Burn (Missoula Smokejumpers Book 2)

by Stone, Piper

  The pain was perfect, exactly what she had dreamt about. This was the man who could take her to new heights of ecstasy. This man could be the perfect Master. “I… Landen…” The realization hitting her hard, she tensed, her body shutting down. “Landen. Stop.” She heard the discord in his breath sounds, could tell he was unsure of what to do .

  Seconds later he eased back, his eyes searching hers. “Why ?”

  “Just… Just because .”

  “Montgomery hurt you .”

  She pressed her hands against his chest and shook her head. “No, well yes, but he just wanted what I wasn’t prepared to give him .”

  “Damn the asshole .”

  “This is my decision. Mine alone. Okay?” Now, she could no longer face him or peer into his haunted eyes .

  He brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes then took a step back, releasing his hold. “I’m sorry. Whatever happened in your life, I’m sorry .”

  “Don’t be. This is for the best.” Why was her voice so full of anger ?

  Nodding, he glanced down at Jace. “I’ll go ahead and take him with me, if you don’t mind. I’m off work until tomorrow. Doctor’s orders .”

  “The accident?” She reached out then jerked back .

  “I’m all right. Precautionary. What do I owe you for taking care of him?” Landen took another step back and shoved his hands into his pockets .

  Shannon studied his face, his chiseled features. Everything about this man was sincere, yet hurting as if harboring some damning secret. “Nothing. He’s been a joy. He’s a good boy .”

  “I’m obliged. Come on, Jace. We’re going home .”

  “You have a house ?”

  He shrugged as he walked toward the entrance. “A cabin. Nothing to look at yet, but it’s home.” Dropping and shaking his head, he exhaled slowly. “Whatever home means .”

  The words were stilling, sticking a sharpened blade into her heart. “Home is about the people around you .”

  Landen snuffed and opened the front door. He gripped the handle and hesitated. “I don’t like Mr. Jeffries and whatever he did to you, I’d take as a warning. I might be out of place here, but the man is dangerous and he’s not what he seems .”

  “That, I agree with.” What had occurred between them that he couldn’t tell her and why was he so interested ?

  He kept his hand on the doorknob. “I know you don’t want to be with me. Hell, you shouldn’t be anyway, but maybe we can have dinner some time. Just as friends .”

  Pressing her hand over the tic on the corner of her mouth, her mouth was suddenly dry. “I’d like that .”

  After giving her a half smile, he nodded. “Come on, boy. Let’s get going .”

  When the door closed with a hard thump, she jumped. This was ridiculous. He was kind and so damn sexy and… Dinner wouldn’t hurt. Spending time would be wonderful. She could get used to his touches, his kisses, his sex. “Ugh!” She trotted to the door, throwing it open just in time to see him roaring out of the driveway. “Damn it !”

  * * *

  L anden debated what he wanted to do next. He’d searched the internet almost half the night, piecing together as many details about Jeffries Development as he could find. The family’s wealth was significant, their holdings worth over fifty million dollars, if not more. He’d concentrated his efforts on reading newspaper articles and magazine spreads, a solid two-thirds glorifying how many jobs the company brought into the various cities and towns, states and provinces. The corporation had a solid entourage of the powerful and elite. Picture after picture taken showed glorious parties, including political functions. While he only recognized a few of those on board, he was cognizant the influence was far reaching. The naysayers were those clearly on the side against the developments, questioning their methods as well as the materials used. But to date, nothing and no one had drawn a solid line to fraud, embezzlement or anything else that might be considered criminal .

  There was no smoking gun, only his instinct telling him they had yet to unearth a significant plan, at least in Missoula. While Montgomery was listed as the President of the company, with his father as CEO, there were a number of unlisted members of the Board. They’d chosen to remain anonymous. There were only certain requirements in the various State Corporation Commissions .

  As he drove, he thought about Shannon. Yeah, letting go with her hadn’t been the best idea, but damn, he was smitten. No, he wasn’t in love. He didn’t know how to be in love with anyone. But she was something special. He shifted in his seat, his cock aching, pinching against his tight jeans. His shoulder continued to hurt and a visit to the doctor meant hiding the pain .

