Forged

by Piper Stone

  Surprised at the faux pas, she offered the pimply faced girl her best alluring smile. “Oh, he’s just my lover, a man so good in bed that he needs a raw steak in order to keep up his strength.”

  Sputtering, the girl jerked her head, her eyes open wide. “Well. I. Um.”

  “Is our table ready?”

  “Yes, of course. Right this way.” Jerking two menus from the stand, she took short but quick steps into the dining room.

  Laney resisted giggling and while she’d never done anything so ridiculous, the act felt damn good. Maybe Garcia was helping her come out of her shell. As she walked through the crowded dining room, she kept her head high and could tell several men were undressing her with their eyes, nodding in appreciation. One even lifted his glass of wine.

  The moment she was seated, she slunk against the high back wooden chair. The table was covered in white linen, polished silver and crystal glasses. This wasn’t her in any manner. She was a jeans and boots kind of girl. Why would he pick this kind of place after his comment regarding her usual attire? He’s testing you. That’s what it is. But why? Was he trying to pick her apart?

  Grumbling under her breath, she would find out. Oh, yes, she would. In fact, he’d hear a piece of her mind. The light of the flickering candle drew her attention. She had to admit, the setting was very sensual. The table nestled against a floor to ceiling window, she could see an impressive garden, trees covered in twinkling white lighting.

  “What am I doing here?”

  “May I offer you a drink?”

  Jumping, she looked at the waiter and nodded. “A large glass of merlot.”

  “Of course, ma’am.”

  Now, she was a ma’am. She waited, doing her best to try and act nonchalant, even comfortable. Her thoughts drifted to Garcia, including his profession. Could she really date a smokejumper? Closing her eyes, she could see the fire, the blaze ripping through the small house, taking away everything she’d ever cared about. She held her breath as the images flowed, moving at a rapid speed. There’d been nothing she could do, not a damn thing. Her world and all her belongings lost in a blast that had rattled the entire neighborhood. The only saving grace? She hadn’t been inside.

  “Here you are.”

  Jumping at the sound of the deep voice, she shook the table. “I…”

  The waiter eased the wine on the table, his eyes narrowing.

  “Thank you,” she half whispered and gave him a slight smile. Why was she thinking about the fire now? That had been a lifetime ago. Still, the images of her pictures and knickknacks, her treasured pieces she’d acquired over the years came into her mind. Every book, every special blanket and the dishes from her grandmother, even the special cutting board her father had made her one Christmas. All gone.

  She swirled the wine and took a nervous sip then checked her watch. Garcia was now late. She hated anyone who was late. She glanced at her phone, thinking about texting him. No, this wasn’t high school. After taking a sip, she chastised her impatience. He was a busy man. She turned her attention back to the lights, falling into a mesmerizing moment of reflection.

  “You need to come with us.”

  She looked up at the detective and shook her head. “Why bother? They found me. They thought I was inside.”

  “Because we can keep you safe. There are ways.”

  “Protection? How are you going to be able to protect me? How? Look at that. Look!” She wailed as she glared at the remains of her home, the only home she’d ever known.

  The detective touched her arm. “I know this is tough, but you need to trust me. The department can help you.”

  Help. They could only help if she lost herself.

  “Hey there. What a wonderful surprise.”

  Laney opened her eyes and in the reflection, she saw him standing by the table, his smile so genuine. “Troy.” She turned her head and for a moment, a fleeting yet chilling yank on the fear nestled inside, she saw nothing but images from before.

  “Are you meeting someone?”

  She nodded and quickly looked at the time. How had almost twenty minutes gone by? Her mouth remained dry, her skin prickling. She tried to smile. “Yes. He’s running late.”

  “He?” Troy’s smile disappeared for a few seconds as if the understanding settling in. “I’m sorry to interrupt. You were just sitting all alone. A beautiful woman should never be alone.”

  “He’ll be here soon. What are you doing here?” She searched the room, looking for his date. There was no jealousy, merely curiosity.

