Blaze Read online

  Captain Phillips chuckled. “You didn’t do anything, son, although I have heard through the grapevine that you’re more than curious about the fires. What you just asked Fred confirms it. What are you trying to get at?”

  “I don’t even want to know how you found out.”

  “The entire team seems to underestimate me and my connections. I have drinking buddies everywhere, including Idaho. That Park Ranger friend of yours works for a guy I’ve known for years.” The captain grinned.

  “Criminal Investigation Service? I didn’t even know that existed.”

  Captain Phillips nodded. “Has for few years, but they’re really stretching their muscles given the increased incidents of arson.”

  “And horse theft?”

  He chuckled. “Only when we’re talking along with fires within their jurisdiction. A lot of wild horses. Between the fires consuming thousands of acres and the greedy sons of bitches trying to tame wild animals, they have their hands full.”

  “Yeah? Well, Mr. Nelson knows more than he wants to let on.” Boone shook his head.

  “And you know he’s just doing his job. There’s a hell of a lot at stake here.”

  “Lives. I know.”

  “I will tell you this. You don’t have any idea how powerful the Dreyfus family truly is. I wouldn’t put it past them to have something to do with the fires, but they could simply buy and sell horses at will. They have more money than God.” Captain Phillips folded his arms.

  “Then why? Why bother?”

  The captain shrugged. “I remember just how powerful the family was, especially twenty years ago. They had a certain way of handling their business, if you know what I mean, but now? They haven’t been on the radar for years, at least from what I’ve heard. I think you can find pictures of the great-great grandfather in some of the old history books regarding Missoula. The man was a true badass. Violent and ruled with an iron fist. Fascinating read if you’re into that kind of thing.”

  That’s what terrified Boone more than anything. The unexpected driven by rage or worse. “You know anything about the children?”

  Inhaling, he rubbed his jaw. “I knew their daddy. He was a formidable dude. Flamboyant regarding his wealth too. Never minded making certain everyone knew how important he was. He had a lot of enemies and trusted almost no one. If anyone betrayed him, they just disappeared. Kinda like the wild West and a lot of lawmen looked the other way.”

  “The sheriff?”

  The captain groaned. “Don’t go there, Boone. Sheriff James is a good man. He had a serious overhaul in his department after years of corruption had infiltrated the ranks. Again, these are just stories, but his current department is squeaky clean in comparison.”

  “Whatever happened to the father?” Boone wanted nothing more than to continue digging.

  “Robert Dreyfus died under some interesting circumstances. I wasn’t living here at the time, but a few folks still loved to tell the story. Brutal attack. If I remember correctly, there was some speculation that one of the sons had something to do with his ultimate demise, but nothing was ever proven. From there? Things get sketchy or maybe I had no interest in paying attention. The kids went off to live their own lives. End of story. Kinda makes you wonder why they might come back. A lot of real estate could still be in their name.”

  “Greed and revenge?” Boone had to ask. That would make sense given the ranch next door continued to be owned by the family.

  “Maybe. If there’s any truth to the fact that the boys are back in town, taking up where their father left off, then just stay out of it. If the boys learned anything from their father, they’re ruthless and without a conscience.”

  “And dangerous. I have a terrible feeling a lot of folks are going to pay for whatever perceptions those kids have.”

  Captain Phillips shook his head. “I have an entire team of private investigators. Makes me wonder what you boys are doing jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, which brings me to the reason I asked you in here.”

  “Planes?” Boone teased.

  “In a manner of speaking. I heard you were out again. One hour short of obtaining that license?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Good,” he said then sat down on the edge of his desk. “That makes what I’m going to suggest make sense.”

  “Should I be sitting down for this?”

  The captain snorted. “My idea will accomplish two things.”

  “I’m all ears.”

  “The parachutes. We need training from the airplanes but also from helicopters, just in case.”

  Boone sucked in his breath, trying to understand what he was being told. “Are you suggesting that I fly the helicopter for the exercise?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m suggesting, son. You get your license and show the Wildland Commissioner that we have a licensed and talented pilot as well as we get the training required, which means, we don’t have to go through the invasive schedule for another couple of years. You in?”

