by Stone, Piper
“Thank God, you guys are okay!” Captain Phillips hugged first one then the other man .
“We’re a little beat up but better than some. What about the others?” Stoker asked .
Tyler grinned as he gave them both a hug. “They’re on the next transport out. They’re fine .”
“The fire?” Stoker asked .
“Destroyed almost thirty homes so far and two of the smaller resort hotels. Only six confirmed dead at this point. There could be more,” Captain Phillips stated, his voice low. “Still, you boys kept this out of the city. You did damn good .”
Landen exhaled and turned toward the sheriff. “Sheriff James. I suppose you’ll want a statement .”
The sheriff looked at Captain Phillips .
“What’s wrong?” Landen asked as he took a step forward .
“Landen, there was an accident the other day involving Investigator Nelson and Shannon Miller. They were shot at by an assailant .”
“An assailant? What?” Stoker groaned .
“Shot? The firefighter on the mountain?” Landen had no idea what to think. Goose bumps popped along every inch of skin. “Are they okay ?”
“Investigator Nelson lost a lot of blood, but anticipated to make a full recovery. Montgomery Jeffries died at the scene, but there’s more.” Sheriff James removed his hat, fiddling with the brim .
“Tell me!” Landen snapped .
Captain Phillips gripped Landen’s arm. “Frederick wrecked the SUV. The roads were icy. They veered into oncoming traffic. Shannon was hurt. At first the doctors believed her wounds were superficial .”
The words echoed as his head continued to pound, leaving him unable to breath. “What? Where is she ?”
“Landen,” Stoker whispered and wrapped his arm around Landen’s shoulders .
“Talk to me !”
His face grim, Captain Phillips continued, “She had internal bleeding. Landen, she’s not expected to make it .”
* * *
B eep. Beep. Beep .
The dull but constant beeping noise thumped into Landen’s mind, dulling what was left of his senses. He sat on the edge of the chair, his head in his hands and doing something he hadn’t done in over thirty years. He prayed .
Hearing a different sound, he snapped his head, blinking away the tears. He reached out, brushing the tip of his index finger across her hand. Shannon seemed so frail, so lifeless lying in the hospital bed. Time had stopped, and he had no idea how long he’d been here, no doubt days, but he was going to stay by her side for as long as it took .
Sniffing, he rose to his feet and leaned over, smiling as if she could see him. “Hi, beautiful. I’m still here. You can’t get rid of me that easily.” He chuckled and moved a strand of hair out of her eyes. Even the touch of her skin was far too cool. This wasn’t the amazing woman he craved with every ounce of his body. “The other jumpers are back. Everyone is safe. Even Riker is up on his feet. You know the big bear. He refuses to take any orders, especially from doctors .”
Landen studied the blood pressure and heart monitor, thankful the numbers hadn’t dipped in the last ten hours. What little he’d been told was that her condition had been stabilized. She could simply come out of the coma or stay in one perpetually. “You were right about Montgomery, but of course you knew that. Asshole. He killed his father, had a firefighter set the explosives. Can you believe that?” The clicking and beeping was driving him insane. “At least Montgomery is dead. Saves me the trouble of killing him.” He chuckled, a mixture of exhaustion and nerves making him anxious. “Yeah, Frederick ran right over him after being shot. Good karma if you ask me .”
He could swear her finger moved and he grasped her hand, leaning over so he could press his lips against her palm. “Wake up, baby. Wake up. We have so many things to do together. You have to show me around Missoula. You have to help me watch Jace grow up.” The words caught in his throat and he moaned just as the door opened .
“Mr. Weaver, the sheriff is outside waiting for you. He’d like to ask you a few questions.” The doctor’s smile was kind as he patted Landen on the shoulder. “I’ll take good care of her. I promise you .”
Nodding, Landen kissed her hand again and squeezed. “I’ll be right back.” His feet heavy, he walked to the door, looking back one more time before moving out into the hall .
“Landen. Good to see you,” Sheriff James smiled then shook his head. “Son, you need some rest. You’re going to fall down soon .”
“I’m fine.” He knew he looked like shit. He’d taken a makeshift shower what seemed like days ago and slipped into clothes Stoker had brought him. Stoker was even taking care of his dog. Thank God, for good friends .
“Right. Let’s go grab a cup of coffee .”
Landen sucked in his breath and looked back at the door .
“This won’t take that long. At least we have all the pieces of the puzzle together. I thought you’d like to know.” The sheriff smiled, his eyes full of compassion .
“Yeah, you’re right. I do.” There were no words spoken as they walked toward the elevator. He had no idea what he was going to do if she didn’t survive. He couldn’t go on without her .
They remained quiet in the elevator ride and when they walked into the cafeteria, Landen stopped short. Rising from three seats were the captain, Investigator Nelson and a female. “Wait a minute. That’s Crystal Wallace .”
“Not exactly.” Sheriff James chuckled as he patted Landen on the back. “I’ll explain .”
As they walked toward the table, one far removed from prying ears, he had no idea what to think. He looked down at Frederick’s tethered arm and groaned. “You look better than the last time I saw you .”
