Blaze Read online

  “That’s tragic, but why do we need to know?” Riker asked.

  “Whoever is perpetrating this crime makes certain he or she covers their tracks by burning everything in or around the scene. One of the fires ended up getting out of hand, shooting up the mountain.” The captain gave each man a look.

  “Uh-oh. I think the cap’n has that sixth sense thing going on,” Moose muttered under his breath.

  “And he’s always right.” Garcia shook his head.

  “And that should terrify all of us,” Zane added.

  The captain dropped and shook his head. “You guys are all characters.”

  Boone looked at Sawyer’s expression. His normally easygoing friend had a different look on his face, one of knowing and concern. Sawyer knew almost everybody in town and would bet there were details regarding the abandoned ranch he refused to mention.

  Captain Phillips walked around the desk. “Well, you boys are half right. Had a call from the sheriff. There’s been some suspicious activity on the outskirts of town, including several unexplained gunshots. Just be prepared and if you hear or see anything that doesn’t seem right, call the sheriff.”

  “Gunshots?” Boone’s ears perked up.

  The captain turned in his direction. “Mean something to you?”

  “No, not really.” Boone wasn’t certain why he was keeping what he knew quiet, other than he wasn’t ready to explain anything about Stasha. Not to this group so soon.

  “Let me guess. You have another bad feeling, Captain.” Antonio grinned.

  “Not something to kid about, gentlemen. We have a city still under duress given the new construction at the state building, continued dry weather because of the insignificant snow falls during the winter, and it’s tourist season with a new resort opening. In other words, we have our hands full.”

  Boone studied the captain’s face. The man was harboring more information than he wanted to admit to. His usual methods. However, hearing the comment about gunshots, meaning plural, could ease Stasha’s fears. Maybe.

  “On another note,” the captain continued, “I heard from the mayor that she is planning some huge celebration for Labor Day.”

  The entire team groaned.

  “Yeah, I know. Don’t get me started.” Captain Phillips held out his hand. “Something about paying homage to civil servants and the military. So, guess, who’s included?”

  “I hate these festivals,” Steel said through clenched teeth.

  “I think we all do. I wanted you to know so you don’t plan any vacations. Mayor Falk specifically asked for the entire team to be there.”

  Stoker and Garcia laughed.

  “Don’t even start with me, gentlemen.” The captain shot them a look. “We also have another new batch of parachutes coming in at the end of the week.”

  “And the fun keeps rolling in,” Steel snarled.

  “What the hell?” Sawyer snipped. “The last ones got a man killed.”

  “Yeah, Cap’n. That’s crazy. Where the hell do they get off thinking we’re going to trust this shit?” Landen’s voice raised.

  “They don’t care,” Riker stated, the anger in his voice evident by his clenched fists.

  “Enough! New supplier. These have been fully vetted by the Wildland Commissioner.” The captain walked closer, holding out his hand. “This is part of our job and you know that. We have to test them.”

  The men remained quiet.

  “Cap’n. Do you trust them?” Landen finally asked.

  Captain Phillips took a deep breath before answering. “I have to, Weaver. We all have to learn to trust again.”

  “Sure. Then let the commissioner be the first to drop out of a plane.” Riker’s words created nods around the room.

  “We have no choice. None. So, stop bitching. We’re testing them next week so be advised. Now, get out on the field. Top form, men. Top form.” The captain waved them on as he walked toward Boone. “Sorry I missed out on the rodeo event. Heard you were fantastic.”

  “Woo-hoo! Our resident cowboy,” Stoker teased as he slapped Boone on the back.

  Boone gave him the finger then grinned. “I did okay. Just needed a taste of my past.”

  “You’ve been keeping secrets from us.” The captain’s smile was huge.

  “I knew what kind of shit I’d get.” Boone purposely increased his voice level. He had a feeling he wouldn’t hear the end of their tall tales about his steer roping.

  The captain seemed to hesitate, waiting until the others left the room. “Heard you’ve been keeping some other secrets as well.”

  “Oh, yeah? What did you hear?”

  “Helicopters.”

  Boone rolled his eyes. “I should have known better than to assume there would be any secrets around here. You have another buddy who just happens to know the aviation teacher?”

  “As a matter of fact, I do.” Captain Phillips grinned. “Recreational or to snap up a promotion?”

  He hadn’t really thought about the question before. “Both. Maybe. Always wanted to fly since I was a kid, and I had an opportunity, so I jumped on it. Not that I want to leave the team. That’s not it at all.”

  “Not what I was suggesting, Boone. You’re pretty damn loyal. I like that a hell of a lot.”

  Boone studied the captain’s face. “Then what is it?”

  “Well, something you don’t know yet and you need to keep your mouth shut for now.”

  “Don’t trust me, Cap’n?”

