Hot As Blazes

by Dani Jace

  Bad karma.

  “Heard you found a suicide.” Terrance sipped his beer and popped a pretzel.

  “Actually, Tami found him.” She wiped a clean rag over a portion of the bar for the next guest.

  “Heard she lost it.” Georgia puffed.

  She shrugged. “It shook her up.”

  “Not good. Not even for a chick.” Terrence frowned.

  “We’ll both toughen up after a few more calls. If she puked at a vehicle accident scene involving a fatality, she’d be labeled too.

  “I’m not worried about you, girl, but she won’t get respect, especially when the guys start with practical jokes.” Georgia warned with a curt eye directed at Terrance.

  “You got me back.” He snorted.

  “You got that right, boy. How about I beat you at pool again.” He followed in her wake.

  After Harley’s guests left, he approached the cash register with a roll of cash in hand. The hundred dollar bills he stashed below the cash drawer had Jo’s mouth drying like a hot day on the beach. He retained several and folded them into the front pocket of his jeans.

  “That looked intense.”

  He leaned in and whispered, “Big case breaking.”

  Her teeth chattered from an instant adrenaline dump. She grabbed the bar, slowly gaining control. “Did you find out anything from your friends about the investigation at the police department?”

  His menacing dark stare further chilled her “They won’t say, but more intel proves it’s definitely someone in the police department. That’s not to share. You got it? It’s all going to be okay, babe.” He kissed her cheek.

  She jerked back.

  “Gotta go for a bit. Remember, big secrets.”

  Shit.

  * * * *

  Ray slid up to the bar. The fucking SEAL had just laid lips on his woman. He laced his hands together and cracked his knuckles. Good thing it wasn’t her mouth or he’d be headed for jail for at least attempting to beat the shit out of the bastard. “What’s goin’ on, Jo?”

  Her eyes widened. Her mouth froze. She appeared lost, like when Bobby had told her their father died. Even when she glanced at him, he realized she hadn’t heard him. The tears in her eyes calmed his anger. He repeated his question.

  Her head jerked toward him. “What?” Her cheeks turned red. “Ahh―nothing.”

  “Didn’t look like nothing.” He scowled.

  “Please. You know how he is. You ask a simple question and you get an innuendo.”

  “I know exactly how he is.” He balled up the cocktail napkin in front of him.

  And he planned to make it absolutely clear to the SEAL that his woman was off limits to his innuendos and anything else.

  Chapter 30

  With her nose in the firefighter’s manual, Jo prepped for tomorrow’s exam. It was a one shot deal she had to pass. Yet, what Harley had told her the other night niggled at her. She hoped their findings had nothing to do with her brother because that would mean her ex was trying to get to her through her family. Her phone buzzed.

  “Can you come by the police station?”

  Bobby’s hollow tone had Jo’s heart jumping to her throat. “Is everything okay?”

  “Just need a few minutes of your time, sis.” He sounded as despondent as when he told her to come to the hospital after their dad’s accident.

  She left her book open on the dining room table and snatched her keys, leaving her final study session behind. “Jesus, what’s going on?”

  “I’ll tell you when you get here.”

  When she arrived at the station, his face was a mask of indifference. A trait she’d guessed he’d learned from years on the job. Slowly, he walked her through the hall to the back of the building. He stopped at the interrogation room, where a light glowed over top the door. There could be only one person in there that he’d call her down for and Ray was at work.

  Bobby gripped her shoulder.

  She peered into the one-way glass and bit back a cry. Sarah. “Why?” She stared at her brother.

  “They found evidence on her work computer. She’s been sending e-mails under my user name and password. DEA picked up about a thousand pills of Ecstasy from one of the e-mail contacts.

  Jo’s vision narrowed whisked to a former hell. She’d been in one of those rooms. Her innocence didn’t matter until she proved Vic guilty. “Why would she need to be involved with drugs, Bobby?”

  “According to the accountants, the business is failing. She seemed surprised when I mentioned it.”

