Embracing the Quiet Night: A Missoula Smokejumper's Christmas (Missoula Smokejumpers Book 1)

by Piper Stone

  “I understand.” He fiddled with his label and they sat for a few minutes.

  Cooper polished off his beer then rose to his feet, nodding toward the phone. “Do yourself a favor. Call her.”

  “Get out. You’re a terrible psychologist.”

  “You owe me.”

  That he did. When Cooper left, he picked up the phone. “No new messages.” He sighed and rubbed his eyes. This was going to be a long few days.

  “Mrs. Martin, you are a tough sell,” Stoker said as he carefully tossed the tree on top of her car.

  “I think thirty dollars is more than fair,” she said as she stood and watched him wrapping the rope.

  He was thankful that the majority of people who’d purchased the trees were not only happy to pay full price, but had either given another monetary donation or cans of food and toys. People had been extremely generous. “There you go. I think you’re all tied down. Is Mr. Martin at home to help you get this off?”

  “Son, I may be sixty-five, but I prefer to do everything myself.” Huffing, she opened her car door. “Men can’t do shit if you ask me.”

  Landen bit back a chuckle as he flanked Stoker’s side, removing his gloves. “Rough crowd.”

  Raising a single eyebrow, Stoker shook his head. “The flashing lights look excellent with the Santa hat. You just need a big, red nose to complete the ensemble, Rudolph.”

  “Very funny. Besides, the girls seem to adore me in the hat.” Shaking his booty, Landen flicked the pointed end of the furry hat. “And nothing else.”

  “You’re pathetic.”

  “That’s incorrigible as well as adorable, or so I’ve been told.”

  “Ugh! Too much shit for me,” Stoker gave him a nasty expression.

  “You’re just jealous.”

  Stoker waved to a group of girls as they whistled and drove by. “I guess we do have a bit of celebrity going on.”

  “Forgot to mention, Channel Twelve stopped by yesterday. They got a few shots before I stopped them.”

  “Damn. I guess it’s inevitable that this makes the news at some point. At least it’s the eighteenth.” He walked closer to the road, glancing up at the mountain range. So far, the fire in Wyoming had been contained, but last night’s weather forecast indicated strong wind. Even they were experiencing gusts over thirty miles per hour. The nagging feeling remained.

  “Antonio told me the little boy is back in the hospital.”

  “Joey. His name is Joey. He adores horses and racecars. Wants to be a baseball player when he grows up.” Stoker could barely whisper the words. He’d found out all he could from those who knew the Michaels. The situation was dire.

  “Joey will have a wonderful Christmas this year.”

  “If he has the strength to enjoy.”

  Landen exhaled. “Time of miracles, Stoker. Try and keep that in mind.”

  “Yeah. I hear you.” He sniffed and wiped his mouth and eyes as two cars pulled in. “Can you get those? Shannon called. She has a storeroom full of boxes of food. Need to get them over to the hanger.”

  “No problem. Riker’s due in a half hour or so. Go.”

  Nodding, Stoker took one last gander at the mountain before heading to his truck. As he drove, he flipped on the radio, trying to find an update on the weather. A huge snowstorm was coming in from Canada, anticipating bringing in several feet in some areas. He switched from station to station, finding nothing but Christmas music. There was no sense in worrying about something he couldn’t control.

  He snorted as he pulled into Ziggy’s parking lot. Four more days then Jessica would be returning home. The single present had turned into almost a dozen. Even his trip into Victoria’s Secret had been new and somewhat unusual. He held the fond memory in the front of his mind as he strolled into the entrance. Yes, he was in a much better mood. No firestorm, snowstorm or even Santa Claus was going to stop his beloved’s return. Damn it.

  “An actual smile. Did the Apocalypse occur, and I was sleeping?” Shannon blinked and pretended shock.

  “Very funny. I’m in a great mood. Almost all of the trees are sold, and the donations are piling up. I honestly don’t know how the Michaels are going to eat all of that food.” He sauntered closer, giving her a pouty look.

  “Uh-huh. That girl of yours is coming home. I told you everything would be all right. You just had to believe.”