  The captain laughed. “It’s the entire crew I’m worried about. You guys have big mouths. Get yourself into more trouble.”

  “Aww, we’re good boys.” Boone couldn’t help but grin. “What’s the big secret?”

  “The commissioner mentioned the possibility of one of the teams getting a bird. Now, you can imagine how much I’d like the team to have a brand spanking new helicopter. The additional abilities would put us on the radar.”

  “More money. More clout.”

  “More stability, son. We’re only in June and the mayor is already worrying about next year’s budget.” Exhaling, the captain looked out the glass window, his eyes darting back and forth at the jumpers as they piled out of the rear door. “A lot of changes coming in the next few months. Just want to make certain we’re on top of the curve. You guys deserve the best because you are the best.”

  Scully Phillips was a tough man and one who held the complete respect of his team, the various smokejumping organizations and almost everyone in town. Boone also knew the captain held his emotions in check. None of them had known his wife was going through cancer treatment until she was in remission. Boone was also not one of his usual confidants. A raw and anguished feeling pooled in the pit of his stomach. The captain was hiding significant details.

  “Where do I come in?” Boone wasn’t certain he wanted to ask.

  Captain Phillips remained quiet, unblinking for a full minute. “Well, if we already have a pilot available for the new bird, that might tip the scale. How close are you to getting your license?”

  “Four more hours of flight time.”

  “Interesting. Any plans on working on that in the next thirty days?”

  Boone narrowed his eyes. “Is there something you need to tell me or maybe all the jumpers?”

  He smiled and shook his head. “Boone, I’m getting too old for this and don’t go giving me any shit either. I want the best for my men and for years to come.”

  Why did he have a terrible feeling the captain was ready to retire? Worry lines surrounded the man’s eyes. He’d noticed how much Scully had aged in the last few months, no doubt given his wife’s condition. “I have a few days off. I could try and get my license in the next couple of weeks. I mean, if you think that would help.”

  “That would be fantastic, son. Really would. Not sure if the Wildlife Commissioner is going to come through on this, but I’ve learned that we need to be ready for anything.”

  The words hung in Boone’s mind.

  �
��Okay. I’ll call the training facility and schedule some time.” Boone tried to be reassuring.

  “Good man. Remember, don’t mention this to anyone. Not yet. You know how the guys are.”

  Even the faraway look in the captain’s eyes was haunting. “Not a word. Better get out there or Antonio will grill my ass.”

  “As he should.” The captain’s laugh was hollow.

  Boone wanted to ask more questions but knew Scully had shut down. The team needed a quiet period of time. Snorting, he walked out the door and jogged toward the back entrance. As if they were going to get it.

  “No, I understand exactly how much I owe, Mr. Johnson and you’ll get your money.” Stasha had her hand so tightly gripped on the steering wheel that her knuckles were white, and she could no longer feel the tingling sensations. For the asshole to call on a Sunday, really? The bumps and dips in the road seemed a hell of a lot worse than the night before and the remote area created pockets of sparse cellphone coverage. “I’m losing you, Mr. Johnson.”

  “You will… or I’ll… and you don’t… trust me!” he barked.

  “I’m losing you. Have a good day.” Ending the call, she almost tossed the phone out the window. Instead, she groaned and envisioned the balding bully strung up, his naked body swinging for the vultures to pick at. She’d been a fool accepting the money from him. “It isn’t a loan, sugar. Just a little help for a beautiful lady.”

  Help. She knew the man’s kind of help and she’d refused. She had no doubt he could send one of his goons after her, but blood from a turnip… Still, she shivered. Cutting all ties wasn’t going to be as easy as she’d hoped.

  She bumped along the road, her thoughts drifting to Boone. The man was unexpected, sexy as hell and actually seemed like a genuine guy. The kiss had been incredible, keeping her excited, her pussy wet, her thoughts drifting to a kinky tryst. Even a one-night stand would be delicious. No. No! She had no time for a social life. Getting her shit together was the only thing on her agenda. A chill trickled down the back of her neck and she bit back a moan. She’d moved here determined to concentrate on getting her new clinic up and running, not ogling sexy cowboys.

  While he’d helped her out with the puppies the night before, he couldn’t be her knight in shining armor. She was going to have to figure out how to pay Jeremiah Johnson back in a short period of time. Her thoughts drifted to evil deeds the remainder of the trip. When she turned up the driveway, heading to Boone’s ranch, she wasn’t certain if she hoped he’d be at home.

  As she pulled toward the house, she noticed an older pick-up truck by the barn, but not the sports car from the night before. Everything seemed quiet, a tranquil spot out of the city. Easing out of the truck, she turned in a circle admiring the land surrounding, hoping he’d make an appearance. She could hear nothing but the sound of the horses whinnying.

