Christmas Up in Flames

by Lisa Harris

  “I will,” she promised.

  “Good. Even without any notable respiratory problems, you can still experience carbon monoxide poisoning. Just be aware of how you’re feeling in case something comes up in the next couple days.”

  Claire swung her legs over the edge of the bed as the doctor left, then stopped and looked down at what she was wearing. “Just one problem. I arrived in these sweats with socks and no shoes.”

  “I almost forgot. I was able to get you a few things.” He handed her the bag he’d brought. “My soon-to-be sister-in-law, Tory, is about your size and offered to let you borrow some clothes until you get yours sorted.”

  “Wow... I appreciate this so much.” Claire dug out the jeans, a long-sleeved Christmas T-shirt, a black cardigan and a pair of boots.

  She held up the T-shirt, which depicted a row of plaid Christmas trees.

  “Too Christmassy?” Reid asked.

  “Can a shirt be too Christmassy?”

  Reid shook his head. “You don’t want to ask me that, but you’ll love Tory.”

  “Good, and hopefully I’ll get to thank her in person. This will really help. It might be a few hours before I can get to my things, and I’d prefer not to smell like smoke that whole time.”

  “I agree.”

  “You always did think of everything.”

  She looked up at him and smiled. Old, familiar feelings shot through him. How was it everything he’d worked to bury all those years ago still had roots? He shoved aside the ridiculous thoughts. Just because Claire was here didn’t mean she still had a piece of his heart.

  Reid looked up as Shawn Torres, a fellow firefighter, stopped at the edge of the curtain.

  “Claire... I hope I’m not interrupting.”

  “Shawn? No. It’s been a long time. It’s good to see you.”

  Reid glanced from Claire to Shawn, then back to Claire again. “You two know each other?”

  “We actually went to high school together in Denver,” Shawn said. “We’ve run into each other a few times over the past few years.” He turned to Claire. “When I heard your name in connection with the fire...well... I had to come and make sure you’re okay.”

  “I am. Really. Just some smoke inhalation.”

  Shawn gave her a big hug, then sat down next to her on the bed. “I can’t imagine how terrifying that had to be.”

  “The doctor says I’ll be fine. All I want to do now is get this investigation started and see if we can’t figure out what’s going on.”

  “I heard someone say you were locked in the room. That doesn’t seem coincidental, considering the arson fires you’re investigating.”

  She glanced up at Reid. “News travels fast, doesn’t it? I have been thinking the same thing. I’m not sure what happened. The fire alarm went off, but when I tried to get out, the door was jammed. I’m actually planning to head out there now and see what I can find out, though I heard the damage was extensive.”

  “Sounds like the kitchen and main room are pretty much a total loss, with smoke damage throughout most of the house. Unfortunately, they’re going to be closed for a long time. In the meantime, how many days are you planning to be here? It would be nice to reconnect.”

  “Originally I planned for just two or three, but now... I’m not sure. I need to figure out what happened at both places.”

  “Are you up for lunch with an old friend? Or maybe a tour of the town? It’s beautiful around here, especially this time of year with Christmas around the corner and the snowcapped mountains in the background.”

  Reid didn’t miss the hesitation in Claire’s eyes, making him wonder what she was thinking. Or maybe he was imagining things and it was nothing more than fatigue.

  “Let me see how things go before I commit to anything, but I’d like that.”

  “And in the meantime,” Shawn said, “I’d be happy to drive you anywhere you need to go.”

  “That’s sweet of you, but the captain has already arranged something for me. Apparently Reid is now my chauffeur. At least until I can get things sorted on my end.”

  “Sounds good.” Shawn stood up and nodded. “Looks like everything is working out, but if you do need anything, you have my number. Don’t hesitate to call.”

  “I won’t, and thank you, Shawn. I appreciate it.”

  “Sounds like the two of you go way back,” Reid said after Shawn had left the room.

  “We do. He’s always been a good friend.”

  “He’s a good fireman, as well.”

  “I’m going to need a few minutes to get dressed and check out of here.”

  Reid cleared his throat. “No hurry. I need to grab something back at my house, then I’ll meet you right outside the front doors.”

  Reid closed the curtain behind him, then headed outside to his truck. He wasn’t jealous of Shawn. No. That would be ridiculous. Shawn might have a history with Claire, but so did Reid, and there was nothing between the two of them anymore. Whatever they’d had was long over and there was no going back. She was going to do her job and uncover who was behind these fires, and then she’d step out of his life again forever.

  THREE

  Claire headed out the front door of the small hospital and breathed in the fresh mountain air. Despite everything that had happened, she was grateful to be alive. A gray, double-cab truck pulled up, and Reid jumped out of the driver’s seat.

  “I see you’ve got your same old truck,” she said, stopping in front of him.

  “You know me. Not sure I’ll ever be able to give her up. But before we leave, I want you to meet someone.”

  Her brow furrowed. “Okay.”

  She followed him to the backseat of the truck, then waited for him to open the door.