  “Yeah, yeah.”

  “Want a beer?” she asked as she inched behind the bar.

  He took a handful of peanuts, breaking the shells then a flash of color grabbed his attention. “Oh, shit.”

  “What is it?” Shannon followed his gaze.

  “This can’t be happening.” The flames even on camera were huge, embers flying everywhere. A cold chill raced down his spine.

  “I heard about the fire. Evacuations have already started,” Shannon whispered. “Don’t tell me you guys have to go to this.”

  “Afraid so.”

  Shannon paled. “Now?”

  “This is my job. You know that.” Stoker wiped his face.

  “I know, but goddamn it, Stoker. Landen. Does he know yet?”

  “I have no idea, but stop worrying. He’s trained. He knows the drill and he’s an amazing smokejumper.”

  She huffed and gave him a half smile as she patted his hand. “Trying to cheer me up, I see.”

  “Because I love ya,” he said as he winked. “Look, can you get somebody to take over at the lot for a couple of days? Save one of the trees for the Michaels. That’s part of the gift.”

  “Absolutely, you better keep yourself safe or I swear to God.” She shook her head, her face ashen.

  “I’ll be okay. Will you check on MacGyver?”

  “Don’t worry. Go do what you need to do. I’ll take care of everything. If you see Landen, tell him I’ll take care of Jace.”

  “Absolutely.” Stoker tapped the bar. Both men adored their dogs. “In case I don’t get back in time…” What was he saying? No, he couldn’t think this way.

  “Stop. Go do your job and get back home. Okay?” Shannon grabbed his hand. “Be safe.”

  “I will, promise.” As he jogged out the door, he noticed he had a message. What the hell? The voice mail was from days before. He pressed Tyler’s number. “Tyler, we have an issue. Call them in.”

  Stoker shivered as he jumped into the truck. This fire would mean devastation.

  Chapter 4

  Jessica stood in the bathroom, holding her stomach. Her usual nerves performing on stage had kicked into overdrive. Singing at Ziggy’s, or anywhere else in Missoula, had stopped the horrific anxiety, the blinding terror. To return now of all times? She blotted beads of perspiration from her upper lip and leaned over the counter, making faces at her reflection. Three episodes of dry heaves led her to wanting to down a shot of vodka. She’d almost succumbed to the desire. Almost.

  But this was a Christmas show, a last-minute addition for her to sing two songs. Then she’d be whisked away to a party. One more day of this shit then she could go home. Just one more day. She smiled and stood taller, breathing in and out. In and out.

  “There you are. We need to get you to wardrobe.”

  She shook her head as Tanya popped into the bathroom. She hadn’t been able to go anywhere alone. “Where is my guitar?’

  “I swear to God, it’s in your dressing room. I threatened the little elf man myself that if one tiny scratch was put on the case, he’d be getting more like rocket bombs in his stocking this year.”

  Bursting into laughter, Jessica realized this was the first time she’d seen the girl even smiling. “I love that you…” Her stomach lurched, and she slapped her hand over her mouth.

  “Are you okay? You look white as a ghost.”

  “I’m fine,” she mumbled. “I’m just—” She turned in a split second and raced for the stall, managing to fall to her knees and yank her hair away from her mouth before she tossed her cookies. The nasty sound echoed as she retched, vomiting up what
had been her attempt at eating dinner. Wheezing, she slapped for the toilet paper, choking and laughing at the same time. If only her fans could see her now.

  “Oh my God. I need to tell the concert director.”

  “No! I’m fine, Tanya. A little secret.” Jessica wiped her mouth and sat back. “I’m a closet nervous wreck just before a show. Started a few years ago.”

  “That’s terrible. You sure you can do this?”

  Jessica struggled to get to her knees. She was going to do this. Nothing was going to prevent her from getting on a plane and going back home. She’d sing to the Queen of England tonight if she had to. Inhaling, she walked back toward the sink, stumbling only once. “How about making certain I have some bottled water in the dressing room?”

