Blaze

by Piper Stone

  “Ziggy’s?”

  “Yeah. I had an interesting call from Shannon Miller. You know how Shannon can be. She followed a customer outside, heard him talking about taking care of a situation. She even managed to get the license plate. The closest we’ve come to tracking Bo down.”

  “What night are we talking about?”

  “Last night.”

  “Fuck!” Boone clenched his fists. “Sawyer and I were talking about the Dreyfus family. Anyone could have heard us.”

  “He was fishing. Boone, this is a dangerous man. I’m telling you.”

  Tap. Tap.

  “Sheriff, sorry to interrupt but we ran the fingerprints that were found. Only a partial but it’s an exact match,” Carter said after opening the door.

  “Who is it?”

  “Boone, you know I can’t tell you that. Stay put.”

  “I have to leave. I have to find her.”

  Sheriff James gave him a hard look. “You’re not going to accomplish anything going off by yourself. You have no idea where she could be. I have her description as well as the SUV. Just wait for one minute. I have a few additional questions to ask you.” He opened the door and walked out.

  Boone knew he wasn’t going to sit around her, waiting for news that she’d been harmed or worse. He threw open the door and headed for the exit, making it just outside before the sheriff came running.

  “Wait a minute. What did you say the name of the technician is?”

  “Shaun. Shaun Davidson. I’m certain of it. Why?” Boone remembered.

  “Shit. Jesus Christ. Because the print we found belongs to him.”

  “I will hunt him down and kill him.”

  The sheriff shook his head. “If I have to lock you up in a cell, I will. Just wait a minute.”

  “Sheriff James, we found the SUV.” Carter bounded outside, almost breathless.

  “That’s fantastic. We’ll find her.” The sheriff breathed out.

  “Sheriff, there’s more. They found a victim inside. Dead.”

  Stasha closed her eyes, praying to some God that she could get out of here alive. Hours had gone by and the sun was waning, leaving invasive shadows crossing the floor. She’d heard the loud voices continuing and knew that Boone was in danger, but little else made any sense. The bitter arguments had turned into screams. She’d even heard the sound of items being thrown.

  Then there was silence. Dead silence.

  As she leaned against the back of the cage, she forced her mind to think about Boone, his face and smile, the way he laughed. He’d know she was missing. The fact she hadn’t called, hadn’t answered his calls would no doubt concern him. Please stay safe. Please.

  Click.

  Jostled from the noise, she held her breath as the door opened. The man walking inside was handsome with the same eyes, the same mannerisms. How had she not noticed before?

  “Don’t look so surprised, sunshine. I’ve heard all about you. As a matter of fact, I was delighted to hear you were coming to join us in Missoula.” He swung out his arms then hunkered down, peering through the bars, cocking his head. “I must admit, my brother had very good taste. A veterinarian. I would have never guessed. But so very beautiful.”

  Slinking back, Stasha studied his features as well as the single ring on his finger. The same ring she’d seen Drake wear. Very carefully she darted her eyes to the open door, trying to catch a glimpse of anything that might help her figure out where she was. Or at least a memory of where she’d been. The closeness in their features was the reason she’d been afraid of the man at Ziggy’s. “Who are you?”

  “My name is Bo. Didn’t Drake tell you anything about me?”

  “He never mentioned you.” She thought about everything that Drake had told her during their relationship. He’d never mentioned anything about family or where he was from. She’d fallen into a trap. Her mind reeled as she remembered the pamphlet, the glossy brochure luring her to Missoula. Dear God, Drake had planted it, planning. He’d meant what he said. He was never going to let her go. “What the hell do you want with me?”

  “Well, if you’re a very good girl, I might keep you alive. I understand you have at least some training as a slave. You see, my brother and I have the exact same tastes. We learned everything we know from our father. May the man rot in hell where he deserves to be.” He kept the smile on his face, his black eyes shining with glee.

  She swallowed but given the lack of water, she had difficulty. A quick glance at the lock was met with a hard crack against the bars.