“You mean tied to the bed?” Frederick laughed, and he shook Landen’s hand. “I’ll survive. Come sit down. Quite the story to tell you .”
The woman smiled and held out her hand. “I heard you thought I was Montgomery’s sister. Guess I did my job then.” She laughed as they shook .
“Crystal Wallace, friend to Shannon Miller. Hotel Manager for the recently burned to a crisp Montgomery Development resort hotel. Woman who was heard threatening a city council member.” Landen gave her a cold stare .
She looked at the sheriff then the investigator, chuckling as she lowered her arm. “You said he’d be tough .”
“You have no idea,” Captain Phillips laughed. “Hear her out, Weaver .”
“I don’t like liars, Ms.?” Landen maintained a hard edge .
“Special Agent Sandy Compton. I’ve been working undercover on a case against Jeffries Development for almost sixteen months .”
Landen shook his head. “I don’t understand .”
“Sit down, Landen. Let’s go over what happened so you can get back to tending to that gorgeous woman of yours.” Frederick tapped the top of the table .
Sighing, Landen yanked and turned one of the plastic chairs around, straddling and leaning his arms over the edge. “All right. Go .”
“We knew that Renfield and his son were involved in arson, murder, espionage and a whole list of other criminal activities, but they were damn good at what they did. Couldn’t get anything for years, until they decided to come into town. I’d been undercover as Renfield’s secretary, so I learned a hell of a lot about the men and women he bullied into taking bribes. But again, there was no evidence. We were this close to building enough of a case to arrest both father and son when the first fire occurred .”
“How does this firefighter woman fit in?” Landen asked .
“Well…” Special Agent Compton glanced at Frederick .
“Remember our conversation at the fire station and when the explosion occurred on the mountain?” Frederick asked .
“Yeah. I figured you were worried about a firefighter from the station .”
“I was, but I had no idea there were two involved. See, the woman, her real name is Ashley Jeffries, decided to leave the family years ago, becoming legit. Changed her n
ame, moved to Missoula and no one had any idea who her family really was. With the exception of her boyfriend, firefighter James Sheffield. He came to me with a wild story, fearful of retaliation. He’s the man who stopped Ashley from shooting you on the mountain .”
Landen blinked several times. “Montgomery knew you were onto him .”
“Yeah, and your name had been brought up as well. Seems he and Ashley had cooked up a plan to blackmail their father, figuring they could swoop in and take over the business together. Unfortunately, they were both greedy. Ashley started the fire in the hotel. The reason you found any evidence was that she wanted it to be found,” Investigator Nelson sat back in his chair, his eyes twinkling .
He rubbed his eyes and thought about what he’d learned. Then Landen smiled. “She wanted the fire to be labeled as arson. If so, the sale wouldn’t go through to Jeffries Development .”
“Bingo, and guess who was a silent bidder on the property ?”
“Ashley Jeffries,” Landen said then snorted .
“I am definitely going to hire you.” Frederick laughed .
“Over my dead body, friend or no friend,” Captain Phillips laughed .
“I assume Shannon overheard my conversation with Ralph Dunkirk?” Special Agent Compton asked .
Landen nodded. “Yep .”
“We paid him damn well to play both sides, act as an informant. So, you bet, I was pissed that day.” She laughed. “Somehow, the fact you saved his father’s life put pressure on Ralph to stay the course. We’re grateful. If Montgomery or Renfield would have lived, we’d have plenty of evidence to place them behind bars for a long time .”
“What about Ashley ?”
“She’s made a deal to go state’s evidence in exchange for a limited sentence. As you can imagine, Jeffries had an entire group of people working behind the scenes.” The special agent rose to her feet. “Please give my best to Shannon. I hated lying to her .”
“Why were you her friend ?”
She laughed and looked down. “I knew going into Missoula that she would hear chatter at the bar and I wanted to learn fast. I enjoyed her friendship .”
“And Montgomery stalking her ?”
“All because of Ashley. She thought Shannon was close to Riker, a firefighter with knowledge. Keep your enemies close.” Special Agent Compton gave him a respectful nod. “You and your team truly are heroes .”
Landen watched her walk away then turned to face the others. “At least that’s over.” He noticed the others rose to their feet, the looks on their faces full of angst .
As Landen turned around, everything slowed down the moment he saw the look on the doctor’s face, the beckoning arm, the trauma filled eyes. And in the blink of an eye, his world was destroyed .
* * *
One Week Later
The sun was shining for the first time in almost a week. Blue skies and puffy white clouds floated past the mountain peaks, creating an incredible show of nature. There was nothing so spectacular as the first melting snow .
The gravel road provided a bumpy ride, mixing with nerves that had been bursting toward the surface for days. This would be difficult. When the engine was stopped, there was little sound. What could be said ?
“Why are we here again?” she asked, her voice whispered .
“Because this is something special and exactly what needs to happen .”
Shannon reached over, taking Landen’s hand into hers. Tears slipped down her cheeks and she wiped them away furiously. This was a time for happiness, not stymied by a past that couldn’t be changed .
Landen leaned over, lifting her chin with the tip of his index finger. “I love you and I won’t leave your side .”