  “This is Sasha.” He undid the car harness, then gave the command for the German shepherd to jump down and sit. “I’m in the process of training her to work as an arson dog.”

  “Wow. She’s gorgeous.”

  Claire knelt down in front of the dog and scratched her behind her ears.

  “And smart. She can pick up the scent of fire starters and accelerants, and is already earning her keep.” Reid let out a low laugh. “And all she wants in return is some food, a bit of tug-of-war with her favorite toy and a lot of love.”

  Sasha nuzzled her face against Claire. “That can’t be too hard to give her.”

  “Not at all. I think she likes you.”

  “Well, I definitely like her too. How did you learn to train her?”

  “I took some classes in Denver as well as online. It’s been a boost for our department and something I really enjoy.”

  “You’re a beautiful girl. Yes, you are,” Claire said, stroking the dog’s head.

  Claire stood up as Reid commanded Sasha to get back into the truck, then hooked her into her harness.

  “You ready to head to the B&B?”

  “I am.”

  Claire slipped into the passenger seat, unable to suppress the memories of Reid and this town as Reid pulled out of the parking lot and headed south on the main road. Timber Falls had that small-town feel and yet it was still large enough for there to be plenty to do. Tourists loved the nearby skiing, the quaint bed-and-breakfasts scattered along the town’s edges, and the outdoor activities and shopping. Locals loved waking up to a spectacular view and the opportunity to breathe in clean mountain air every morning.

  As for the entire O’Callaghan family...at one time she’d imagined being a part of it. Jacob and Marci O’Callaghan owned a stunning ranch that had been in the family since the early nineteen hundreds. The ranch itself was beautiful with views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains.

  “You okay?”

  She shifted her attention back to Reid. “Sorry, I’ve forgotten just how beautiful it is down here. It’s been too long since I visited.”<
br />
  “I know. I never tire of the views.”

  They’d spent time here hiking, fly-fishing and even hunting for turkey, so she could get to know his family. But that seemed so long ago.

  Still, she glanced at his profile, wondering if she affected him as much as he was affecting her right now. No matter how hard she tried, his presence made forgetting all those memories impossible.

  “My offer for breakfast is still good,” he said, interrupting her thoughts. “You have to be hungry.”

  “I’m fine, but thank you. Someone brought me coffee earlier at the hospital.”

  “That’s not breakfast.”

  “How is your mom?” Claire asked, changing the subject.

  “My mom... She’s good. She wasn’t working today, but she’s still at the medical center three or four days a week, and she helps my dad at the ranch the rest of the time.”

  “And your brothers? It’s been so long since I’ve seen your family.”

  As an only child, she’d loved hanging out with him and his three brothers, and had been a little jealous of their close relationships. Their life had always seemed ideal to her.

  “Let’s see,” he said. “A lot has happened since you were here. Liam’s married with two adorable children. He’s in the army and is being transferred to Fort Hood after Christmas. My mom isn’t happy about that, as you can imagine, after having her only grandbabies so close, but I have a feeling she’ll be going down there quite a bit.”

  Claire stared out the window as another wave of guilt struck. She’d always tried not to think about how her decision had affected more people than just Reid.

  “And Griffin?” she asked, forcing her voice to stay even. “I understand he’s a deputy?”

  “He is. He’s getting married in a couple weeks to Tory, who works at the medical center. They bought a cabin on an acre of land up Lincoln Road last month and are blissfully happy. His words, not mine.”

  “A Christmas wedding.” Claire laughed. “I bet it will be beautiful.”

  She breathed in slowly, thankful that some of the tension had eased between them, though maybe it was just the shift in the conversation. Reid had always loved his brothers and talking about his family. And she’d loved hanging out with them, as well.

  “My brother Caden is recently engaged to Gwen. They’re working together to create an equine-assisted therapy program at the ranch.”

  “Wow...that sounds wonderful,” she said. “And you’re right. Lots of changes. What about you?”

  “What about me?”

  “Married...girlfriend?”

  He let out a low laugh. “I date some, but I’ve pretty much come to the conclusion that settling down and having a family isn’t in my future. Which is fine. I love my job, live near family, have some great friends and there’s Sasha...”

  Reid kept talking, but she only heard one thing.

  Settling down and having a family isn’t in my future.

  Her jaw tensed. Clearly she’d made the right decision all those years ago, after all.

  “What about you?”

  His question yanked her back to the present. She was going to have to find a way to stay more focused around him. “Sorry?”

  “Are you in a relationship?”

  “Me? No. My job and other responsibilities keep me busy.”

  “I’m surprised someone hasn’t snatched you up. Anyway, I almost forgot something else. My mother called me when she found out you were in town.”

  “Once again, word travels fast.”

  Reid chuckled as he pulled off the main road and into the driveway of the B&B. “She...she wanted to know if you had any plans tonight, and if I don’t invite you...”