  “Who does the books?” Her slimy partner probably.

  “A firm.”

  Her stomach churned. “And who picked the firm?”

  “You don’t think she’s involved.” He studied her.

  “I don’t know. What does your gut tell you? Maybe you should ask her some questions yourself. You always keep your e-mail password underneath the computer keyboard. I’m assuming you do the same thing at Sarah’s. Anyone coming into her house could find it.” Like the weasel Nate.

  “Shit.”

  “It might be someone she knows or even her partner.” She sympathized with Sarah.

  “Can we keep this between us?” He combed a hand through his thick hair.

  “Sure, I got your back.” She hugged him and felt his muscles humming with tension. “Try not to judge until you know for sure.”

  * * * *

  Back at home, Jo yanked a bottle of whiskey from beneath the counter. The liquor splashed into the shot glass. Her fingers trembled as she tipped it back. She embraced the burn, welcoming the impending calm. The counter steadied her as she poured another.

  The entire way home, she’d run through dozens of scenarios. The urge to call Ray willed the cell phone from her jean pocket.

  She needed to finish reviewing objective drills for her exam. If she failed even two of the evolutions, she’d have to take the entire academy over. The second shot slid down her gullet as his number rang.

  “Hey Dahlin’, how are you?” he answered cheerfully.

  “Nervous.”

  “Sorry I can’t be there to relax you. It’s been quiet though. Maybe I can gas up the captain’s ride and swing by for a few minutes.”

  His suggestive humor and husky voice immediately reassured her. “Sly dog. You would too, wouldn’t you?” She laughed in spite of her mood.

  “Anything for you, baby.” He paused. “You’re ready, don’t worry.”

  “As ready as I’ll ever be. Uh, have you talked with Bobby recently?” She sank onto a dining chair.

  “The end of last week. Why?”

  “I don’t know. He seemed kinda depressed this afternoon when he called.” It wasn’t exactly a lie, but she hoped her lover would check on him. “Don’t say I said anything, if you talk with him.”

  “Sure. But don’t worry about Bobby. He’s a big boy. He can take care of himself. You need to concentrate.”

  He understood the stress of the academy. He’d been there. To train for twenty-five grueling weeks and fail the final would be catastrophic.

  “I’ll be waiting for you when you get home. And I promise not to disappoint.”

  He never did.

  Chapter 31

  After tossing and turning most of the night, Jo drove to the academy in turmoil. Hell, she couldn’t even confide to Ray about any of her concerns. Then again, if Vic was involved somehow maybe it was best not to worry him.

  She arrived at the test site on the spring morning and took a few moments to clear her mind. Today, more than ever, she needed to stay focused. The thirty-five foot ladder rise would be tough no matter who she was teamed with.

  Tami stood outside the classroom in her academy uniform, chewing gum. She handed Jo a stick. “It’ll keep your mouth from getting dry. You ready?”

  “Thanks. I’m glad we’re partners.” She placed a hand on Tami’s shoulder.

  “Girl, you got this.” She
winked and led them to the testing area.

  Luckily, they were teamed with a male candidate who had some volunteer experience. They passed the ladder evolution without incident. On to the knot-tying drill, she panicked on Prusik until she remembered it was a form of the Girth Hitch.

  She pushed her personal life out of her head. The day wore on. After lassoing fire hydrants, she donned fire gear and entered a simulated burn. She dragged a dummy and a hose the required distance within the time constraints. By the time she passed the last evolution, she was mentally and physically burnt. Relief washed over her.

  She and Tami did a high five and bounded out the doors.

  “I’m meeting a friend for a drink. Join us?” Tami unlocked her car.

  “I got another hydrant waiting for me to lasso.” Jo giggled and hopped into the Bronco.

  Every new tree leaf had unfurled in perfect shade of green advertising spring. A new beginning for her as well. Satisfaction and relief lightened her mood. She couldn’t wait to tell Ray.