  Resigned to the hospital visit, he settled back into his seat and turned on the radio, flipping through stations. He’d go back to the mountain before dark. If the mechanism was as he believed, a well calculated bomb, the gun would not only be smoking but on fire. As determination rushed into his system, he gripped the steering wheel and smiled, humming to the country station. He might just become a local yet .

  “Breaking News, Missoula folks. The fire on Bitterroot Mountain has been officially ruled an accident. Unfortunately, the horrific event was caused by children who found a campsite. That’s all the details the Fire Investigation Unit is letting out at this time. As a parent, I will just say this, talk to your children about playing with matches. Now, back to the music .”

  Landen cringed hearing the report. This would mean the investigation was closed and Jeffries would get away with the horrific crime. Seething, he tried to think about what to do. He had zero evidence of anything to the contrary and pointing fingers could even look suspicious. He was new in town. “Fuck.” As he idled at a red light, he tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. At minimum, he could make his concerns known. The captain had all but assigned him to find out all he could, albeit the words were laced with caution. He had a single choice left .

  While he had zero idea where the investigator’s office was located, he was going to find out .

  Ten minutes later he rolled into a parking lot of an engine station. The brick two story building housed one of the local fire units. He parked and cracked the windows .

  Woof!

  “Yeah, I know. Reminds me of the one back home, buddy. Looks a hell of a lot like it.” He hung over the steering wheel as a rush of memories pulled him into a dark space. The three bay doors were open, two engines and an EMT vehicle poised and ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Their bright colors and chrome accessories glistened in the waning afternoon sun. How many times as a rookie had he been responsible for washing the massive firetrucks, getting them spotless, knowing there would be an inspection. He chuckled as he thought about the arduous times, facing the experienced men, who loved to taunt his lackluster skills .

  They razzed him almost every single time, the teasing meant to put him in his place. But hell, he’d loved every moment, going inch by inch over the beautiful beasts, as he tended to call the powerful engines. He missed the guys, the way they fought together through thick and thin, sharing holidays and christenings, weddings and deaths as if every firefighter and their extended family belonged to them .

  Time would tell if he’d ever get that close to the jumpers or even if he’d allow that again. “Wait here, dude. Then we’ll get a steak.” He eased out of the car and every step he took was difficult, his feet heavy. He would work with the men and women of this unit at some point, fighting to save lives .

  Landen shoved his hands into his pockets and walked inside the garage, admiring the location. He could hear voices coming from the back, laughter mixed with jovial tones. The closer he came, the more he remembered times spent, jokes shared .

  When he was just outside the kitchen, he stood quietly, drinking in the stories, private moments before tapping on the door. He walked just inside the room and nodded. “I was looking for Fire Investigator, Frederick Nelson ?”

  Six men and a single woman glanced in his direction. They were a
ll dressed in standard blue khakis and tee-shirts, proudly displaying engine company 16 .

  “I know you.” The oldest man walked forward, a grin crossing his face. “You’re the guy who saved the mother and child from that burning car .”

  “Not just me. I had part of my team there,” Landen said .

  “You’re that guy?” Another stood up, his eyes open wide .

  “He’s that guy,” a third said as he held out his hand. “To what do we owe this honor ?”

  “A smokejumper here. Wow,” the girl huffed and sipped on a cup of coffee .

  “Christ, Bridget. Give the guy a break. I haven’t seen you running toward any burning car or flaming buildings for that matter,” the first man said as he closed the distance, winking as she gave Landen a short salute .

  “Ooh!” The group exclaimed .

  “Sorry. We’re coming off a long shift. Hell of a lot of activity lately. I’m James Sheffield. You’re looking for old Freddie boy?” He held his grin as he shook Landen’s hand .

  “Yeah, if he’s around.” Landen couldn’t get over the almost carbon copy of his old fire station .

  “He’s always here,” Bridgett said under her breath. “Watches us like a hawk .”