  He felt a wash of cold furrow into every already tense muscle. Swallowing, he was suddenly sitting in the pilot’s seat, flying over the barren terrain, tears in his eyes. His original love of flying was taking a backseat to a new and heightened level of fear. “Captain, I’m not sure I can do that. The memories are still raw from losing a jumper. I don’t have that kind of training. I don’t know if I’m the best man for the job.”

  Narrowing his eyes, he studied Boone. “You’re a level headed and highly respected member of this team. Everyone values your thoughts and opinions.”

  “A pep talk isn’t going to help, Captain. I just…”

  “The exercise will be very controlled, Boone and a wonderful opportunity for the Jackals as well as all of Missoula. As uncomfortable as you may think you’ll be, I know you, the man inside. You want more out of life.”

  Boone slowly exhaled. More. He’d been content, or so he thought, to simply being a part of the team. Maybe the captain did know him better than he knew himself. “Maybe.”

  “Will you at least think about it?”

  Boone nodded after a few seconds. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Excellent.”

  Tap. Tap.

  “Sorry to interrupt, sir.”

  “What is it, Katie?” the Captain smiled as she stuck her head in the door.

  “Boone has a visitor. She says it’s important.” Katie smiled then nodded.

  Boone shifted, craning his neck in hopes of seeing who was waiting for him. He said a silent prayer that it was Stasha. “I’ll be right back.”

  “That’s okay. We’re done here for now.” Captain Phillips rose to his feet. “Just think about all the possibilities for the future, Boone. Could be damn good for the team.”

  “I will, Cap’n. I will.” Trotting out into the main room, he was surprised to see an older woman. Straining to recognize, when he did, he slowed down. “Ms. Johnson. Is there a problem?” Her realization that the puppies were locked in an abandoned house slithered to the forefront of his mind. Now, she was here?

  “Boone, please call me Penny. I realize we’ve only talked casually, but I do know your reputation from a lot of folks in town. You’re a good guy,” Penny said as she wrung her hands. “I didn’t have your phone number and I thought this was best, I mean to come here. You know. Personal.”

  “Well, thank you. What can I do for you?” It was easy to see just how nervous she was, the slight shimmer of perspiration, the way she was wringing her hands.

  “It’s about that veterinarian. Dr. Parker?”

  Boone could feel his heart racing. “I know her. What’s wrong?”

  She looked around nervously, her lower lip now quivering. “Maybe nothing but I was at her office yesterday. You might have heard that I know almost everybody in town. Been around a long time and I get a lot of people in my store.”

  “I’ve heard that.” He swallowed hard. Who was she afraid of?

  “So, anyway, I was at her clinic
late yesterday and this man arrived, and I could tell she wasn’t very happy to see him. She didn’t say anything, but I could just tell. She was so surprised.” Penny had a faraway look in her eyes.

  “A man?” His skin bristling, he clenched his fist. Let her finish. Breathe. “What man?”

  “That’s the thing. He acted like he’d known her for a long time, but he’s from around here. At least he used to be. I swear to God.” She seemed to sense Boone’s frustration. “I guess I could be wrong. I know my eyesight isn’t what it used to be, but I swear…”

  “Ms. Johnson, Penny, I’m not trying to push you but if you think something is wrong, please tell me.” His ears were ringing, the ache in his head turning into anguish.

  “Do you know Robert Dreyfus?”

  He shot a look toward the Captain’s office. “I’ve heard of him. Used to rule the town.”

  A nervous titter popped out of her mouth and she placed a few fingers across her lips. Her entire arm was shaking. “The man I saw? He’s the spitting image of the Robert Dreyfus when he was younger.”

  “Are you trying to say that this was one of his sons?”

  Penny nodded, her eyes darting back and forth. “I think so. If I’m right, then she could be in danger. I was a school teacher a long time ago. Long time. Robert’s children were difficult, troublemakers from the day they turned about eight years old, but one of them was… evil.”

