Forever Hold Your Piece (The Becker Sisters Bridal Series Book 1)

by Elizabeth John

  She started to swoon from lack of oxygen and someone lifted her up. She couldn’t see. Her eyes burned. The agony prevented her from opening them. Fresh air smacked into her, and she was being carried outside.

  She bobbed in his arms as he carried her down the stairs. She wrapped her arms around his neck, but this firefighter had no uniform or gear on.

  “I’ve got you, Lily,” Jake whispered in her ear. “You’re safe now.”

  “Get those people away from the house!” Lily recognized the chief’s voice. “Clear the area!”

  Another man shouted, “Over here, sir. We’ll take care of her.”

  Lily tried to wipe and clear her eyes. She could make out the flashing lights of the firetrucks, ambulances, and police cars.

  The chief ran up to them. “Lily, are you all right? Jake, set her down here.”

  Jake placed her on a gurney and then EMT’S started to work on her. They began to check her vitals. A firefighter held Aunt Bee in his arms and brought her over. She didn’t stir.

  “She’s unconscious,” the firefighter said as he placed her on another gurney. Then he charged back to the house.

  Lily’s emotions got the better of her, and she started to shake. Jake gave her hand a squeeze. “She’ll be fine. They’ll take good care of you both.” He turned toward the house. “I’ll be right back.”

  The chief clapped his sizeable hand down on Jake’s shoulder. “Where you going?”

  “Mrs. Bailey’s cats are in there. I promised to save them.”

  “Stay here with Lily. I’ll let them know about the cats.”

  “They’re probably right in the living room hiding under something. I know I can find them.” Determination resonated in Jake’s voice.

  “Son, are you insane? I’m not letting you go back in there. I appreciate what you tried to do, but let the professionals handle it now. You want to help? Keep an eye on these two ladies. And get yourself checked out too.”

  Someone encouraged Lily to lie down and slapped an oxygen mask on her face and told her to breathe. She yanked at the mask. “How is Aunt Bee? Please I need to know.”

  Jake leaned over her and moved the hair out of her eyes. “I will check on her if you promise to put this back on.” He slipped the mask back on her face after she nodded.

  As Lily lay there she heard Leo barking. People were running about. The lights kept flashing, but they had turned off the sirens. Firefighters dragged extended hoses across the property. All the ruckus woke the neighbors, and they milled about. She could hear them asking about Aunt Bee and herself. The firefighters were shouting directions to each other about the condition of the fire. Water gushed from pumper trucks and hit the house.

  Jake soon came back. “They’re taking both of you to the hospital. You’ll have to stay overnight. Mrs. Bailey is in and out of consciousness, but my guess is she’ll need more time than an overnight to recover.”

  She lifted the mask. “I’m glad to hear Aunt Bee’s better, but I can’t go. Who’s going to take care of Leo? What about you? The doctor said someone should watch over you. Call Denis. He’ll take care of you and Leo.”

  “I’m fine now. No worries.”

  She struggled to sit up and was beginning to feel nauseous. “Of course I’m going to worry. Please call Denis. He’ll want to help.”

  “No need to wake him. After a bubble bath and drinking a bottle of wine, I don’t know how much help he’d be. I’ll tell you what. The firefighters won’t let you back in your house until this fire is contained. They’ve evacuated some of the surrounding homes in case the fire spreads. You won’t be able to get back in for a while. You go to the hospital, get yourself checked out. I’ll stay with the chief and have an EMT guy check me out. When they’re done here, I’ll close up your house and take Leo with me back to my place. I’ll take good care of him. I promise.”

  “But what if you’re not fine? Then what? Why won’t you ask Denis for help?”

  The chief came over. “Good news. They recovered the cats. They seem fine, but we called their vet and he wants to check them. He’s going to come and take them for the night. When Aunt Bee regains consciousness, will you tell her they’re being taken care of?”

  Jake nodded. “You got it, Chief.”