  Wham!

  “There is no escape. I’d just rest up because after tonight, you’re going to need it. Just need to take care of a few loose ends, then we’ll have enough money to go anywhere we’d like to go.”

  “You’re a bastard. Killing those horses.”

  Bo laughed. “I wouldn’t dirty my hands with such a thing. I have minions to do that for me. I pay them very well for their loyalty and expertise. Besides, I rid the area of certain people who offer nothing to this beautiful city but are a drain on it. I’m really like a God.”

  “You’re a sick fuck!”

  Inhaling, his smile was replaced with a look of rage. “I wouldn’t test me, sunshine. You’ll lose. I would hate for you to learn a harsh lesson on our first night together.”

  “Where’s Drake?”

  Giving her a heated expression, he smiled again. “Excess baggage, just like that cowboy of yours has been. I don’t like working with a partner and I don’t like foolish firefighters who think they matter. Let’s just say my brother lived out his usefulness. He’d grown far too soft.”

  There was no love for the monster who’d set out to torture her, but she was thrown. “You are a bastard.”

  “I am many things and you’ll soon find out. I’ll be back later. Be a good girl or the punishment you receive will be one you won’t forget.”

  Stasha heard Bo whistling as he walked through the house. When she heard what had to be the front door, she remained absolutely still until the sound of a rumbling engine being started was followed by the screeching of tires. Drake. He’d been murdered. She thought about the last moment with Drake and as the vision played back slowly, she could remember the rustling of trees then a flash just before she was knocked unconscious.

  Sighing, she stuck her hand through the bars, grabbing the padlock. The typical style was nothing special, the lock meant for a key. She felt along the edges of the cage, trying to find anything metal that she could use. There was nothing. “Shit.” Dropping her head forward, her hair came cascading down. She smiled and moved her hand behind her head, pulling at the clasp holding her hair into place.

  The piece was cheap plastic with two metal prongs. “All right. We can do this. We can.” She shoved her body against the bars and slid the prong into the small lock, wiggling. Beads of perspiration trickled down her face and neck as she worked tried to find the latch buried inside. As the shadows slowly turned into darkness, she knew she was working against the clock.

  Snip!

  “Fuck!” Panting, she wiped away sweat and her hand was shaking. She brushed them on her jeans and glanced back toward the window. If she was lucky, she’d have about fifteen minutes. She took several deep breaths and when her heartrate was calmer, she tried again, going very slowly, fiddling as she shoved her face against the bars. Please God. Please…

  The sun continued to dip until there was almost no light. She twisted her hand, shoving the prong further inside.

  “Come on. Come on!”

  Click!

  Boone rolled behind the sheriff’s car, moving in the direction they’d found the SUV. From the little he’d heard, the vehicle had been found in a ravine drop off and called in by a passing motorist. There were no details and his chest heaved as he followed closely behind. He had to know. He had to fucking know.

  His cell phone rang but he ignored the call, gripping the steering wheel and maneuvering the sharp curves. One of her own employees had betraye
d her. Maybe the asshole could at least tell them more. He groaned and tried to keep a rational state of mind, but there was no way to put this together. Two brothers hell bent on destroying the good people of Missoula.

  When the phone rang again, he snarled, jerking it from his seat. Sawyer. “What? This isn’t the best time.”

  “I found something, and you need to hear this, Boone.” Sawyer’s voice held exasperation.

  “What?”

  “That girl, Candy? I checked her out. I just knew she had to be related to the Dreyfus family.”

  “And?” Boone rubbed his forehead as he tried to focus.

  “I went on the internet and found her. Party girl and she’s not who she says she is.”

  “Okay, that’s interesting news but the sheriff might have found Stasha. I have to go.”

  “No!” Sawyer yelled. “Listen to me. I found a picture and confirmed. Candy is Katrina Dreyfus. There’s a picture with her father and brothers.”

  Boone almost hit the brakes. “You’re kidding me.”