  Boone blinked several times. “Thank you for letting me know. I very much appreciate it.”

  “You’re welcome, Boone. And I’m not kidding. I know what that entire family is capable of. You just don’t know. They ran like a pack. I wish I could explain.”

  Ran like a pack. Her choice of words was interesting. “I’ve heard a few stories. I very much appreciate you coming here.”

  She gripped his arm, her eyes beseeching. “Be careful, Boone. I don’t want anything to happen to you like it did to the Carter’s.” She took a step back.

  “You knew the Carters?”

  “Very nice people. In over their heads. Anyway, I have to go.”

  Why did he have the distinct impression that Penny knew a hell of lot more? “Penny, one last question. How did you know the puppies were in the house?” He didn’t need an answer. She’d been used or bought and now regretted her decision. “Well, doesn’t matter. They’re safe now.”

  “Safe. Yes.” She looked down, a nervous tic on her mouth.

  Boone escorted her to the door and hissed as he grabbed his phone, calling Stasha’s cell. The second the call dumped him into her voice mail, he pulled up the internet, searching for her name. Every move was frantic, and he could barely focus. “What the fuck is going on?”

  “Boone. You okay? We still have some training to do,” Sawyer called.

  “Not going to happen.” Finding her number, he tried twice to make the call, but his fingers were shaking. Anger. Fear. Frustration. Goddamn this was getting out of hand.

  Sawyer sauntered over. “What do you mean not going to happen? What did Penny want?”

  “That Dreyfus kid?”

  “Yeah? Oh, I can see that look on your face. What did she say?”

  Boone finally managed to punch them in correctly and hit dial. “He’s the one who threatened Stasha, and he was at her clinic yesterday.”

  “Shit. Was Penny certain?” Sawyer moved closer.

  “She seemed to be. Said the kid is evil.” He paced the floor until someone answered. “Is Dr. Parker available?”

  “Okay, I’m confused,” Sawyer mumbled.

  “We’re not open yet, sir. This is Megan. Can I help you with something?” the girl said.

  “I know and I’m not a patient. I’m a friend of hers. Is she there?” Boone held his hand over his phone. “Yeah, me too.”

  “Her truck is here but I haven’t seen her. Let me check her office,” Megan offered.

  “Thank you,” Boone managed. “Come on. Come on.”

  “Give it a second,” Sawyer said quietly.

  Boone shook his head. “I knew something was off. Damn it! I should have knocked on that fucking door.”

  “You didn’t know what was going on. How the hell could you have known?”

  “Sir?” the girl asked, her voice sheepish.

  “Is she there?” Boone had to fight to keep from snapping.

  “No, she’s not and that’s not like her. Her cell phone is here. She never leaves without her cell phone.”

  The words rung in his ear. “Thank you. If she contacts you or if she comes in, would you please ask her to call Boone Martin?”

  “I will,” the girl answered.

  He ended the call. “Fuck!”

  “What’s going on?” Riker asked, heading in their direction.

  “Stasha is missing, at least I think so. I need to get to her place and see what I can find.” Boone took long strides toward the locker room.

  “What can I do?” Sawyer asked, following him.

  “Find out anything you can about whether there’s any truth to the Dreyfus son being in town.”

  “Remember, he has two sons.”

  “Either one. Penny was terrified. Why?” Boone grabbed his keys and wallet.

  Sawyer grabbed his arm. “Don’t do anything crazy, Boone. I’m serious. Call the sheriff.”

  “I will if she’s missing. Her truck is still at the clinic.” He jogged toward the hanger, his adrenaline pumping.

  “Damn it, Boone. Don’t do this by yourself.”

  “Find out what you can. I have to make certain she’s all right.” Boone raced outside, jumping into the Mustang and taking off. He grabbed his phone, making the one call that might matter.

  “Colton Spencer.”

  “You lied to me.”

  “What? Boone? What are you talking about?” Spence huffed.

  Boone growled. “The damn Criminal Investigation Service?”

  He blew out a stream of air. “Look, I’m involved in a task force that’s been going on for months. I couldn’t divulge any information other than what I told you. You have to know that.”

