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  She shook her head as he chuckled.

  “Everyone. This is a good friend of mine, Dr. Stasha Parker. She’s new in town, kicked ass at the rodeo and takes no shit so I suggest you keep that in mind.” Boone took a step back, holding up his hands.

  “Oh, he’s going to leave you to the wolves.” The approaching man smiled, his dimples giving him a boyish look. “Sawyer Lincoln. Heard all about you.”

  “That actually scares me to death.” Stasha glanced over the entire group, recognizing several from the Stampede.

  “We promise not to try and scare you away. However, if you can deal with Boone, you can handle the likes of us. Stoker Hansen. That’s Garcia Puevos, Landen Weaver, Zane Gray, Steel Frost and the big man who’s scowling is Riker Sheffield. Missing a few of our guys, but they’ll be here later. Welcome to our secret club.”

  Stasha gathered the instant camaraderie shared between them and for a few seconds, felt claustrophobic. “Secret club?”

  “Don’t start, boys. You know all the girls need to be initiated into the all-boys club.” The woman swaggered over, running her hand over Riker’s chest.

  “Hush, Trinity. Not fair to give her all of our secrets.” Landen chastised.

  “Keep that up and you’re going to feel my wrath,” Trinity said then shook her head.

  “I’m just his friend. Nothing more,” Stasha insisted, although she was unable to take her eyes off Boone. He was handsome without being pretentious, sexy as all get out and she had a feeling, he’d never really been in love. Blinking, she studied the other woman in the room. She recognized Trinity, an actress who’d left Hollywood. She vaguely remembered the story. Then it dawned on her. The People Magazine article.

  “Sure, you are,” Landen huffed and gave Boone a high five.

  The others laughed, raising their bottles of beer in their direction.

  “She’s right. We just enjoy each other’s company.” Boone moved through the crowd. “Let’s get that drink. I need to talk to you about a few things.”

  “Everything okay?”

  Boone hesitated until they were just outside the room. “Sawyer and I went over to the ranch today after the deputies left. You might be right.”

  “About the gunshot?”

  “Yeah. I found a bullet and dropped it off at the sheriff’s office before I came here. They’ll check the ballistics and we’ll know in a couple of days if the bullet is from a recent shot.”

  “The rodeo. That’s where I saw him. I’m sure of it.”

  “Who are you talking about?” Boone asked as he crowded her space.

  Stasha glanced around the expansive room, perspiration trickling down the back of her neck. “The man I ran into. That wasn’t accidental.”

  Buzz!

  “What the hell is that?” Stasha noticed the change in his expression and could hear the other men grumbling.

  Boone moved into the doorway, holding out his phone. “What’s going on?”

  “I’ll call it in,” Stoker stated, yanking his phone out of his back pocket.

  “Emergency system they installed a couple months ago. Let’s the various emergency personnel know when there’s an emergency, like a fire.” He took her hand. “Listen to me. I’m afraid you’re in danger. There’s a lot more I need to tell you.”

  “This is Stoker Hanson of the Jackal Smokejumping team. What do we have?”

  Anxious, a trickle of fear remained, and her mouth was dry. “What do you mean danger?”

  “Shit!” Stoker exclaimed. “We’ll be right there.”

  “What do you have?” Landen asked, crowding around.

  “There’s a fire at the Carter’s Ranch on the Sapphire Range.” Stoker looked from man to man. “It’s bad. Shit. I’m terrified to leave Jessica alone.”

  “What?” Sawyer inched closer. “That can’t be.”

  Boone thought about the dead horse. “They’ve been targeted.”

  Sawyer nodded. “Jesus. What the hell is going on?”

  “I’ll go stay with her,” Trinity offered as she kissed Riker on the cheek. “Be careful.”

  “I will. The Carter Ranch? He’s got a good three hundred horses,” Riker growled.

  “We were just there the other day,” Trinity added, keeping her hand on Riker’s arm. “That’s tragic.”

  “What’s happening?” Stasha asked.