  “Chief, will you talk some sense into Jake? He’s supposed to be resting. Now he’s saying he’s going back to his apartment and taking Leo with him. He won’t call Denis. Can Daisy look after him and Leo?”

  “Daisy’s in Pennsylvania visiting her sister. I’ll keep tabs on them. Don’t you worry now, Lily.”

  The EMTs started getting her ready for transport. They informed Lily they were taking her to the local hospital.

  “Déjà vu.” She couldn’t believe she was going in an ambulance twice in one night.

  Jake squeezed her hand as she lay down on the gurney. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything and come see you later.”

  Of course she was going to worry. Lily gritted her teeth through her mask but squeezed his hand back before they lifted her into the ambulance, slammed the doors, and sped away.

  Tears streamed down her face. Good looks aside, Jake seemed to be the kind of guy a girl could count on. She hoped for once she was right. Especially now for Leo’s sake since she entrusted her defenseless little dog with a man she met not even two weeks ago.

  She had a right to be cautious, her recent track record with Sam, abominable. Jake was nothing like Sam, and her instincts told her she could trust him with her beloved pet. Lily closed her eyes and prayed she made the right choice.

  Chapter 19

  Jake went back to Lily’s house to get Leo. He watched the firefighters hustle to get control of Mrs. Bailey’s burning home. A well-choreographed dance of teamwork. Although he didn’t know any of them, he understood the kinship. Before his injury, he worked in a similar way with the officers at his New York precinct. They were and would always be a brotherhood. Even though he was forced to leave his treasured profession, the desire to protect innocent citizens would never retire.

  Mrs. Bailey didn’t deserve to lose her home. The fire was too much of a coincidence for him. He was certain the fire department would discover the blaze was arson. Someone wanted the older lady dead. And he was determined to find out who.

  The flames no longer visible, the pungent smell of smoke scorched the crisp sea air. The area was cordoned off, but he was close enough to see and hear Leo barking and jumping at the fence. Poor little guy was in distress wondering what the heck was happening. The noise, and all the chaos, plus his missing human must have been the cause for panic in the frightened animal.

  Officers guarded the scene, making sure no unauthorized person crossed over the barricade. Jake flagged one of them down. “I need to get that dog.” He pointed to a leaping Leo. “His owner lives there and was one of the ladies sent to the hospital.”

  The older cop looked at him suspiciously. Since Jake had been in the officer’s position many times, he knew what he was thinking. Who was this clown? Someone taking advantage of the situation or someone helpful?

  “Let me show you some ID. I’m friends with Lily, and she asked me to take care of Leo there.” Jake reached into the pocket of his sweat jacket and showed his wallet. Both he and the officer glanced at Leo standing on his hind legs with his paws planted against the fence. The officer took Jake’s ID and studied it. “The chief can vouch for me.”

  “Stay here,” the seasoned officer said in a gruff tone. He left his post, taking Jake’s wallet with him and strolled over to the chief.

  Jake waited as he conversed with the chief, and they both turned to look at him. The chief came back with the officer.

  “Go get Leo. And you better take good care of him or Lily will have both of our heads. I called Denis to come and help you.”
r />   Jake started to protest. The chief held up his hand. “He didn’t answer his phone.”

  “Must be sleeping off that bottle of wine. The bubble bath sealed that deal.” Jake said a silent prayer he dodged that bullet. Something about that guy irked him. He couldn’t put his finger on it. Maybe the fact that Jake knew Denis was jealous that he was spending time with Lily rubbed him the wrong way. Besides, he’d be more comfortable at his own apartment nursing the few muscle aches and the big bump on his head.

  The chief stared at him. Waiting for him to say more about Denis. He didn’t grab the bait. “I’d like to come back when they’re all done here, get some things for Leo, and secure Lily’s house. Also, she’s going to need a change of clothes and personal items for the hospital. Can you let me know when I can do that?”

  The chief nodded. “It’s going to be a while. The folks evacuated from their homes aren’t getting back in until this fire is contained and it’s safe.”