  “What I know is that my girlfriend is missing and there’s a woman who truly believes that one of the Dreyfus sons visited her just before Stasha’s disappearance. That isn’t coincidental. What the hell is going on?”

  “I told you before,” Spence hissed, “to stay out of this. We almost have them, but any interference could blow this thing. Too many people have lost their lives or their property because of these assholes. I’m sorry about your girlfriend, but she just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

  Jerking the steering wheel, he almost wrecked the car. “That’s it? She might lose her life and all you can say is that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time? Who is involved from the rodeo circuit? They hired her for a reason.”

  “Yeah, no doubt because she’s new in town with no experience. They didn’t count on the fact she was going to ask a hell of a lot of questions or stick her nose in where it didn’t belong.”

  “You can’t honestly tell me that they are terrified of a veterinarian. If this organization is as big as both you and the fire investigator seem to think, then they had nothing to worry about with Stasha. So, what the fuck aren’t you telling me!” His blood pressure rising, he was panting, barely able to focus.

  “Boone. Okay, look, this is all I’m going to tell you. And don’t ask me any questions because I honestly don’t know any more than I’m about to tell you. The sheriff. Ask Sheriff James what he found out about Stasha Parker.”

  “What?” Boone breathed out.

  “Whatever she’s hiding from her past, there is a connection. That’s all I know. We’ll find her one way or the other. I’ll put out a bulletin to my people. Talk to the sheriff. But Boone, if Bo Dreyfus has her, she’s as good as dead.”

  Swallowing hard, he was light headed as he tossed the phone onto the passenger seat. This just couldn’t be happening.

  He made it to her clinic i
n fifteen minutes, screeching the car to a halt and jumping out. The black SUV was no longer in the parking lot. Huffing, he took long strides, heading inside, moving toward the girl behind the counter. “Megan? I called earlier about Dr. Parker?”

  “Mr. Martin? I haven’t heard from her and this isn’t like her. I’ve already had to turn away two clients.” Megan had a worried look on her face. “And I can hear the puppies barking. She wouldn’t leave them alone for this long. I don’t think she’s been here for a while. The tech hasn’t seen her either.”

  “The building behind this facility, is there another office inside?” Boone struggled to make sense of what was going on.

  “Dr. Parker lives there. I’ve been inside once, and she has the puppies in a room.”

  “Is there any way I can get inside? This is important.” Eyeing her nametag, he tried to smile. “Megan, I realize you don’t know who I am, but I think she may be in danger.”

  “I know who you are. I watched the video of the rodeo and saw you in People Magazine.”

  Great. The article would always follow him. “Then you know what I do for a living. I need to find her and there might be some clue as to where she’s gone and why. Do you think you can do that for me?”

  “Well,” she said and bit her lower lip then scanned the area as if expecting someone to overhear her. “Dr. Parker asked me to change the locks and I made an extra set of everything.”

  “Can I have those keys?” She’d been worried enough to change the locks. Why hadn’t she confided in him completely?

  Megan wrinkled her nose before opening a drawer. “I guess that would be all right. Here.” Handing him a set, she sighed. “I hope she’s all right. She’s so nice.”

  “I do too. I’ll give them back when I’m done. Thank you for your help.” He started to head out the front door.

  “Mr. Martin. You don’t have to go that way. There’s an entrance just beside her office door. Come back through here.”

  Boone nodded. “Thank you. Who has the keys to the office?”

  “Just Dr. Parker, myself and our part-time technician.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “Shaun Davidson, why?”

  “Just checking.” He scanned the hallway as he headed for Stasha’s office, stopping just outside her office door, peeking inside. After Megan walked away, he moved just inside the doorway, studying her computer. As he walked closer, he didn’t notice any signs of a struggle, thank God. The computer still humming, he hit the mouse button and the screen came to life. There were two files open on the bottom, one without a name. Clicking on the button, he growled. Another threat. Had this been an attachment? There was no way of being able to tell. He checked for her email, but she’d signed out more than a day before.