  “I double checked. She’s been here the entire time and Boone, I have a feeling she’s running the show.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Long story, but worth the sheriff listening to. And Boone, she’s the dangerous one. She’s also connected to a certain hit man. Sniper? As in the shots? I had to call in a few favors with a detective buddy of mine, but it’s the truth.”

  Shifting gears, he pulled behind the various emergency vehicles. “Call the sheriff. Tell him everything you know.”

  “I will, Boone. I will.”

  Slamming the phone down, he jumped out of his car, racing to the scene.

  “Hold on, Boone. We need to see what we have,” Sheriff James tried to stop him.

  “No fucking way.” Maneuvering out of his hold, he headed down the side of the hill, jumping over broken tree limbs in an effort to get to the SUV. He pushed past several of the rescuers, until he caught sight of the person they were pulling out of the twisted wreck. The hair was matted with blood, indistinguishable. “Is it…”

  He pushed again, shoving his way until he could see. The open eyes spoke of horror, the mangled, bloodied face of the trauma experienced. Tears slipped from his eyes as he tried to get closer. “No. No!”

  Then he began to sob.

  Chapter 14

  Whoosh!

  Stasha raced through the trees in the darkness, trying to find her way to a main road. She knew that she was still in a town and had seen just enough before the darkness set in to realize she was still in Missoula. The river was close, the sound of water trickling over stones similar to the one she’d heard at Boone’s house. Stumbling, she landed on her hands and knees. The pain was sharp. “Shit!”

  Panting, she struggled to stand, her entire body shaking. She clamped her mouth shut, listening for any sounds. Cars. There were cars close by. If she could just get to the road, she might be able to get to safety. Concentrating, she felt her way as she headed in the direction of the noise, careful with every step.

  She had no way of determining how long she’d been walking but the moon was rising, cresting over the trees. They became sparser as she walked, and the shimmer allowed her to avoid falling on her ass. The cars were closer. There had to be a main road just up ahead. A flash of light gave her an exhilarated feeling and she almost raced in the direction, stopping short just before taking a nose dive off an embankment.

  Stasha was able to see the land sloped down, maybe just enough to allow her to jump. Every move calculated, she moved quickly, fearful the monster would discover that she’d escaped. After thirty or so feet, she realized this was the lowest point. Unable to tell the drop, she listened again, homing in on approaching vehicles. Hearing nothing, she took a leap of faith.

  Hitting the ground hard, she tumbled and rolled. A light was shining, coming in her direction. Fast. There was no way to see her. None. Scrambling to her feet, she held out her hands and tried to back away. The car continued, rounding the bend. Coming. Coming.

  Eeerrrr! Squeee!

  Scrunching, she held her hands over her head and held her breath. She heard the sound of a door and someone lumbering toward her.

  “Jesus Christ. I almost hit you. Are you all right?”

  Terrified, she looked up, expecting to see Bo. The kind older man had a look of horror on his face. “Can you help me?”

  “Yes. Are you hurt?” He walked closer.

  She took a giant step back. “I’m okay. I’m just. Where am I?”

  “I need to get you to a hospital,” he said, offering a smile.

  “Where am I?”

  “Missoula, Montana?”

  She half laughed and moved closer. Thank God. “I’m Dr. Stasha Parker. Do you know a smokejumper by the name of Boone Martin?”

  “Actually, I do. Why?”

  “Can you take me to his house?”

  “I really think you need to go to the hospital, Dr. Parker.”

  “Please,” she pleaded. “I will get medical attention later. I have to get there.”

  He gave her a look up and down then nodded. “Get in.”

  She jumped inside his car, holding her hands together. “How far?”

  “Maybe five miles. What happened to you?” he asked as he placed the gear in drive.

  “Just a bad day. A very bad day.” She huddled, a chill racing down her spine, fearful that he was taking her back to the house. When he kept driving in the opposite direction, she breathed a sigh of relief. She watched as other cars came in the opposite direction. Trees lined the road and she closed her eyes, praying everything would be all right.