  “We have to go. If we’re being called out, the fire has expanded to the mountains, which could mean thousands of acres lost. This could take days. We never know. Please take care of yourself. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Boone gripped both of her arms, his whisper ragged. “Please. Be careful.”

  The others began to trot out of the room, heading for the entrance.

  Boone pulled away, backing out of the door.

  “I will. Let me know that you’re safe.” Stasha reached for him then eased her arms by her sides. “I don’t want to lose you, either.” There was no way he could have heard her. As he disappeared into the crowd, a terrible gnawing settled into her gut.

  A tragedy was about to happen.

  Chapter 7

  Boom!

  Whoosh!

  “Jesus Christ. What the hell was that?” Riker roared as he and the others were pitched to the ground.

  “Explosion of some kind. What the hell?” Antonio clamored to his feet, brushing off soot and debris before heading in the direction of the blast.

  “Wait. We need to know what we’re dealing with,” Boone cautioned. He’d seen these types of fires before. They all had. The blowup wasn’t unexpected, but the rapid spread meant they were dealing with a catastrophic event.

  “Boone. Sawyer. We need to start several burnouts. You two go to the left. Riker. Landen. Follow them and create scratch lines, one after the other. Steel, Moose and Zane, follow me. Hanson and Puevos, scratch lines behind us. We need to kick this thing head on.” Antonio huffed as he glanced at the sky. “The wind is picking up. Shit.”

  “Tyler said the report is gusts at up to forty miles per hour,” Moose stated as he grabbed his ax.

  “Gentlemen. We’re behind the eight ball on this. Let’s get moving.” Sawyer trudged over several feet of debris.

  Boone grabbed his bag, checking the contents before following behind. They had enough explosives to do the job. The question would be, could it matter at this point? Even over the crackling sounds of the raging fire, he could swear he heard the whinnying cries of injured and terrified horses running for their lives. They’d seen the horrific source of the fire, the house already engulfed in flames, the barn all but cinders. There were fire crews everywhere, trying to abate the danger.

  But he knew what would happen.

  He trailed behind Sawyer as they climbed the mountain, embers shooting all around them. The thick smoke swirled around them, creating a fog, cutting their light source down to almost nothing. They were going at this almost blind. “Hold up. I see a good spot.”

  Huffing, Sawyer jerked to a stop, twisting, his light shining in Boone’s direction. “Be careful. The flames are rolling up the mountain.”

  “I know.” Hunkering down, he grabbed the necessary items, praying to God his aim would be on target. The wind whipped, shooting debris in all directions. Tree limbs were snapping given the increasing crown fires and with every step, they were placed in additional danger. Lighting the fire stick, he leaned back, studying the periphery before tossing. “Fire in the hole!”

  Whether or not the other members of the team heard him, he couldn’t be certain, but he watched as the stick flew into the air, shifting only slightly given the gust of wind. “Shit.”

  “You’re on target.”

  Boom!

  The area around them seemed to shift as another fire was started.

  “We got this!” Riker called through the communications system.

  Unable to see either man, Boone could only hope they were able to push the fire in another direction. He had no idea how many acres had already been lo
st, but given the conditions, the entire mountain, including Quigg Peak was likely to go up in flames. The wildland was still far too dry, enabling the fire to eat at will, consuming all in its path.

  “Come on. Let’s get going. We need to get to the northwest side,” Sawyer directed, pressing on, yanking on the starter rope of the chain saw in an effort to give access to Riker and Landen as they dug the various trenches.

  Boone continued moving, stopping every few seconds to check on the condition of the fire. There was no making headway at this point. Huffing, he lifted his mask, wiping soot from his face. The air was far too rancid to breathe and if they weren’t careful, they’d be caught, surrounded by the flames.

  “Here. Boone!” Sawyer’s voice seemed a distance off.

  He jumped over a fallen log and shifted just as he heard the cracking sound.

  Crack! Boom!

  The smaller tree fell just to the left, the force rumbling the earth under him.