  James rolled his eyes. “Don’t mind her. He’s upstairs in his office. This about the Bitterroot fire ?”

  “You mean the accident.” Landen noticed a glitch on one of the man’s eyes .

  “I heard about that. Kids. Can’t beat ‘em or cage them either,” James chortled. “Just go out that door and the stairs are right there .”

  “Thanks. I appreciate it.” Landen nodded in appreciation before heading in the right direction .

  “Hey, for what it’s worth, you did a damn good thing. We’re all proud you’re here with us .”

  He heard sincerity in James’ voice. “Thanks.” Landen followed the stairs to a hallway and found the investigator slumped over his desk. “Investigator Nelson, do you have a minute ?”

  Frederick waited a full minute before looking up, his eyes taking another fifteen seconds to register. “Smokejumper Weaver. No need to be so formal here. Frederick or Fred will do. Come on in .”

  “Thanks. I hope I’m not interrupting .”

  “Nope. Just finishing up the paperwork on the fire. Have a seat.” He kicked a chair out from beside his desk .

  Landen noticed the stacks of papers and manila files stacked four inches high covered a good half. The computer was new, but the furniture in the room sparse, army renditions of beat up metal accented with wood .

  Frederick noticed his scrutiny. “Yeah, I know. The Council spares no expense .”

  “You’re the only investigator ?”

  “One of three in the district.” He rubbed his eyes and grabbed a Styrofoam cup, hissing before tossing it into the over filled trash can. “I’d offer you something to drink, but the fridge is on the fritz and you don’t want to drink the coffee. Nasty shit .”

  “I’m fine.” Landen leaned against the back wall .

  “What’s on your mind, smokejumper Weaver ?”

  “Just Landen .”

  “Landen then. Now that we’ve pushed past the usual pleasantries, spill it.” Frederick leaned back in his chair until the front legs came up off the tile floor .

  Landen hesitated. “I don’t think the fire was an accident .”

  “The kids admitted what they did .”

  “There was a second fire .”

  Frederick dropped the chair and leaned forward. “What makes you think that ?”

  “Did some investigation. I have a feeling there’s a distinct reason Jeffries torched the building. The why I haven’t figured out yet .”

  “Please don’t tell me you went back to the scene of the fire when it wasn’t closed as of yet .”

  The admonishing tone was clear. “I was told I could help .”

  Frederick pushed up from his chair and leaned over his desk. “I take my job seriously as I’m certain you do yours. Now, from what I can tell, you have issues following rules. That ain’t gonna happen around me. Do you get it?” When Landen remained quiet, he shoved files across his desk. “Do. You. Understand? Three kids did this, including a local boy, a damn troublemaker. Time to let this one go .”

  Landen watched as papers cascaded to the floor, one at a time falling on top of each other. No, this wasn’t on the up and up. “I get it. But I found a mechanism that looked like a bomb .”

  Stiffening, Frederick yanked a piece of paper from a notebook and grabbed a pen .

  Great. He’d already pissed off the fire investigator. Another goddamn banner day. “Sir, I was just trying to help and what I saw was similar to a device I’ve had experience with before .”

  Holding up his finger, he continued to write .

  “I know that — ”

  Frederick pointed his finger and hissed, the sound coming from his throat .

  Landen exhaled and waited. When the investigator held up the piece of paper, his mouth dropped open .

  Not here. There are ears .

  Nodding, Landen could hear too clearly the voices from down below, the sound coming through the vents in the walls .

  When he seemed to be certain that Landen got the clue, he continued to write, holding up the sign again .

  There’s more to this .

  “As I said, I’ve closed the investigation. All three kids are going to appear before the magistrate later this week to face their crimes,” Frederick stated in an overzealous tone .

  Frederick placed his finger over his mouth and walked toward the door, sticking his head out into the hallway. When he came back in, he closed the door with a soft click and walked closer. “Keep your mouth shut about this. Clear ?”

  “Yes, sir .”

  Buzz! Buzz! Buzz !

  The alarm was deafening, echoing in the dense space .