  “Just clients. Their treat,” Troy said as he laughed. When she didn’t respond, he patted her shoulder. “Why don’t you bring your glass of wine. When he arrives, I’ll certainly let you go. We’re just over there.”

  She followed where he was pointing and could see two men, animated in their conversations. One thing was for certain, she hated being all alone. “I guess that would be all right.”

  “Good. Excellent. Come on. I’ll introduce you.” He waited until she stood, then gripped her arm.

  The touch was possessive, controlling yet she allowed herself to be pulled toward the table, to men she’d never seen. The moment she was presented, she shrunk back into another moment from the past.

  “Michael Tavish, Anthony Vinchenzo, I’d like you to meet Laney Cavanaugh.”

  As she shook their hands, a powerful memory grabbed every ounce of her breath. Unable to focus, she was pulled into the damning series of visions.

  Garcia hung his head in the shower, allowing the water to cascade over his shoulders. He continued to suck in air, doing everything he could to calm the fuck down.

  “You all right?” Stoker eased into the shower next to him, turning on the water.

  “Hell no. Are you?”

  “We survived. That’s something.”

  Lifting his head, he could tell Stoker continued to fume. “We shouldn’t have been there. Not like that,” Garcia said.

  “What about the bear? Huh? The way Landen handled the blade. Awesome.”

  Garcia washed off the remainder of the soap and turned around, tipping his head back and gurgling water. After he spit, he turned off the water and slapped his hand against the tile. “You know what I’m talking about, Stoker.” The thudding noise echoed. “That was ridiculous. The chutes should have been tested long before we were slapped into that plane. We won’t talk about Antonio’s bullshit. He has far too much regard for his fake position.”

  “Look, I agree with you. The parachutes no one had a way of knowing. Not until they were put into action. And you know Riker and Cooper are in there right now, telling the captain everything. Antonio did what he thought he should do.”

  “Antonio is a hothead bucking for Captain Phillips’ job.” Garcia walked toward the towels. As he passed by Boone he stopped and controlled his anger. “How’s Sawyer?”

  “He’s fine. Refused to stay at the hospital, the old fart. They patched him up and he’s no doubt headed to grab a cold one. Maybe what we all should do.” Boone exhaled. “I know I need something tonight.”

  Garcia hissed and clenched his fist. This couldn’t be happening. Laney would never believe the story, or she’d run further away. “Oh shit.”

  “What, hot date?” Stoker teased.

  “Actually, yes. What the hell time is it?” Garcia dried off and wrapped the towel around his waist.

  “After ten.”

  “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck! I left her there. Oh my God. She’ll never forgive me.” Garcia raced into the locker room, grabbing his phone. The single text was telling.

  You never showed.

  “I’m an idiot.” He paced back and forth as he texted her. I’m sorry. Can I give you a call? Something came up. Something. Yeah, that was exactly the right thing to say.

  “Yeah, but what does that have to do with anything?” Boone called.

  Garcia jerked on his jeans, yanking his shirt out of the locker. She wouldn’t forgive him. There was no way.

  Sto
ker walked into the locker room, a grin on his face. “A date with Laney.”

  “Yeah, well I doubt she’ll ever talk to me again. I’m a dumb fuck.”

  “Just out of curiosity. Where were you taking her?”

  “Toro’s.”

  Coughing, Stoker opened his locker. “Did someone die and leave you money? Wait, do you have a huge bank account hidden?”

  “Whoa, the man has good taste. Who knew?” Boone teased.

  “All of you. Get away from me! I wanted to take her far away from the lot of you.” Garcia dialed her number. The call went immediately to voice mail. “Laney. I’m sorry. Are you still there? I’m on my way. Please call me back.”

  The sound of loud voices floated into the room.

  “What the hell?” Boone walked toward the doorway. “Uh-oh. Antonio and Riker are getting into it.”

  Stoker struggled into his pants and followed the others out into the hangar. “That doesn’t look good.”

  The door was open, and the angry voices floated toward them. Cooper shook his head and walked out of the captain’s office, slamming the door.