  “Get over here!” Sawyer called, the tone filled with urgency.

  Boone shifted his mask and took off, cognizant of every step. He found the right spot and grabbed another stick.

  Whoosh!

  Wind pummeled around him, the gusts picking up in intensity.

  Boom!

  “Ah!”

  The scream was close, too close. “Report in!” Antonio’s voice rang out, muffled by the sound of the wind.

  As the men sounded off, there was a moment of anticipation, a horrible feeling in the pit of Boone’s stomach. “Martin here!”

  “Sheffield here!”

  “Be careful.”

  Boone’s stomach clenched as he lit the fire stick and stood his ground, double checking before tossing.

  Whoosh! Crack! Slam!

  The earth rumbled again, and he was able to see a tower of flames, arcing over the tree line. Squinting, he turned in a full circle, just able to hear the roaring creaks and whirs of other saws, cutting through trees. Unable to see Sawyer given the invasive briars and undergrowth, he yanked out his ax and began to cut, using the power of his upper arms to cut through with ease.

  They worked for what seemed like hours, cutting and shifting positions as the fire raged on, suffocating anything live in its path.

  Exhaustion was settling in as the night wore on. Boone stopped only briefly, grabbing a gulp of water before resuming. Sweat covered every inch, mixing with the tar like soot, the smoke burning his eyes.

  Boom!

  The sound was distant, yet what appeared to be a firestorm rolled.

  “Get out of the way!” Riker screamed as he headed in Boone’s direction, knocking him down. They rolled several feet, slamming against a tree.

  “Fuck!” Boone hissed as he panted and looked up at the sky. All he could see was a bright orange hue. “We’re never going to contain this.”

  Helping Boone to his feet, Riker groaned. “You may be right. Never seen this kind of fire.”

  Landen huffed as he raced toward them. “You guys all right?”

  “Fine. Antonio, what’s the story?” Riker yelled into the microphone, panting and gasping for air.

  Squawk!

  “Not again,” Landon hissed. “Shit ass system.”

  “Antonio. Where are you?”

  The crackling sound on the other end was followed by a series of hisses.

  “Hold on. That’s coming from his com system.” Boone wiped his hands and walked closer.

  “Where the hell is Sawyer?” Landon asked. “Where is he?”

  “Shit. I don’t know. He was right in front of me. “Sawyer, what’s your position?”

  A series of clicks and whirs was all that could be heard.

  Riker looked at Boone. “This isn’t good.” Riker’s voice was scratchy.

  “Sawyer. Where the fuck are you?” Boone walked deeper into the forest. “Talk to me, buddy.”

  “Is anyone out there?” Riker called.

  Hearing nothing but static, the men looked at each other.

  “Dear. Fucking. God.”

  Stasha couldn’t help but stare at the television, wringing her hands. Then she checked her watch. It was after one in the morning. There was no news, but she continued to pray to God there would be. She’d consumed two whiskeys but didn’t feel a thing.

  Except for fear.

  “Honey, you’re not going to learn anything tonight. It’s too late.”

  She grimaced and looked at the woman standing behind the bar. Shannon had tried her best to encourage her to go home, explaining various details about the fires the men were called to, but she’d only half listened. “How can they do this shit job?”

  Shannon leaned over the bar, giving her a genuine smile. “They do this because they have to and because it’s in their blood. The men who fight fires have a special calling. I argued with Landen for months to quit, but this is a part of him, like breathing. They crave the danger, the adrenaline rush. If you’re going to be with Boone, you have to learn this, or you’ll lose him.”

  “I’m not with Boone.” She fiddled with the empty glass, her thoughts all over the place.

  “Could have fooled me. Would you like another one?”

  “I guess. I don’t have anywhere to go. Not really.” Stasha knew she should get home to the puppies, but at this point, she was terrified of not being here for any news and worse. She had a sickening feeling the man from before was waiting for her. There was no rational explanation for her feelings, but they remained, haunting her, jabbing at her psyche. She’s started to question every face she saw at the rodeo, trying to figure out if the stranger’s voice was the same as the one behind the threat. She couldn’t ascertain a damn thing.