  “You got it! I’ll come get you in about twenty minutes.” Tanya winked before leaving the room.

  She rubbed smudged eyeliner from under her eyes and thought about Stoker. No, he hadn’t called and neither had she, but right now, just thinking about him was giving her the last hint of strength needed. All the contracts were signed, the band well-rehearsed, the last two tracks recorded and promotional work on overdrive. She could go home with a clear conscience knowing she wasn’t leaving Montana anytime soon. That, would put her gorgeous, sexy, incredible fiancé into a fabulous state of mind for the holiday.

  That and her surprise gift. Yes, Tanya had been mighty persuasive in helping her get everything she wanted out of Mr. Gillespie. The town of Missoula wouldn’t know what hit them.

  Fifteen minutes later, she was more than ready, even eager for the show. This was the culmination of a successful trip and she was like a kid, ready for the next chapter. She stood in front of the television set, practicing her breathing exercises. She flipped channels until she found a station closer to home. When a news bulletin caught her attention, she scrambled to turn up the volume.

  “And in other news, the blizzard moving in from the Alberta region of Canada is one of the strongest in years. Record snowfalls have occurred in portions of Oregon and upper Montana and with the anticipated swing down to the south, you can expect to see huge numbers on the radar. Reports are already in of airport closures so if you’re going home for Christmas, you may need a little help from Santa Claus.”

  Jessica froze, eyeing the map. Missoula was in the area anticipating two feet of snow. The scheduled time? The twenty-second into the twenty-third of December. “Oh, no. This can’t be happening.”

  “We are ready!” Tanya burst in.

  “Just wait. One more second.”

  “I gave you all the time I could. We have to go.”

  Clenching the remote, she swayed back and forth. “I have to get out of here.”

  “Now?” Tanya huffed, the sound exaggerated.

  “Right after the show. You need to change my reservations and I don’t care what you have to do. I need to get home before the blizzard hits.”

  “Okay. I’ll do what I can. Just come on.”

  Remaining in a fog as she was led toward the stage, her thoughts were all over the place. What if she couldn’t get home? There was no way Stoker would believe her. She would call him right after the show, then grab her things. Whatever flight or connection, she was getting home.

  “Miss Dunn. Right over here. The band is set.”

  She heard the stagehand’s voice and followed his directions. When she was standing in front of the microphone, shadowed by the dark setting, she closed her eyes. She could get through this. Two songs. Nothing more.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, we are so pleased to bring you a very special guest to the show tonight. She brings with her a huge amount of talent as well as a new sound. Please welcome, Jessica Dunn.”

  The audience responded, clapping and cheering as shimmering blue lights highlighted her position. She waved and gripped the microphone. “Thank you so much. I’m very glad to be here. Tonight, I have two incredible songs for you. The first holds a very special place in my heart. Home for the Holidays. My home? Missoula, Montana, or what so many call God’s country. Now, I know why. I hope you enjoy.” She took a step back as the audience settled in, the clapping dying down. Looking over at her band, they acknowledged with a nod.

  Then the music started.

  “I’ll be home for Christmas, just you wait and see. Please have snow and mistletoe and stockings by the tree.” Her voice was clear, the new sound exactly as they’d performed and she smiled, seeing only Stoker’s face in her mind. As the song continued, she eased the microphone from the stand, walking closer to the edge of stage. Everyone she could see was engaged, swaying back and forth. She felt better than she had in years, her voice strong, the band with perfect timing.

  “I’ll be home for Christmas, if on-ly in my dreams.” The lights were dimmed, and she slowly dropped her head.

  The roar of the crowd was overwhelming.

  The moment Jessica lifted her head and took a step, she panicked, the old feeling settling in. She was frozen, unable to move. Blackness surrounded her. She clenched the microphone to her chest and sucked in air. Everything was a blur.

  “Jessica. Are you all right?”

  “I’m okay. Just—”

  Wham!

  The snow had been falling for over twelve hours. The team was huddled several miles away from the fire, resting for the night. Temporary shelters had been created in hopes they would sleep. Stoker shivered and pulled the covering around his shoulders. There would be no rest for him tonight. The work had been difficult given the weather conditions, but they’d been able to eat away at the fuel, creating various trenches around a section of the fire. Their attempting at diverting away from Billings appeared successful.