  After powering on her cell phone, she started to punch Ray’s speed dial when she noticed a voicemail. The missed call matched her lawyer’s California number. Her heart leapt to her throat. “Crap.” She keyed her password.

  “Jo, it’s Mike Donnelly. I’m calling to warn you that your buddy, Vic, has been given early release because of a technicality with the evidence.”

  Her heart stopped. Impossible! Her hands shook uncontrollably as his message continued. “You know what that means. Please be careful.”

  She immediately hit Ray’s number. His phone went to voicemail. She fought tears and dialed Papagayos with numb fingers. She didn’t know if she had enough spit to even talk.

  “You pass?” Harley answered.

  She held a hand to her throbbing head. “Yep, but I’m calling about something else. Remember that problem I mentioned that might crop up.”

  “Uh-huh. He didn’t call you, did he? Thought you got a new number before you left Cali.”

  “My attorney left me a message. He’s out.” She stuck her finger to her temple and pretended to pull a trigger.

  “Shit.”

  “I already have and they’re bricks. Can you help? Surely, you have a multitude of tricks up your sleeve.”

  “Let me make some calls. Where are you?”

  “Leaving the academy, heading back to The Banx.”

  “Damn, didn’t get much time to revel in your glory.”

  “Nope.” She choked back a sob and started the engine.

  “Stop by the bar. If I can reach my contact, I should know something by the time you get here. Hang tough, babe.”

  She ended the call and tossed the phone on the console.

  Motherfucker!

  Fighting terror, she carefully pulled onto the highway.

  Faster than if she’d been through a time warp, she arrived at Papagayos. Inside the dark bar, Harley’s face read like a map of hard lines. “He’s in Florida. Does he have family there?”

  “Yeah. You think he’ll stay there?”

  “Does he know where you live?” He frowned.

  “Of course.” She rolled her eyes.

  “Not many places to hide in the dunes, babe.” He tapped a beer and set it in front of her.

  She sagged against the bar.

  He stepped around and wrapped her in his burly arms. “I’m sorry, Jo. You’re going to get through this.”

  “What about Ray and Bobby?”

  “You gotta tell them.”

  Exhaustion hit a heavy wave and she sank against his chest. She felt like a sail stretched to its limits with another storm coming.

  Harley drew her back. Pierced her with dark eyes. “They’ll understand.”

  “What if he’s had me under surveillance since I’ve been back? Then he’ll already know my soft spots. My family.”

  “Then you’re already fucked.” He sounded like a commando. “And if he’s got money―you never know, he might’ve hired someone.”

  “No, he’ll make it personal. He thinks he’s man enough to take me out.” Maybe he was, but she’d die trying to prove him wrong.

  “And you’re woman enough to show him otherwise.” He laid his hands on her shoulders.

  “Can you loan me a gun?”

  He reached under the counter, pulled out a handgun and gave her quick instructions on loading and chambering a round. Then he put the safety back on. “It’s not small enough for you to carry, but you can put it in your bag. I’ll get you a smaller one and hook you up with a GPS surveillance transmitter. It’s like a pager. Wear it under you clothes. Press the red button if you need help. It transmits to pre-programed numbers, including nine-one-one. That way, if he doesn’t just try for a hit, but kidnaps you and takes your phone, someone might be able to find you before…”

  Her head swam as she stashed the weapon in her backpack. So, just pray he wants to play with me before he kills me,” she said in disgust.

  Harley shrugged. “Yeah, pretty much. Bobby and Ray are used to watching their backs. Hell, Ray served in Iraq. You’re the one I’m worried about. I don’t want him finding you alone somewhere and doing you with a headshot.”

  She gasped.

  “It’s what I’d do.”

  She stepped outside and vomited.

  Chapter 32

  Ray caught a wave to shore. Jo should have called by now. Shaking water from his hair, he dropped the board beside his towel then checked his cell, again. He couldn’t fathom her failing. Maybe she stopped by to see Bobby. She’d seemed concerned about him last night. His gut churned. Something felt off.

