Finishing their tea, they moved into the living room, taking stock of what needed to be sent with David for the auction. As the others admired the antiques her father had collected, their comments about Baytown rolled around in Madelyn’s head, wondering if her father knew Baytown would be hard to leave when he left his estate to her.
Katelyn looked at a few photographs lying on one of the tables. Bending down, she exclaimed, “Is that your mom with Tonya?”
Walking over, she said, “Yeah, that’s Mom. But who is she with?”
“Tonya Bayles. You know, Philip’s mom.”
“That’s right…she told me that her daughter and I used to play, but we weren’t close by the time I was in high school.”
Katelyn walked away to check on some other furniture, leaving her to stare at the two women in the photograph. I wonder…
Zac sat in the office of the fire station, combing through the applications from the past five years of volunteers. He started by dividing the lists by age and sex of the applicant, considering the profiler had told them that most vanity arsonists are young and male.
The Baytown stations, both fire and rescue, had a huge number of volunteers, but he knew the North Heron County had almost three times as many. He did not envy Adam and Ann their jobs. Greg at Easton, Roger at Cherrytown, and Terry at Mooretown were smaller stations and probably did not have as many to review.
An hour later, his eyes were crossing. There was nothing that jumped out and he felt as though he was getting nowhere. No single volunteer was at all the fires. No one was on site first each time.
Standing, he moved to the door that overlooked the large bay holding the two fire trucks and a smaller bay with the ambulance. Volunteers milled around, checking and cleaning the equipment as well as the trucks.
Tad looked up from talking to one of the newer volunteers and waved. “Hey, Chief,” he called out.
He jerked his chin up in greeting, his eyes continuing to rove over the group. Old, young. Male, female. Multiple ethnicities. He had ridden out with each of them at one time or another, trusted them behind the wheel of a multi-ton truck, having his back during a fire, resting easy in the knowledge that any one of them would give all they had to save a life.
“Hey, honey,” he heard Tad call out and watched as Sarah walked into the station. She had a bag in her hand and a huge grin on her face as she approached Tad.
He observed the young man puff out his chest as his girlfriend approached, before walking her around the bay, showing off the equipment. She oohed at the appropriate moments and Zac shook his head as he looked down at them before turning to walk back into the office. Glancing at his watch, he had just enough time to review a few more applications before he had to make his meeting.
Greg asked Zac about Madelyn’s property and the others shook their heads in frustration that the arsonist had stepped up his attacks by setting a fire so close to where someone lived.
“Do you think they thought the house was empty since her father had died?” Adam asked.
Terry leaned in, his forearms resting on the table, a worried look on his face, and said, “Surely the arsonist isn’t going to start fires in occupied buildings.” He turned to Zac and asked, “Is she alright?”
Nodding, he said, “Yeah…luckily the shed only held some furniture that she was going to get rid of anyway, but that close to her house was scary.”
“Can you believe that with the economy the way it is, the state is considering cutting our funding for equipment and training?” Terry asked.
The other’s cut their eyes to him, faces revealing tight grimaces. Zac watched as Terry continued, “And now we’ve got a serial arsonist, worst case the state has ever seen. They have to bring in the State Police and FBI, and they still want to cut our budgets for buying new trucks.”
Ann looked over at Zac and asked, “Did you make up your mind?”
He nodded, then shifted his gaze around the table. “Since the state has cut the equipment budget, they have approved Baytown for a Rescue Captain as well as a Fire Chief, and I’ve applied for the rescue position.”
Congratulations abounded and Greg, sitting next to him clapped him on the back. “With the size of station you run, it’s about time the positions were split into two.”
Terry nodded his agreement and said, “Baytown’s larger than Mooretown, so I’ve always been surprised you didn’t have both.”
“I’ve handled both, just like Greg and Roger here, but it’s been hard.”
Roger added, “I’ve heard that because of the arsonist and the attention it is giving our area, we might get more money added into our budgets. At least, that’s what the state representative said in his press conference.”
“Jesus, we need the money, but I can’t believe we have to deal with the arsonist to get the attention,” Greg retorted. “Fuckin’ politicians. At least with this being an election year, they might just help us out after all.”
Changing the subject, he asked, “When are we having another joint Health & Safety meeting with the entire Eastern Shore group?”
“We just got an email as you all were on your way here,” Adam said. “It’ll be in a few days and the State Police will be there as well. I’ve got a feeling that they’ll be taking over the investigation.”
As their meeting broke up, Terry approached Zac. “I’m glad Baytown’s splitting your job up. Maybe that’ll make the higher ups realize how much we’re needed, especially with the arsonist out of control.”
Waving goodbye, he headed out to his truck. Driving back to Baytown his mind was whirling. They had also discussed their findings, as each had already devoured their volunteer’s applications, looking for any indication that someone might be a vanity arsonist. There were a lot of possibilities, but he hated to become suspicious of someone he worked with.