  “Ugly. Fantastic,” Garcia mumbled.

  “I’d stay back if I were you,” Cooper said as he walked toward them. “Ain’t nothing you need to be involved in.” He eased beside Garcia. “Just a manner of discussion.”

  “Some discussion,” Landen huffed.

  Garcia looked over his shoulder, studying the body language of all three men. “The captain looks pissed.”

  “Yeah, well he should be.” Stoker folded his arms.

  “Been a shit day,” Landen said under his breath.

  “You can say that again. What about Jimmy Martin. Any news?” Garcia asked.

  “Haven’t heard anything new. Whoa, look busy,” Cooper stated.

  The door was flung open and the captain stormed out into the hangar, looking at every man. “I’m only going to say this once. We are a team. Period. I don’t give a shit about anyone’s hidden agenda. We saw what could happen today. A man died. We aren’t going to allow that on our team. I’m trying to save your jobs. All of you. That doesn’t mean you can handle a fire situation any way you want to, including killing a damn bear.” He waited as if anyone was going to challenge.

  The entire group remained quiet.

  Garcia could see the look of fury on Antonio’s face.

  “Good. I’ll expect you all in here tomorrow at six am.”

  “On a Sunday?” Stoker shot off.

  The captain snapped his head in Stoker’s direction then took two strides toward him.

  Riker stormed out of the captain’s office, moving directly toward the team. Antonio followed, only he remained with his hands in his pockets, leaning against the far wall.

  “Wow,” Garcia muttered under his breath. He’d never seen this kind of expression on Antonio before. Nothing bothered the flamboyant Italian. Until now.

  “On a goddamn Sunday. It appears that everyone needs some additional retraining and this time, I’m gonna be the one to do it. Are we clear?” Captain Phillips’ voice rocketed throughout the hangar.

  “Yes, sir,” they answered collectively.

  “And one more thing. Until further notice, Cooper is the second in charge and Sawyer will be the lead in the field. He is the senior smokejumper.” The captain closed his eyes before speaking again. “I don’t know any of the details yet, but there is going to be a service for Jimmy Martin and we are all going to honor this man. Every one of us. No excuses.”

  “Of course not, sir. He was one of us,” Landen said, his voice strained. “We have to remember him as a hero.”

  Captain Phillips nodded and looked at each man in the eyes. “We are all family.”

  Garcia slumped, tears in his eyes. “Family. Yes, sir.”

  “Family,” Riker whispered.

  “Family,” Stoker said.

  The captain wiped his eyes. “I’ll let you know when I have the details. Are there any questions?”

  “No, sir,” Landen answered for all of them.

  “Then get the hell out of here. Except for you, Garcia. In my office.”

  “But, sir, I’m late for a date.” Garcia knew his excuse wouldn’t fly. Not now.

  Captain Phillips inhaled and eased back his head. “Puevos, this has been a long ass day. In my office. Please.” He turned on his heel and strode past Antonio without giving him a look.

  “Never seen him this rattled.” Stoker turned to face the rest of the group.

  “He has good reason,” Boone said under his breath.

  “Not like that. This isn’t just about Jimmy Martin being killed. Whatever is going on Tuesday at that meeting with the mayor is worrying him to death.” Riker kept his voice low.

  “Shit day. Just a shit ass day,” Boone said as he paced.

  “What the hell did the captain say to Antonio?” Landen asked as he darted a look over his shoulder.

  Antonio walked their way and without saying a word, he walked out, slamming the main door.

  “That good, huh?” Garcia asked as he looked back at the group.

  “Ain’t my place to say a thing. Maybe I’m sorry we said a word to the captain in the first place. Never expected him to react this way.” Riker shook his head. “I’m going for a bottle of tequila. You guys wanna come?”

  “I’m coming,” Boone offered. “I’m sure Sawyer is two or three ahead of us.”

  “Can’t.” Garcia took backwards steps toward the captain’s office.

  “That’s right. Big date.” Landen grinned. “Have to tell us all about it.”