This was the kind of love that she found difficult to comprehend. The way he’d remained at her side the entire time she was in the hospital, she still couldn’t fathom. “Smokejumper Landen Weaver, I love you more than any woman ever could. Or should for that matter,” she teased .
“You’re such a brat!” Capturing her mouth, he eased his hand around, cupping and holding her neck .
The kiss was passionate, leaving her wet and aching with need. She moaned, her nipples hardening. This man was everything she’d ever wanted .
Woof!
Slurp!
They jumped back and laughed as Jace made certain he was going to be a part of the festivities .
“Jace, buddy. You and I need to talk.” Landen patted him on the head before opening the driver’s door. “Wait for me.” His tone was commanding until Jace bounded over him and onto the ground. “This dog .”
“That you adore.” Shannon shook her head and opened the door, cringing as she tried to stand. The doctor had said she’d continue to be sore for a few days. The perfect excuse to have one sexy man wait on her hand and foot. She bit back another laugh as he raced around the back of the Cougar .
“I said wait! You’re going to get one hard spanking when you’re a hundred percent .”
“Might have to catch me, jumper boy .”
He rolled his eyes as he wrapped his arm around her, helping her walk toward the clearing .
“You cleared a path,” she commented as she leaned against his shoulder .
“I had a little help,” he whispered and kissed the top of her head. “We have some very good friends .”
“Sounds like you’re going to stay awhile .”
He stopped and took her into his arms. “As long as you’re by my side .”
In his eyes, she could see so much love. Touching the side of his face, she nodded. “Forever .”
“Forever.”
“Let’s go, my sweet man. I’m ready.” She heard the sound of running water as they neared the clearing. The path had grown, shoveled out in order to reveal a sweet patch of grass. As she moved through the bank of trees, tears instantly filled her eyes .
Standing in a semi-circle by the river was the entire smokejumping team as well as Jessica, two of her bartenders, Investigator Nelson and the woman she now knew as Sandy. She’d been given every detail, knew every damning moment of the last two weeks and couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you all for coming.” She glanced at the way the water jumped over the rocks, peace washing into her system. Both Ziggy and Jace would love this beautiful countryside .
Sandy walked closer, placing her hand over Shannon’s. “I’m so glad you’re better .”
“Thank you for being here .”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I only hope you can forgive me for lying,” Sandy mumbled .
“You were just doing your job so thank you,” Shannon said, meaning every word .
Riker came closer, shaking his head. “You scared us to death .”
“What about you?” Shannon placed her hand on his heart. “Thank God, you’re alive .”
“You can’t get rid of me that fast, you know.” Leaning down, Riker kissed the side of her cheek. “You have a good one there .”
Chuckling, Shannon bit her lip then stole a glance at Landen. “I know. I plan on keeping him .”
“No talking about me!” Landen groaned then moved closer .
“I can do this,” Shannon whispered and leaned back against Landen. “I’m strong enough .”
“Lady, you’re the strongest person I know,” he said then squeezed her arm .
Nodding, Shannon walked toward the small table where two urns had been placed. She looked down at the plaque, one Landen had created for this special event, and allowed the tears to fall. When she picked up the plaque, she could swear she saw them smiling, their spirits free .
“Ziggy Miller and Jace Everett, heroes who lost their lives doing what they love. May their spirits fly .”
“That’s beautiful,” Stoker whispered .
“Perfect,” Riker said .
Jessica moved closer, her eyes darting back and forth across Shannon’s. “I wrote a special song. I hope you don’t mind .”
“Oh God! Of course, I don’t mind.” She thre
w her arm around her friend, hugging her tightly. “Thank you for everything .”
Landen moved closer, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her back against his chest .
Shannon looked up toward the mountains, the view with the melting snow breathtaking. As Jessica began to sing, she closed her eyes briefly, images of Ziggy and Jace floating from the blackness of her sorrow. “You know, the mountains look like they’re weeping .”
Landen squeezed. “They are, only this time because of joy .”
Joy. Yes, Landen was right. This was a time for hope for the future. Today, she was letting them go, two men who’d meant the world to her, but they’d never be forgotten .
For today, she was learning to live again. And she’d found love .
The End
Other Titles by Piper Stone
Don’t miss these exciting titles by Piper Stone and Blushing Books !
Truth Or Dare
Submissive For Hire
Honor and Obey Series
Honor and Obey, Vol. One
Dirty Little Secrets Series
His Demands - Book One
His Hidden Girl - Book Two
His Judgment - Book Three
Power Exchange Series
Becoming - Book One
Rescue Me Series
Maverick -Book One
Shadow - Book Two
Missoula Smokejumpers Series
Fire at the River’s Edge, Prequel
Ignite, Book One
Burn, Book Two
Embracing the Quiet Night (Christmas Novella) - available Dec. 2017
Anthologies
Hero Undercover
Piper Stone
P iper Stone writes in several genres including thrillers, erotic romance, dark erotic, Domestic Discipline, spanking, Domination and submission and traditional romance. She has a love of the non-traditional, preferring to create worlds that defy the imagination. Wine and sous vide cooking are only second to her love of golden retrievers and you might find all three nestled in the pages of a book or two .
