, allowing a slow exhale to escape. “You have no idea how much I love you.”

  “Love? I was your possession.” Stasha shook her head then clenched her eyes shut. “Just leave me alone, Drake. We both have new lives.”

  “One drink somewhere, remembering the good times. Then I’ll leave. I swear to God.”

  “No, you won’t. I know you.”

  Inhaling, he remained quiet. “There’s nothing I can say? We shared so many amazing times together. Just you and me. I shared confidences with you as well as my heart.”

  She was no longer certain the man had a heart. “What we shared will never leave me, but I have to move on. Please. Please just stay out of my life. I have a wonderful practice, and people I care about.”

  “People. A man?” Drake growled.

  “The old Drake shines through. I no longer belong to you, remember? I can date anyone I want to.”

  “You’re right,” he said quickly. “You’re absolutely right. How could I forget?”

  She noticed an almost curt manner about his actions, almost practiced. Hair raised on the back of her neck. She shouldn’t have agreed to be alone with him for any period of time. There was little doubt in her mind what the man was capable of. While he hadn’t shared many details of his past or the family he loathed, she knew his early years had been difficult, life changing. He was so angry, bitter at the world, and unable to distinguish between aspects of right and wrong. “I’m glad you’re doing well. I really am. I will cherish aspects of what we shared, but I’m moving on. Okay?”

  His breathing remained ragged. “Yeah. You’re right. I was a fool to come here. I don’t know what I was thinking. I guess I just wanted to see you one last time.” Offering a smile, he held out his hand.

  Stasha stared at the gesture and swallowed hard. She clasped his hand, keeping her grip firm. “Well, you did. Be happy in your life, Drake. I know there’s a woman out there who can be exactly everything you need.” All he wanted was a mindless slave.

  “I know you’re right.” Drake smiled then began to whistle, his hand almost crushing hers.

  Utter fear flew up her spine. The song was the exact one he used every time he was coming for her, to unlock her cage door. No. No! Self-preservation boosting her resolve, she calculated the steps to get inside her house. Away from him. Away from the monster.

  “I already found her. I told you that. You belong to me.”

  As she began to fade to black, she could only see Boone’s face.

  Chapter 12

  What the hell do you mean someone painted an ‘X’ in blood on your barn?” Sawyer growled as he trailed behind Boone.

  “Keep your voice down. I don’t want everyone else to hear this,” Boone chastised as he headed for his locker.

  “This isn’t about fooling around here, and you know it. If you’re being threatened, then you damn sure need to contact the Sheriff.”

  Boone shot him a look. “And say what exactly? That someone decided to send me a message? Why?”

  “Because,” Sawyer hissed between clenched teeth. “You have no trouble stating what you think. Anybody could have heard us in Ziggy’s last night.”

  “And what would they have heard? Come on, Sawyer. I’m not going to scare that easily. If they’d wanted to hurt me, they would have. Maybe the Dreyfus sons are in town, but what do I matter to them? I’m nobody on the circuit and have no real influence over anyone in power. What do they think they’re going to accomplish?”

  “Have you ever thought that you might be closer to finding out some real evidence than you realize?”

  He’d thought about a hell of a lot of things over three glasses of whiskey. “I’ll lay low but I’m still going to ask questions.” As several of the others entered the room, he lowered his voice. “There is something going on in this town and I’ll bet whatever is going on, they’re running out of time.”

  “For what?” Sawyer demanded.

  “That, I don’t know. Stop worrying about me.” He dropped his things into the locker, cursing under his breath.

  “You’re in a piss ass mood today.”

  “Don’t start with me!” Boone huffed. Taking out his anger on his best friend wasn’t his style. “I’m sorry, dude. My mind is all over the place.”

  “That I can tell. Just don’t get yourself killed. Kinda like having you around.” Sawyer issued a mischievous look.

  “I don’t intend to.” A quiet settled between them.

  “The sexy vet really stood you up?” Sawyer slid against the locker, wrinkling his nose.

  “What it looks like,” Boone answered as he yanked his T-shirt from the shelf. “I don’t own her. I just wish she would have called.” As he yanked on the thin material, he played over the message he’d left her. He could bet he sounded like a damn lovesick puppy dog.

  “I barely met the girl, but that doesn’t seem like her at all. Now, maybe Candy would do something like that.” Laughing, he swallowed the sound when Boone issued a nasty look. “I’m just trying to get a rile out of you.”

  “Really?” Shoving the shirt tail into his pants, he knew he wasn’t up for a rough training day, let alone a discussion about parachutes. His mind was decidedly elsewhere. He still had an inkling that things were off but pushing her wasn’t in either one of their best interests.