Pulling into town, he took a detour before going back to the station. Parking in front of Harrison Private Investigations, he climbed out and headed inside. Grinning at Katelyn, who was standing in the reception area, he smiled his greeting.
“I know it’s impromptu, but any chance you and Gareth are available?”
Eyeing him carefully, she replied, “Good timing. Come on back.”
He followed her down a short hall, waiting as she poked her head into an office on the left and said, “Honey, Zac’s here and wants to talk to us.” She looked over her shoulder and asked, “Official?” Gaining his nod, she turned back to Gareth and said, “It’s official.”
The three settled in the workroom, a small room opposite of Gareth’s office, and he wasted no time getting to the point. “I’ve got a little money in the BFD budget for investigations and it hasn’t been used this year because everything’s been internal. Also, the State Police are handling most of the arson investigations, but they haven’t been looking into our personnel…yet. I’ve been trying, but I’m too close to these people. I work with them, have to trust them, and can’t imagine anyone being a vanity arsonist.”
“You want us to take a look to see if anything sticks out…and maybe do some checking into them?”
“Yes. I also have the notes from the Easton and Cherrytown departments. They both said they’d like to have you look at theirs as well. Terry at Mooretown said he was afraid of using any of his budget for this and is still looking his over.”
“You got it,” Gareth announced.
‘That was easy,” Zac said, smiling at his friends, eyeing the way Katelyn, professional as always, leaned in slightly toward her husband.
As they stood to leave, she walked him to the front and said, “Can I butt in and say something?”
Cocking his eyebrow, he said, “Katelyn, when did you ever keep your opinion to yourself?”
She laughed, playfully hitting his arm. “Okay, okay. I probably deserved that.” Her mirth sliding away, she said, “I just wanted to say that I think you and Madelyn really work. I’m glad for you.”
He smiled, but added, “I’m glad for
me too.”
As he turned to leave, she said, “Just so you know, us girls are working to show her how great Baytown can be as a place to live…permanently.”
His gaze shot to hers as his smile widened. Lifting his hand as thanks and goodbye, he headed back outside, the warm sun hitting his face as he felt some of his stress lift away.
22
Nancy, wearing her Auxiliary President Pin, announced to the group, “The meeting is now called to order. Please rise for the presentation of colors.”
The members stood in unison as Katelyn walked forward, carrying the American flag and placing it in the holder at the front of the podium. The Methodist minister said a prayer and then the group said the Pledge of Allegiance before singing the National Anthem.
Madelyn participated as a guest, her eyes shooting around, taking in the American Legion Auxiliary meeting. The members were varied in age and ethnicity, but all with the same expression of reverence on their faces.
Jillian, as Vice President, approached the podium and said, “I will now read the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion Auxiliary.
“For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes:
To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations during the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and goodwill on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity, the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to participate in and contribute to the accomplishment of the aims and purposes of The American Legion; to consecrate and sanctify our association by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.”
She took her seat and Nancy continued the meeting, including a roll call, reading of minutes by the secretary, and financial report by the treasury. During this time, Madelyn’s gaze moved over the card held in her hand with the preamble printed on it.
She lifted her eyes, listening as the different committee chairpersons gave reports on the many activities for the community the Auxiliary was committed to. Looking around, she felt a warmth sliding over her, the bond of the women in the room palpable. The girls had been right. Baytown was small, but mighty in the ways its inhabitants opened their arms to gather someone in.
Her mind traveled back to the eulogy that Zac had given for her father. Whatever had caused her father to drink so much, be it habit or something else, she was grateful that he had taken the time to talk to Zac. Without that, she would never know about his service or experiences in the military.
While the meeting continued, she realized coming back to Baytown had given her the gift of her father again, even after his death. Battling back tears, she listened as the meeting drew to a close.
As the women prepared to leave, she approached Tonya. “Mrs. Bayles?”
“Oh, Madelyn, please call me Tonya.”
Smiling, she asked, “I was wondering if you had a chance to talk to me sometimes in the next few days. I found a picture of you and my mom and…I…uh…” Suddenly unsure what to say, she floundered.
Tonya’s smile turned sad as she reached out to place her hand on Madelyn’s arm. “And you hoped I could talk to you about your parents?”
Nodding, she replied, “Yes. If it’s an imposition, I understand—”
“Oh, my dear, it’s not an imposition at all.” She lifted her hands slightly to her sides and added, “But, I will tell you that your mother and I did not part ways as the best of friends, therefore you might be uncomfortable with what I have to say.”
“No, no,” she assured. “I’ve discovered some things that don’t make sense and would love to talk to someone who was there back in those times.”
“How about tomorrow afternoon? I’d love to have you come to my house.”
“That’s perfect. Thank you so much.”
Tonya reached out to pat her shoulder. “Please don’t thank me yet. I promise to be honest, but warn you to only ask the questions you really want answered.”
After sharing contact information, she walked away, leaving her more certain that there was more to her parents’ relationship than she knew.
The sounds of laughter all around had Madelyn smiling as she and a large group of women walked to the pub. The meeting had concluded but she found the night usually ended the way the American Legion meetings did—with the friends heading to Finn’s.