  Shaking her head, Shannon grabbed a bottle from behind the bar, then a second glass. “I think I’ll have one with you. After all, I own the joint.”

  She was surprised most of the people had left. Then again, it was a Sunday night. Her hand was shaking as she waited for the glass to be put in her hand and once she wrapped her fingers around the dense crystal, she immediately took a gulp, choking as the liquid slid down the wrong way.

  “You okay, honey? You look exhausted.” Shannon walked from around the bar, taking the barstool beside Stasha.

  “I don’t know. I’m beginning to wonder why I moved here.”

  “Why did you?”

  “Seemed like a good place to come.”

  Laughing, Shannon lifted her glass. “To a town full of refugees.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “With very few exceptions, every one of us seem to have come from a past life, one we’re all running from.”

  “Really?” Stasha was surprised at the girl’s statement.

  “Take Trinity for example. She ran away from a real asshole boyfriend and a movie career to come here. Riker is here because his wife and daughter were killed in a fire. Landen was in the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York as a young fireman. I’m here because I fell in love, then lost my man and my brother in the same fire.”

  “That’s horrible. Why in the world would they continue to fight fires? Why would you date someone who does?”

  Shannon sucked in her breath as she looked toward the bar. “I’ve been asking myself that since Landen and I started dating. I don’t know really. I love him with all my heart and he fulfills a side of me that I thought would remain empty forever. I found my place here and I’m not willing to allow anyone to destroy it. No one. I think we all came here looking for something to ease the pain. The truth is, that can’t happen from a location change or from another person who just happens to come into your life. That can only happen by changing the person you are inside. And that’s hard as hell to do. Trust me.” Swirling her drink, she took a sip.

  The words hit home, much more than she wanted to admit. “I don’t know if I want to find the person inside. I don’t think I’ll like what I find.”

  Shannon shifted, looking into her eyes. “Whatever horrors you think you did or caused, th
ere’s nothing worth dying or destroying your life over. Plus, you’re allowed to start all over. I think every smokejumper and firefighter, the wives and girlfriends would tell you the same thing. Then again, you’re not dating Boone. Right?”

  The laughter was a pleasant change and she couldn’t help but smile. “I do love it here.”

  “Well, you’ll make a name for yourself. You’re a take no shit kind of gal and I love that. I’ll put the word out. Give me some cards if you have them and I’ll send folks your way.”

  “I’d like that. I just have to figure out what I’m going to specialize in.”

  “Love. Love the animals you treat, and you can’t go wrong.” Shannon patted her arm. “I know, they call me the mother hen. You’ll get used to it.”

  “I don’t think I’ll mind.” Stasha glanced up at the television again, praying she could find any news.

  “I suggest you go home and get a good night’s sleep. Given what little I know about the fire, might take days.”

  “Days. I don’t think I can handle that.”

  “You’ll learn, Miss I’m Only a Friend.”

  She polished off her drink and tugged her wallet from her purse.

  “On the house. First time only and don’t tell anyone I did this.” Winking, Shannon finished her drink. “Think I’ll close up early.”

  “Thank you for everything, especially talking to me. It’s been a long time since I’ve had anyone to talk to.”

  “Damn shame and come by anytime. I’ll introduce you around. Stoker’s wife is pregnant and it’s not going well, or we’d have entertainment. Thinking of bringing in a few other bands.”

  “That would be nice.” Standing, Stasha looked toward the door, apprehension cutting through her bravado.

  Shannon huffed. “Seems like you’re afraid. I’ll walk you out if you’d like.”

  “Don’t be silly. I’m a big girl. I just…” Smiling, she walked several steps. “I’ll be fine.” Digging into her purse, she grabbed a handful of business cards. “My cell phone is on there. If you hear anything, will you call me?”

  Grabbing the cards, Shannon studied them before nodding. “You bet. Stop worrying, honey. They’ll be all right. They always are.”