  “And I can tell you’re still worried.”

  “I guess. Hell, I don’t really know what to think. However, I heard the voices. They were intense but certainly not angry.” Whoever Stasha was with, she’d allowed him in.

  “Well, then give her some space. Not that I’m the best mentor. From what you’ve told me, a little whirlwind romance?” Sawyer winked.

  Closing his locker, Boone leaned against it. “I know it sounds crazy, but I really like this girl. We have so much in common and she simply gives me the kind of joy I’ve never had. She’s so intelligent and beautiful, pigheaded just like I am, and she has such a strong love of animals.”

  “My God, you’re in love.”

  He ran his hand through his hair, mumbling under his breath. “Yeah, I guess I am. Ugh!”

  “Come on, lover boy. Let’s get to the meeting. Then call her again. Maybe ask her to lunch, something easy and without commitment.”

  “You know what? I think I will.” Commitment. The word had never entered into his vocabulary. Smiling for the first time in several hours, he trailed behind Sawyer and wasn’t surprised to see the fire investigator waiting, the same studious express
ion they were all used to seeing. Maybe the man could shed some light onto the recent catastrophic fire.

  “Gentlemen. We have a guest,” Captain Phillips nodded in the investigator’s direction. “Fred has a few questions to ask so give him your undivided attention.”

  They heard the sound of the main door swinging open, boots thumping on the cement floor.

  Stoker raced toward them, his face ashen. “Sorry I’m late. Bad morning.”

  “This about Jessica?” Riker asked.

  Stoker dropped his bag. “Yeah. She was admitted to the hospital last night.”

  “Oh, man. I’m so sorry. Is she going to be all right?” Garcia inched closer.

  “The doctors don’t know yet.” Stoker’s voice cracked.

  “You shouldn’t be here, son. Go be with your wife.” The captain smiled, giving him a nod of approval.

  “Nah. There’s nothing I can do right now, and Jessica doesn’t need me pacing the floors. That does increase her blood pressure. Besides, the hospital has me on speed dial if anything happens.” Stoker gave a half smile.

  Boone knew if anything were to happen to Stasha, there was no way he could carry on a normal day. He allowed his thoughts to drift, picturing waking up with her, having coffee on the deck, dinner that night. The concept was amazing, but he had the distinct feeling it might never happen. They were both so independent, determined to rule the world. Rubbing his index finger across his mouth, his cock ached just thinking about spanking her, taking her over his knee.

  “All right, but you do what you need to do.” Captain Phillips shook his head. “Family has to come first. I learned that one the hard way. Fred, they’re all yours.”

  “Thanks, Scully,” Frederick Nelson said as he approached. “Well, you guys have certainly been in the thick of shit lately. As you can imagine, I’m looking to figure out if the fire was purposely set at the Carter Ranch. At this point, I’ve found nothing to indicate it wasn’t an accident.”

  “What?” Riker snarled. “You saw the area. There is no way that could have been an accident.”

  “I’m not done investigating yet,” Frederick said, his look solemn.

  “That’s crazy,” Landen added. “Just fuckin’ crazy.”

  “The fire burned too hot. An accelerant must have been used.” Moose snorted.

  “Maybe, but if this was arson, the person setting the fire knew what they were doing.” Frederick walked closer.

  “You think there’s more going on, don’t you?” Sawyer asked, nodding to the others.

  “I have certain suspicions. That’s where all of you come in.” Frederick allowed the words to linger. “I know you’ve all given your statements to the captain regarding what happened, but I need you to dig deeper. I need you to think about everything that you noticed that night, from the people around to the way the animals were being handled. I don’t mind telling you that the Carter family is in dire straits over this. They lost several of their prize-winning thoroughbreds as well as the house and barns are a total loss.”

  “The horses were taken,” Boone said in a matter of fact manner. “At least the choice studs and mares. The rest were left to die.”

  “Assholes,” Antonio muttered.

  “Special place in hell for anyone hurtin’ animals,” Zane added, a snarl in his voice.

  “Again, there’s no evidence of that in any manner, except for the horse found on the abandoned property the other day. The Carter family is allowing us to believe that the other horses might have run away.” Frederick raised a single eyebrow.

  “But you don’t believe them, do you?” Antonio chortled.

  “Not for a second. Now, I have the Park Rangers out combing the surrounding mountain, but they would have seen something by now. I’m working a joint task force with Colton Spencer. He’s leading a team from the Criminal Investigation Service of the National Park System. This thing goes way beyond just occurring in Montana. The sheriff’s office is also working with us, so we will make some headway. My gut is that there’s a huge organization behind this, or at least one with power and influence. The fires are coordinated. Don’t go spouting that off, because we’re light on evidence. We need to catch them red-handed.”