  “Chief, I’m going to go stir crazy if I have to wait here. I’m feeling fine. Swear. How about if I go back to my place for a little while? You can reach me there.”

  “Get yourself checked out by one of these guys here first. If they think you’re not well enough to be on your own, you’d better try to reach Denis again. Oh, here.” He fished Jake’s car keys out of his pocket and handed them over. Then he pointed to Leo. “Go get him.”

  A few minutes later, after he had been checked out by one of the EMS crew and given a clean bill of health, Jake nodded his thanks and broke through the cordoned off area to reach Lily’s gate. Leo whimpered and wagged his tail as if to say, “Get me out of here.” He jumped into Jake’s arms as he reached down for him and lifted him up.

  “I got you, little man. Don’t worry.” Jake carried the dog and waved goodbye to the chief, making his way toward his car, grateful that one of the officers had driven his vehicle back from the event. Jake hopped into the driver’s side and positioned Leo in the seat next to him. “You’re going to stay at my place for a while. Lily’s in the hospital, but don’t worry, boy. She’s going to be fine. You’ll see.”

  Leo barked as if he understood him. Jake knew he couldn’t understand all the words, but he heard somewhere that dogs picked up on a person’s energy. And he wanted his to be positive. For the dog, and for himself.

  His phone vibrated in his jacket pocket several times, but he didn’t want to take the time to answer until he had Leo situated comfortably. The sole person whose call he would take would be Lily’s, and right now she was being poked and prodded at the hospital. The calls couldn’t be from her.

  He drove up in front of his apartment, a second-level habitat above a bakery storefront, which was closed for the season. The building was across from the tackle shop and the very reason he chose it.

  On high alert since someone clocked him from behind, Jake remained cautious. He took Leo from the car and held him in his arms, glad that he was a friendly dog and seemed to trust him. Before Jake opened the door to his apartment he surveyed the area, looking for anything suspicious. Noting nothing out of the ordinary, he let himself in then reached for his gun and climbed the flight of stairs.

  The wooden stairs creaked as he went up. Jake unlocked the door and searched the apartment. He took special care to check the bedroom closet and the bathroom. Certain the place was clear, he placed Leo on the carpeted floor in the living room. The dog looked up at him, then started to sniff around.

  “There’s not much to look at, boy. This is the kitchen and living room. I know it’s plain, but the couch is comfy.” Jake put his gun on the counter and pulled open cabinets in search of a bowl he could use as a water dish. He found a decorative glass bowl and shrugged. “This will have to do.” He rinsed and swiped out any dust, then filled up to the brim with tap water.

  Jake checked his phone as he searched the fridge. There was one call from Denis, one from Claire, and one from the chief. He called the chief back.

  The chief picked up on the second ring. “Jake. How’s it going?”

  “Fine.”

  “Good. Listen. The Fire Chief’s preliminary finding is that the fire was accidental. It’s not going to be made public knowledge until further investigation. With Sam’s death, someone following Lily, someone attacking you, and with Haley’s disappearance, I doubt this was an accident. I’m concerned about Lily and Aunt Bee. I sent a man to the hospital, but I would feel better if you would stick to Lily like glue when she’s released. My guy will continue to guard Aunt Bee.”

  “Of course. You can count on me.”

  “The fire started in the kitchen and smoldered there. It took a while for it to spread. Strange. They think Aunt Bee was making tea and left the stove on. A dishtowel caught on fire.”

  “Hmm.” Odd. The room was her favorite place and, although it was possible she got up in the middle of the night to make tea, something was off.

  “Jake, I see the way you look at Lily. I know you care about her.”

  What the chief said was an understatement. He was beginning to care for her very much. Jake cleared his throat. “I do. I won’t leave her side.”

  “Good. Can you come now and get her stuff? The scene’s not clear yet, but I want you at that hospital ASAP.”

  “You got it. Let me get Leo situated, and I’ll be on my way.”