  Claire’s fingers clutched the armrest as Reid guided the truck down the long drive. “I don’t know, Reid—”

  At least the invite wasn’t coming from Reid. But while she didn’t want to hurt his mom’s feelings, Claire wasn’t sure this was a good idea. She’d come to Timber Falls knowing that seeing Reid was unavoidable, but she’d convinced herself she could put the past behind her and just focus on her job. He might have been a distraction in the past, but things were different now. They’d parted ways, and in a few days she’d be gone again. She took in a deep breath and pushed away the regrets and guilt.

  “You really don’t have to come,” Reid said.

  “No. I’d love to see your family.”

  She’d go for an hour or two, feign a headache, then leave. Seeing his family was something she’d have to do at some point. She might as well get it over with.

  “Great...then it’s settled.”

  “Great.”

  “I can drive you there.”

  “I have a car. And I remember my way.”

  “Maybe, but you’ll have to clear that with the captain first.”

  “Don’t worry. I will.”

  There was no way she was going to have Reid pick her up and make this look like a date. She was only going because she’d always liked and respected his parents and it had been so long since she’d seen them.

  She’d thought they were going to be her in-laws one day.

  She’d imagined being Reid’s wife. Then everything had changed. He’d broken up with her, telling her he wasn’t interested in settling down. Then she’d found out she was pregnant.

  And she’d never told him the truth.

  She squashed the train of thought. A reunion with Reid’s family wasn’t why she was here, and something told her she was going to regret her decision to see them.

  She looked back at him, then caught the worried lines on Reid’s face as he glanced in the rearview mirror.

  “Reid... What’s wrong?”

  His hands gripped the steering wheel. “We’re being tailgated.”

  “Tailgated?”

  She glanced behind her and saw a white, single cab pickup following inches behind their bumper. Adrenaline shot through her as she grabbed automatically for the dashboard. A smaller car could easily be clipped and sent into a fishtail in a situation like this, but even in Reid’s double-cab truck this was a dangerous situation. What was the other driver thinking? The narrow, two-lane road curved in front of them, and the other vehicle wasn’t slowing down.

  “Do you recognize the vehicle?” she asked.

  “No.”

  “If they’re in a hurry, why don’t they just go around us?” She zoomed in on the windshield and the driver. “I can’t see their face. They’re wearing a hat and sunglasses.”

  Why would someone want to run them off the road?

  Panic pressed against her chest. She wanted to dismiss the thought before it germinated, but it was already too late. What if this was somehow related to the fire at the B&B? What if someone really did want her out of the way?

  “Hang on.” Reid pushed his foot on the accelerator as he took another curve, but the second truck simply sped up, staying on their tail.

  “I should be able to slow down and let them pass,” he said, “but it doesn’t matter what I do. He won’t go around me.”

  “Should I call 911?” she asked, grabbing for her phone out of her purse that was on the floorboard.

  The truck’s tires squealed.

  Reid tapped on his breaks.

  “Wait a minute. Looks like they’re going to pass.” Reid slowed down as the truck flew past them. “Can you read the license?”

  She strained to see. “Looks like it’s muddied out.”

  Reid drove another quarter of a mile, then pulled off the road in a safe place and put the truck in Park. “You okay?”

  “A little shaken, but yeah.”

  “What about you, girl?” He turned around and rubbed Sasha behind the ears.

  “That was some good driving back there,” Claire said. “I wasn’t sure you were goin
g to make that last curve at that speed.”

  He let out a huff of air. “You and me both.”

  “Someone was in a hurry.”

  “I don’t know. That seemed like more than a bad day. It seemed almost—”

  “Personal?” She shook her head. “That was my first thought, but I think the fire has my imagination working overtime. I could be wrong, but I’d rather stick to that theory.”

  Because the alternative terrified her.

  * * *

  Ten minutes later, Reid pulled up in front of the B&B, still trying to process what had just happened on the road. He’d thought about calling Griffin and report the tailgating incident, but decided Claire was probably right. It was just someone who’d had a bad day and was in a hurry. They had more important things to deal with today than a bad driver.

  Once they confirmed it was safe to enter the B&B, Reid headed with Claire and Sasha toward the second-story room where she’d slept last night.

  The strong smell of smoke permeated the house, and the damage was extensive on the first floor, which was heartbreaking. The B&B had become a popular place to stay for tourists looking for a mountain getaway and some home cooking.

  The blackened walls of the kitchen—where the fire had been the worst—showed just how damaging the flames had been. They’d devoured anything flammable, including the Christmas tree and decorations, and melted almost everything else. The upstairs had received less damage, but it was still going to take time to reconstruct what had been ruined.

  “I’m thankful no one was hurt,” he said as they took the stairs, “but this is so sad. The Grahams have owned this place for decades.”

  “I was thinking the same thing.”

  Claire stopped just inside the open door of her room and studied the interior. Even though the flames hadn’t reached inside, the smoke had caused discoloration along the walls and surfaces, and the smell of it still lingered in the air.

  “I’ll do a thorough investigation of the entire house,” she said. “But first... I need to understand what happened here. Why I couldn’t get out.”