  “What are you thinking, Fred?” Captain Phillips asked.

  Boone froze. Colton? Spence was working with them? Why the hell didn’t he tell Boone when they’d talked?

  “Isn’t that your buddy?” Sawyer whispered.

  Nodding, Boone held his breath, his thoughts drifting to the way the sheriff had asked him questions.

  “Just that I need your cooperation. If you can think of anyone or anything out of place that you noticed; any gas cans, something out of the ordinary, give me a ring.” Frederick looked from one to the other, his eyes never blinking. “We want to get these bastards.”

  Antonio exhaled. “Yeah, we can do that, but as you can imagine, everyone was pretty damn rattled about the entire experience.”

  “I know that, and I can appreciate how traumatic the entire situation was for all of you.” Frederick nodded.

  “But, you don’t think this is over. Do you?” Boone dared to ask.

  Lifting a single eyebrow, Frederick inhaled and patted his chest before speaking. “Not by a long shot, son. Not by a damn long shot.”

  The team remained quiet.

  “Well, I will leave you to your work today. Thank you for your time. You all have my cell phone number in case you think of anything. Captain.” Frederick shook the captain’s hand before walking toward the door.

  “Mr. Nelson. Is there any truth to the rumor that the Dreyfus family could be behind this?” Boone’s voice boomed in the expansive hanger.

  Frederick stopped short, turning slowly. “I can’t tell you any more right now. This is a criminal investigation.” He narrowed his eyes, studying Boone as if searching for the reason for the question being asked.

  “Of course,” Boone said, holding up his hands. “Just rumors anyway.”

  “Rumors. Yes.” Frederick glanced at the captain before walking straight to the door.

  “Wow. Do you get the distinct impression that he knows more than he’s telling?” Sawyer whispered toward Boone.

  “Much like the sheriff. I have a feeling there’s more to this family influence than even you know about.” Boone watched as he walked out. If horses were taken, it had to have been a coordinated theft. Possibly involving the family? What did they have to gain other than insurance money? “I wonder if a debt was owed by the Carter family.”

  “I don’t think there’s a way of finding out. But why?”

  “The fire could have been retaliation, extortion for not paying the debt or…” Boone allowed the words to trail off. He thought about what Spence had told him. A tip of the iceberg.

  “Revenge.” Sawyer shook his head.

  “And greed,” Boone whispered.

  “Okay, gentlemen. Just keep your eyes and ears open, but I don’t need to remind you not to go off half-cocked on this thing. You know something, give Fred a call and keep me in the loop on this. I don’t want to be blindsided.” The captain stood with his hands on his hips.

  “Aye, aye, Cap’n,” Stoker said.

  “Yes, sir.” A couple others said.

  “Uh-huh. Let’s talk about the parachute schedule.” Captain Phillips grumbled as he pulled a clipboard from the table.

  “Revenge and greed then a fire to cover up for the theft itself.” Sawyer whistled. “Clever.”

  “Maybe not clever enough.”

  “Are you with us, Boone? Sawyer?” The captain’s voice boomed in the overcharged room.

  “Here, Cap’n. Very much here,” Boone answered. Maybe confirming with his buddy, Colton was in order. If he would say any more. Thoroughbreds had nothing to do with the rodeo circuit, even though the Dreyfus family had found their way back into the game. But they were valuable commodities to other countries, especially ones with large amounts of available cash.

  “All right
. We are set for next Monday. We’re going to combine our efforts with the Rattlesnakes once again.” Captain Phillips held up his hand as the team started grumbling. “They need our support. They lost a man.”

  “We all lost a man on that day. A good man. He didn’t deserve to die because of faulty equipment.” Steel’s crystal-clear voice cut through the noise.

  Moose dropped his head. “The captain is right. We need to do this together. We lost a friend that day.”

  Captain Phillips patted him on the shoulder. “We’ve all been through a horrible ordeal and I know we’d all like to get this behind us. New equipment is necessary. We’ll meet there at seven sharp. Everyone understand?”

  “Great. Just great,” Riker muttered.

  “Yeah, fucking fantastic.” Landen shoved his hands into his pockets.

  “You’re all dismissed, except for Boone. Can I see you for a few minutes?” The captain nodded in his direction.

  “Uh-oh. He’s in trouble,” Garcia teased.

  “Again.” Winking, Sawyer punched Boone on the arm.

  “I will get your ass for this.” Boone tried to laugh as he walked toward the captain’s office. Maybe his snooping had ruffled feathers.

  The captain waited by the door, closing it after Boone walked inside.

  “This doesn’t seem good. What did I do?”