  “Over your dead ass body,” Garcia teased then nodded to Stoker. Maybe his head was going to be on a chopping block.

  Stoker held his hand up to the side of his head, miming the ‘call me’ sign.

  Garcia blew out a deep breath before walking into the captain’s office. “You wanted to see me.”

  “Yeah, and this won’t take long.” The captain remained tense, sweat beading along his forehead. “Garcia, I know you think there is a connection to the recent fires with the one at the Wildroot Ranch.”

  “Who the hell told you that?”

  “Don’t get upset. With the various cases of extortion we’ve had over the last year, easy to believe we have another situation, but there is no connection.”

  Garcia narrowed his eyes. “You don’t know that yet. There hasn’t been a full investigation on Wildroot.”

  “True, but there are some extenuating circumstances with regards to Mr. Hatcher and his family. Now, I’m not privy to say anything cause its personal, but I assure you, there is no connection.” Captain Phillips offered a waning smile.

  “In other words, you don’t want rumors spreading around right now.”

  “I’m not going to lie to you. That’s part of my concern, but the situation with the Hatcher family is difficult enough.”

  Garcia sniffed and took a step back. What about the bed and breakfast that burned?”

  “Ruled accidental. Kitchen fire set by grease left in a hot pan.”

  Nodding he glanced out the window at the dark night. “I get it. I’ll leave everything alone.”

  “I’m sure Fire Investigator Nelson will make certain nothing criminal went on at Wildroot, but with all the oil they had stored on that property, I’m surprised there haven’t been issues before.”

  “Fine. Maybe I’m just drawing at straws.”

  “Happens in this line of work.” Captain Phillips walked closer. “Glad we have that settled. There’s something else too. I know everyone is concerned about my meeting with the mayor and the truth is, you all should be. I don’t think I’m going to like what she has to say so I need a favor.”

  “Anything.”

  “You’re one of the few level-headed smokejumpers I have. I need you to keep the others calm right now until I can figure out what’s going on. This team is becoming far too frazzled. I can’t have that. Your lives, as well as civilians are at stake. That jumper dyi
ng affected all of us, every single one. There needs to be an investigation of the parachutes, the other equipment and the procedures. However, if that happens, it puts us all under a microscope. If anyone finds out that the team was split today, that might just be the last black mark they need. I don’t know what Antonio was thinking. I just don’t know.”

  “I’m not level headed. Not really.” Garcia was surprised. “What I do know is that Antonio reacted to the situation, not because he was pissed about whatever is going on or because of Jimmy Martin being killed. You don’t know Antonio very well. He takes this shit hard. We all do.”

  “I understand, son. More than you know. Just do what you can. I need to be able to count on you.” When Garcia remained quiet, he gave an attempt at a smile. “I’m worried, Puevos. I’m not going to lie or sugarcoat anything here. At minimum, I think we’re going to be absorbed into the other team and if that’s the case, that might mean not everyone’s job will remain.”

  “That would kill the team. They eat and sleep smokejumping.”

  “Tell me something I don’t know.” The captain dropped the file he was holding on top of his desk. The subtle thump made them both look down, their thoughts drifting to the various possibilities. “What’s really troubling you?”

  “What do you mean?” Garcia managed.

  “You’ve been distant in the past month, quiet and far too reflective.” He smiled then choked out a strangled laugh. “Maybe we all have.”

  “I don’t know if I want to do this any longer.”

  The words surprised the captain. He narrowed his eyes and gave Garcia a thoughtful look, yet his face was ashen, more troubled than any of the preceding months. “You’re good at what you do. Responsible and well liked. You’re a valuable team member. You have to know that.”

  “I’m not certain of anything any longer.” From the moment he’d blurted out the words, he felt a sense of relief, a caustic knowing.

  “Just take a few days for yourself. Certain decisions are life changing, a forever we can never get back.”

  The words resonated in a manner Garcia hadn’t anticipated, but he knew he was doing the right thing. “I understand but I know what I’m doing. I’ll volunteer, sir.”