  Antonio removed his cap and wiped his face. “Listen up. The initial attack was exactly what we wanted but the forecast isn’t getting any better. I have Boone out checking wind speeds and the humidity level, but I think we both know the wind direction has changed. If this pattern continues, we might have a Fire Devil on our hands.”

  Landen rose to his feet, walking closer. “Embers are flying everywhere. If we have a Fire Devil, how the hell are we going to save the city?”

  “Please tell me they’ve evacuated,” Riker asked from his crouching position.

  “Not yet. The Mayor is hesitant given the holiday. The fire is still ten miles away at this point.”

  “Ten miles? That’s nothing when it comes to a fire like this,” Stoker snarled.

  “I know that,” Antonio snapped then held out his hand. “We’re all exhausted. Get some rest.”

  Garcia laughed. “How can you rest during this? We don’t have a handle on the fire.”

  “We’re doing what we can,” Antonio said, his tone softened.

  Stoker jumped to his feet, grabbing his ax. “I’m taking a walk.”

  “Don’t do this. Stay with the team.” Antonio grabbed his arm.

  Looking down, Stoker inhaled. “Then a team goes out. We need to see up on that ridge to make certain the fire isn’t creeping up on us. That’s what we do.”

  The group remained quiet, all eyes on Antonio.

  “All right. Take Garcia and Landen. Go as far as the ridge line. Stay in contact. I’m going to call into the hanger and get an update. By the time you get back, we should know what to expect.”

  Nodding, Stoker headed out. The others could catch up. He trudged through the snow, using his flashlight to look up at the trees every so often.

  “Stoker. Hold on,” Garcia exclaimed.

  “This fire isn’t contained, and you and I know it.”

  “Maybe so, but we need to make a plan,” Landen said as he moved beside Stoker.

  “The plan is not to be boxed in. Get it?” Stoker said between clenched teeth. A gust of wind hit him in the face. “Shit. This isn’t good.”

  Garcia mumbled and swung the ax, cutting through some brush. “Let’s just get through this.”

  “Amen,” Landen added. “I have a wonderful gal to get back to or she’ll
kick my ass.”

  Stoker shuddered hearing his words.

  They continued walking as the wind swirled. Every step, every long stride became almost impossible.

  Stoker stopped momentarily as the others moved forward. Taking a deep whiff, he shook his head, a moment of real fear rushing through his system. The smoke was getting closer.

  “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Look over there,” Garcia instructed, pointing to a cleared area through the trees.

  Stoker closed the distance until they stood in a small clearing overlooking a deep valley. Thousands of embers were flying in the sky, and everywhere they landed a new fire began. “This isn’t good. Giovanni,” he called into the radio.

  “Here. The weather is getting worse. Get back here. We’re going to have to abandon.” Antonio’s voice was rattled.

  “The fire is exploding down in the valley,” Stoker called.

  “The fire is crawling up the mountain!” Landen called.

  “Get back here. Now!” Antonio commanded.

  “Will do. Come on, let’s get rolling.”

  Garcia yelped as he trudged from the area. “That shit is moving faster than I’ve seen. We need to get out of here.”

  “We’re going. We’re going!” Landen added as the men jogged, stumbling in the snow.

  Whoosh! Boom!

  They heard explosions behind them, no doubt from flammable substances. Embers and burning chunks showered over them.

  Stoker huffed and turned around, squinting toward the sky. “Goddamn it.” He could see flames, forming over the tops of the trees, the wind acting like a blowtorch. “Get the team moving. The fire is on its way.” The call into the radio was met with crackling sounds. “Fuck this shit! Move!”

  Crack! Boom!

  Even from the distance, the falling trees seemed to rattle the earth beneath them. The moment they rushed into camp, they could see another line of fire coming from the opposite direction. Stoker lowered his ax and moaned. They were trapped.

  “You gave us quite a scare, young lady.”