  “Just up ahead.”

  “Okay.” Her voice was scratchy, almost closed off. When he made a sharp turn, she peered out the window. “Oh, my God. What is that?”

  “I don’t know.” He rumbled up the long embankment and the moment they cleared the bank of trees, she screamed. “No!” Her hands fumbling, she fought to get out of the car as the bright orange flames shot up through the roof of Boone’s house as well as his barn.

  “You can’t go out there. Let me call the fire department.”

  Refusing to listen, she jumped out of the car the moment it stopped and raced to the house pounding on the door. “Boone!” She tried the door. It was locked. “Oh, God!” With what little strength she had left, she kicked the wood. It didn’t budge. She pounded again until she heard the terrified whinnying sounds of the horses. “No.” Racing off the porch, she headed in the direction of the barn.

  Flames licked out above the roofline, shooting embers down over her as she raced in. By instinct, she headed to the back, unlatching the gates. “Come on. Get out of here.” The horses responded one by one until she got to Blaze. “Come on, boy. Let’s get you out of here.”

  The fire roared all around her and she heard creaking sounds as the timbers began to break. Fumbling with the gate, her hands sweaty, she panted as she tried to free the baby. He began to kick at the gate, his terrified eyes open wide.

  “Hold on. Just hold on.”

  Boom!

  The kick was hard, sending her onto the ground.

  Whoosh! Boom!

  The flames crawled across the remaining roof, engulfing the walls. “I can do this.” She yanked, and the latch was finally free. “Come on. Let’s get you out of here. She cajoled Blaze out of the barn and stood watching in horror as the house went up in flames. All that he’d worked for. “Boone!”

  Blaze whinnied and stood on his back legs, kicking out.

  Crack!

  Darting a glance to her left, she noticed movement. “Boone?”

  Pop! Pop!

  Gunshots rang out in the darkness, pinging off the closest trees. Ducking, she raced alongside Blaze, moving toward the front of the house. Terror ripped through every cell, every muscle. The monster was here to kill the man she loved. As she ran, she yelled at the other horses and waved frantically at the driver, attempting to get him out of harm’s wa
y. His eyes huge, his grip on the steering wheel firm, he gawked at her until she pounded on the hood. “Get out of here!”

  Pop! Pop! Pop!

  A single shot hit the side of the man’s car. The horses went wild, racing away into the woods. Only Blaze stayed by her side, rearing on hind legs. “Go! Go!”

  The good Samaritan continued to waiver until she did the only thing she could think of. She sucked in her breath and pulled on Blazer’s halter. “Baby. You have to help me. You have to.” She thought about the days from her past, riding when she was a little girl and just the way her father taught her, she jumped and threw her leg up and around Blaze. “We can do this. We have to.”

  She heard the screech of the tires as the man backed up. Hissing, she turned in a full circle and noticed a dark form coming from the direction of the barn, the intense flames highlighting his massive figure.

  Bang!

  The shot came from another location. Blaze whinnied and took off, moving in the direction of the trees. Her heart racing, she held on, hunkering over him as he cut through the passageways, jumping over fallen limps in his effort to get away.

  Stasha could hear nothing but the roar of the fire, engulfing the tree line all around her. Embers crisscrossed the blackened sky, billowing in a cloud as if raining fire. There was no controlling Blaze and she was blinded by the intense smoke, the ominous shadows.

  Come on, baby. Get us out of here.

  Crack! Boom!

  The thunderous noise of a falling tree seemed to be just behind her, yet Blaze pressed on. They were going to make it. There was an opening just head. They would be safe. They would be.

  Pop!

  Whaaa! Rearing back, Blaze’s scream echoed in the night sky.

  “No!”

  Thump!

  “Boone. We have an all-points bulletin out for Katrina Dreyfus based on the description you gave us. We have an address. Just let us do our jobs!” Sheriff James insisted, pushing Boone away from the SUV. “We’ll find her.”