  He clicked off the phone and threw his jacket on the couch. “Let’s see what I can rustle up for you to eat.” Although still dark outside, he wanted to leave Leo some food when he went back to Lily’s and then to the hospital.

  Jake reached for a carton of eggs from the refrigerator. “It’s a little early for breakfast, but this will have to do for now, Leo. I’ll bring you your real food later.”

  He whipped up scrambled eggs and put them on a plate next to the water. Leo sniffed the food first, then gobbled up his eggs before Jake could grab his jacket. Satisfied his new charge approved of his culinary skills, Jake closed the bedroom and bathroom doors, hoping to minimize places Leo could get into trouble. He threw a blanket on the couch.

  While Leo was licking the empty plate, Jake said, “Got to leave for a while, bud. Try not to destroy the place.” Jake ran down the stairs and locked up. Since Leo had been out, Jake figured he wouldn’t have to relieve himself for a while. At least he hoped he didn’t. He’d prayed he didn’t come home to a disaster.

  He got to Lily’s in record time, and the chief once again allowed him to cross the barricade. The fire had been extinguished, and most of the onlookers had gone home. The front door was locked. Jake went around back. He ran up the stairs, opened the storm door, and went inside.

  Since he was already in the kitchen, he gathered Leo’s things first. He lifted Leo’s leash hanging off a peg near the door. A garbage bag would make a good carry bag. He looked under the kitchen sink. Grabbed a box of bags. After pulling one out, he struggled against the slippery plastic in an attempt to find the opening. He dropped the leash on the floor in frustration and freed up both hands. “Facial recognition software, body cameras hooked to police, but no one can invent a simple fast way . . .”

  Losing his patience wasn’t going to get him to the hospital any faster. Nor could he do more to help Lily than he was doing right now. Taking his rage out on a stupid bag was pointless. The true source of his anger was the person who caused that fire and injured Lily. He prayed for a few minutes alone with the suspect once in custody.

  Calmer, after envisioning beating the suspect to a pulp, he slid the plastic back and forth between his hands, enabling him to maneuver the opening. Finally, he plunked the leash to the bottom.

  Then he threw in a couple of cans of food, dog biscuits, and tried to think what else Leo might need. He had never had a dog. He hoped had the basics. Although a huge police presence covered the house, he checked every room downstairs out of habit and determ
ining them clear, he went upstairs. He made his way to Lily’s bedroom and stopped in the doorway. He didn’t enjoy invading her privacy.

  He flew a hand through his hair and rewarded himself with a painful slam into his injury. Damn! He sucked in a breath against the stars floating in front of his eyes.

  He had no choice. Who else was going to gather her things? Her sisters were away, Haley was MIA, and Denis, was, well, Denis might have more fashion sense, but Jake was her . . . What was he exactly? Some kind of relationship thing was brewing between them. Besides, Jake was no average civilian. The chief wouldn’t have allowed Denis in yet. End of discussion.

  He went in. Lily’s room was a shade of purple. Earlier, she had told him the hue was lilac, her favorite color. He smiled at the enormous photo of Leo on the wall. On her dresser, more photos. Her parents, the three sisters, the whole family. Her sisters were beautiful, but Lily outshone them with her brighter eyes and more dazzling smile. Her white-blond hair, a shade lighter than her sisters, fell well below her slim waist.

  Since he had no idea what Lily would want, he decided the more choices, the better. He found a robe, a nightgown, and some slippers in her closet. Next, she’d need a change of clothes. Comfortable outfits. From a bottom dresser drawer, he grabbed the first pair of sweats. He found a matching top.

  His palms grew clammy. She’d need a clean pair of socks, underwear and a bra. Never had he rifled through a woman’s intimate drawer. Though, he’d had serious girlfriends before, even lived with his last one, he’d never cross that line and search through their private belongings.

  He dragged open the middle drawer and found the mother lode of socks. Every color peeked up at him. The pairs were folded together, but not sorted into sections of specific colors or arranged in perfect order like his ex-Sophia’s stuff.