  After sending her a text message, he almost called Papagayos but fought over reaction. He’d already scheduled off work and made reservations for a long weekend in Myrtle Beach to surprise her. She deserved a break after twenty-five weeks of training and volunteer call-outs. Relaxing on the beach with her in a slinky black bikini, and having her all to himself for three full days would be heaven incarnate.

  He hit the waves again, more for distraction than to surf.

  * * * *

  Jo swore rolling into the driveway. She forgot to call Ray. Damn it. Quickly, she hid the gun under the seat and adjusted her face trying to hide her turmoil. She barged into the house. “Ray.”

  No answer.

  She exited for the beach. At the top of the dune line, she stopped. On the big blue Atlantic, he bobbed like an expensive wine cork. She drank in the sight of him. So in tuned, he sensed as the sets started. At six-foot four, his board appeared small beneath him.

  Her heart weighed heavy in her chest as she walked down to the water’s edge. God, she loved him so much. She hated to burden him with problems that had followed her back from Cali.

  After a long ride, he spied her and came in. “Why didn’t you call?” He slanted his mouth against hers.

  Dripping wet, he tasted of the ocean. She swept her hand over his short hair to his neck and over his broad back. His muscles tensed. Her body burned for his touch. To have him make her forget everything but his love.

  “Everything okay?” he asked. “I texted you a few times.”

  “Yeah, I passed. Tami, too.” She tried to sound excited, but his scrutiny told her otherwise. She’d never been able to hide her emotions.

  “Did you two go celebrating, afterward?” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear with tender fingers.

  She shivered with desire. “Uh, yeah, had a couple of beers. Sorry, I should have called. We were stoked.”

  “You seem uptight.” He cocked his head, frowning.

  “Stressed, I guess. Need to work it off.” She removed her sunglasses and arched an eyebrow.

  “You want me to shower off?” His lips quirked.

  “Naw, I like you salty.” She ran a finger down his chest.

  “Dang, let’s get inside.” His hand guided her as they walked to the house.

  The screen door of the porc
h slammed behind them. His wet swim trunks hit the deck giving her a fine view as he led her inside.

  Her back hit the bed and his hard body claimed her. Sex with him was like being off world. Over the last few months, she’d learned his erogenous zone and he hers. Hard and fast or slow and easy, she felt loved and adored.

  She clutched his broad back as he buried himself deep over and over. Released over took her in minutes. She cried out. He sank deep one last time and his warmth filled her. A second orgasm seized her. Lost. Falling never felt so good. His tender lovemaking drove her to a universe beyond pleasure. To emptiness.

  He was her life preserver after her attorney’s phone call. In the safety of his arms, she fell into a dreamy state. But how long much longer could she hide from her past?

  “Time for another type of celebration.”

  He rolled to his side, slanted her a look then gave her a view of his fine ass. As he returned with a couple of cocktails, her cell vibrated inside her shorts at his feet. He set down their drinks and snagged her phone. Glancing at the display, he handed her the unit.

  “What does Harley want?” His jaw tightened as he slipped on a pair of shorts.

  Guilt heated her cheeks as she answered the call. Her short one-word answers forced her lover’s eyes to narrow, turning them the color of a turbulent sea. She ended the call as quickly as possible.

  His face darkened. “It was his aftershave I smelled on you when you came home.” He snatched her phone, scanning her call history. “You really should clear your calls when you schedule a rendezvous.”

  “Huh?” Guilt turned to astonishment at his insinuation. She rose from the bed.

  “So how was your boss’s congratulatory fuck?”

  His words sliced like sharp coral. She stumbled backward bumping into the dresser. The contempt radiating from his cold eyes mortified her. His chest muscles bunched as he crossed his arms. In all the years she’d known him, she’d never seen such fury. “How dare you!”

  “Really, I’m not the one caught in a lie.” He stood at the foot of her bed.

  She itched to slap his face. Punching his perfect male nose would have been more her style. She pivoted on her heel, yanked open her drawer and grabbed some clothes. “Fuck you, Ray!”