  “We have a two alarm. Let’s get moving.” The man’s voice was laced with urgency, the sound filtering into the room .

  Landen heard the call clearly. He jogged out into the hallway and down the stairs as the team assembled, throwing on their gear and rushing toward the fire engines. The big trucks roared into life, emitting diesel fuel into the garage. He took a deep whiff as a flood of memories remained flashing through his mind’s eye. The moment was bittersweet .

  “We have a building fire downtown. Wanna come and see what real fire-fighting is like?” James asked, his grin wide. He trotted backwards toward the engine. “We can always use an expert when we’re eating smoke .”

  “Another time.” Chuckling, Landen waved him off, grinning yet his gut was churning. What in the hell was going on that prevented the investigator from talking ?

  “Maybe next time,” James grabbed the long, steel handle on the engine, jumping on board .

  Landen shoved his hands into his pockets, walking slowly toward the front of the garage as the engines rolled down the street, lights flashing, sirens blaring. Moving onto the concrete, he studied the sky. Thick, black smoke rolled high into the heavens, swirling like a beacon, calling every smoke eater into its wrath .

  “Another day. Another fire .”

  He was cognizant that Frederick had joined him, flanking his side. The words were said with disdain. “You don’t think this is an accident, do you? You also don’t think the hotel fire was accidental .”

  Snorting, Frederick lowered his voice and glanced over his shoulder before speaking. “Four suspicious fires in three weeks. Two abandoned buildings caught up in the system, one with an owner refusing to sell and the fourth, well let’s just say that the partially renovated space was two months away from opening as a retirement home, not a multi-million-dollar resort. What do you think ?”

  “All now owned by Jeffries Development?” The pieces were starting to fall together .

  Frederick moved in front of him. “Not a single one.” He issued a wry smile, his dark eyes flashing .

  “I don’t understand .”

  “
Son, I’ve been doing this long enough to realize when to look under the surface.” He tipped his head, as if waiting for Landen to figure out the answer .

  Landen thought about what he knew about Jeffries. “Dummy corporations with buried ties to Jeffries. Given all the issues they had in other states, last thing they need is any additional attention .”

  “Very good. Now, I can’t prove a thing. Going on my gut here and what I know about Renfield Jeffries .”

  “The father .”

  Frederick nodded and looked over Landen’s shoulder. “I was getting this close to digging through the muck when the hotel fire occurred. Renfield is a powerful man. I dare say he’s bought off half the town council. Another aspect I can’t prove, and the sheriff isn’t buying my suspicions. I don’t blame the man. Without anything concrete, Jeffries Development stands to make two hundred million in Montana alone .”

  Exhaling, Landen could just make out an orange hue. The fire had broken through the roof. “They’re putting innocent lives in danger .”

  “Two firefighters have already died. There could be more. Whoever is setting these fires knows a thing or two about using accelerants, but the first fires were amateur, disguised to look like accidents. Cleaning chemicals remaining in the buildings, set off by carelessness. But the second two were backdrafts.” Frederick smiled, a faraway look in his eyes. “Those had personal touches, a loving hand playing with a fire he or she not only understood, but loved a little .”

  Landen crowded Frederick’s space. “You think a firefighter has a hand in these fires. Don’t you ?”

  He held his smile, but his expression became harsh, his face darkened. “Doesn’t matter what I think, it’s what I know. You’re new in town. Keep your eyes and ears open. I have a terrible feeling whoever is doing this is going to make a mistake. If they make the wrong one, we could lose more than just buildings .”

  The reference to the mountain fire wasn’t lost on him. “These kids admitted what they did. You’re not buying their story .”

  Frederick gazed out at the street, watching cars come and go. “I was a kid once and I loved playing with matches. Burned down my parent’s shed when I was eight years old. Never told my folks. There were other incidents until I was a teenager and grasped that I wanted to be a fireman. I taught other kids too. Even had an arsenal of my favorite accelerants, chemicals that I learned how to use together so that all traces disappeared. The kind of fires I could have set would amaze you .”