Entering through the old, red painted door, her gaze shot around, seeing Brogan and Aiden behind the bar with their dad, Eric, helping out as well. Ginny and Corrine moved in to offer hugs and help. Mitch, Ed, and Steve Evans, as well as Gareth and Grant, were standing near the bar, waiting for their wives to come in and as they did, the men quickly moved to claim them.
Lance, off to the side, had eyes only for Jade, a smile sliding into place once she snuggled into his embrace. Belle, Callan and Jason rounded out the group.
Not seeing Zac, she wondered if he had been sent on a call. Trying to keep her smile firmly planted on her face, she nonetheless felt the sting of disappointment. Arms circled from behind, one across her chest and the other about her stomach, pulling her back into a muscular wall. Words, whispered at her ear, said, “You have fun, babe?”
As Zac’s warm breath tickled her ear, she grinned wider, no pretense now needed. Twisting her head around, she nodded. “Yeah, it was nice. I felt strangely closer to Dad being at the meeting.” She turned around, her front now pressed to his, and added, “I’m glad that he had you to talk to.”
Regret moved through his eyes as he replied, “Oh, Maddie. I barely knew him and we only talked a couple of times.”
“Yes, but he had never talked to us, at least not to me, about his time in the military. To know that, even for a short while, he had the opportunity to connect with you over the Navy, makes me feel better.”
Bending to take her mouth in a short kiss, he gave her body a squeeze before saying, “Want to join the others?”
Nodding, her lips curved in a sly smile. “Yeah, but then I’d like to go home. Just you and me.”
Lifting an eyebrow, he complained, “Oh, don’t do that to me, sweetheart. Now I’ve gotta go make nice with our friends when all I want to do is get you naked!”
Laughing, she pulled him over to the back of Finn’s and entered the fray of their friends. Katelyn brought pitchers of sweet tea as well as beer over to the tables and she shot her a look of gratitude.
Garreth quickly took the tray from her, whispering, “Call me to get the heavy trays.”
Brogan laughed, “Hell, sis has been carrying trays for as long as she could pick one up.”
“Yeah, well, she wasn’t pregnant then,” Garreth growled.
The room grew quiet for a few seconds before erupting in congratulations. “Way to tell everyone, sweetheart,” Katelyn laughed, before answering the multitude of questions coming her way. “I’m about two months behind Tori and no, we don’t know what it is yet. We just told our parents the other day and hadn’t figured out when to tell all of you yet.”
Brogan stalked over, giving her an evil eye, before pulling her into a huge hug. “Love you, sis.”
Aiden shoved his way in, wrapping both his siblings in his arms.
As the group continued their chatter, Nancy asked Madelyn, “How’s the work going with your father’s house?” Nancy asked. “You have to know we were all so upset over the shed burning.”
“Thank you. It was devastating, but more because of my memories of playing there. As far as its contents, I had placed old, broken, or invaluable pieces there to be given away to the thrift store. David Wills has identified the valuable furniture pieces and I’m going through everything, the good as well as just what’s sentimental, and he’ll come tomorrow to take the pieces going to auction.”
> “That’s a lot of work,” Tori said. “I remember when my father died how I had to help my mom.”
“Yes, but it’s brought a sense of my father being back in my life, and I’m realizing that perhaps things were not always as I thought.”
“They often aren’t,” Corrine stated wisely.
Steve eyed Zac’s arm around her shoulder and asked, “How long you plannin’ on staying in town?”
She noted the stares of the entire group and felt Zac’s body stiffen next to hers. “I’ve decided that I’d like to stay for a bit. I’m not anxious to return to North Carolina right now, although my job status is tenuous.”
“You should check out the Eastern Shore Mental Health Group,” Jade said. “I heard from our school psychologist that they’re looking for more counselors. I think it’s hard to find qualified counselors that want to live and work here.”
Smiles had greeted her answer about staying and Zac leaned over to whisper, “Sorry, babe. My friends can be protective.”
Twisting around to stare into his eyes, she aimed her smile at him. “And that’s one of the reasons I’m interested in staying.”
Kissing her again, he leaned back, enjoying the company, but mostly, enjoying the feel of the woman in his arms pressed next to him. The laugher and stories abounded, but soon the group appeared ready to disperse.
“You ready to say goodnight?” he whispered, grinning at the flare of lust in her eyes. “I’ll take that look as a ‘yes’.” Standing, he took her hand and pulling her to her feet, they said their goodnights before heading out into the starry night.
They made it to the station, but with a fairly large group of volunteers present, Madelyn begged Zac to take the outside stairs.
“But—”
“I know the stairs’ height freaks me out, but I don’t want to walk into your apartment in front of so many people.”
They stood at the back of the fire station and he nodded, but hated the feeling of sneaking around. The idea of finding a place in town for him to call home had taken root, but they were too new for him to mention it. “Okay, babe, but walk next to the wall and I’ll keep my arm around you.”
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