  Boone was still working. You bet she was disappointed. She heaved two of the cages from the back of her truck and rounded the back corner. As she passed by the extended front porch, she studied the place. The ranch style home had seen better days, but the setting was incredible. The oversized barn was only a few hundred feet away with a large corral positioned just to the side of the driveway. She could see a few other out buildings and heard what sounded like running water.

  Inhaling, the scent of spring water mixed with jasmine and honeysuckle. Cords of wood were piled near a shed and as she walked toward the barn, glancing back, she noticed a massive stainless-steel grill on what she would consider an entertaining deck. A quiet sigh escaped her lips. How wonderful it would be to have someone to share backyard barbeques or cozy dinners with. No sense thinking this way. It was never going to happen.

  As she passed by the back of the corral, she noticed Blaze, along with five other horses. Every one of the animals was regal, majestic in the way they carried themselves. Blaze seemed content galloping around the edge of the fence, his mane blowing in the light breeze. Her impetuous decision to purchase a horse from Craig’s list had been after a few glasses of wine and a good cry, determined to build a new life. Moving to San Francisco had prevented her from finding either a location or time to ride. At least Mandy was sweet and beautiful.

  She headed into the barn and could hear the puppies before she peeked over the gate. To her surprise, they were bathed and now appeared fluffy as well as full of themselves. She dropped the cages on the dirt floor and hung her arms over the wooden slats, watching them play, jumping in and out of the water bowl. They seemed happy and surprisingly, none of them appeared any worse for the wear. Chuckling, she was almost mesmerized by the way they romped, jumping all over each other, bitching and howling. Such sweet innocence.

  Once again, her thoughts drifted, pushing her to a dark and ugly place. She’d been promised the world yet was given a prison sentence. She would never feel completely safe or secure in her surroundings, even though everything about Montana was exactly as the travel brochures had promised. Wasn’t she independent? Selecting a new home based on glossy photos on expensive brochures. Way to go, scaredy cat.

  Stasha eased away from the stall and shoved her hands into the back pockets of her jeans as she tipped her head, studying the design of the barn. There was nothing fancy about the construction, the structure no doubt built at least twenty years before. The smell was everything she remembered, the rich scent of hay, the stench of horse manure and the hint of the oak beams crisscrossing the roof. She’d decided to become a vet on a warm spring day after being allowed to take a ride on a pony.

  To her credit, and after serious financial difficulties, nothing had stood in her way. She walked by the various enclosures, smiling given every gate held a plaque, announcing the creative yet formidable names of the horses. Blaze’s stall was at the end, just before the enlarged opening. The carved wooden piece had been chiseled out with care, the letters larger, bolder than the others. It was easy to see the horse was Boone’s favorite.

  She sauntered out toward the corral, checking her watch. Perhaps she was stalling, trying to see if she’d run into Boone again. When Blaze noticed her, he trotted toward the gate, whinnying as he approached.

  “Hi ya, boy. How are you? You did your daddy proud yesterday.”

  Blaze hung his head over the fence, dropping his nose, his tail flopping back and forth. Unable to resist, she gently rubbed his head and ears. “You are a very handsome boy. Your daddy takes good care of you.” What was she really waiting for? The purple panties should have been enough of a clue that he was already involved, no doubt with one of the girls that had been hanging all over him at the rodeo. She would never be able to compete with the likes of perky blondes with big hair and fake boobs. As she continued stroking, she leaned her head against Blaze’s head.

  “I would love to be able to ride you one day.” Closing her eyes, she hummed a tune she remembered her mother doing when she was a little girl. The song had stuck in her mind, perhaps her very heart, for all these years.

  “That’s beautiful. He likes you and Blaze tolerates only a few people.”

  “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist. I love horses.” Swooning, she held her breath, trying to figure out what to say. Stasha was terrible with small talk.

  “Don’t be sorry. You’re welcome anytime. Besides, what a beautiful sight to come home to.” Boone inched closer.

  The tone of his voice was huskier today, a quiet sensuality that gave her an instant smile. “As you can tell, I like animals a hell of a lot more than people. I think they know that,” she half purred then resumed humming. She could sense Boone had moved beside her and the moment she inhaled, she sighed. Everything about this man was all male. “I love his lines, the way he holds his head.”

  “Blaze has been through a lot, kinda like his daddy. He was abused as a colt, sold off three times. Comes from champion blood lines and was supposed to be a money maker. Got skittish so no one wanted him. Let alone he’s far too large boned to race. Using him to wrestle steers is a waste given he’s a th
oroughbred, but he’s my baby. Smarter than most humans too. He pitched a fit when I used one of the other horses in practice.” Boone laughed and inched closer.

  She could feel the heat, the electricity and held her breath. Even Blaze seemed to notice, whinnying and snorting as she continued caressing. “How anyone can abuse animals is beyond me. They only want your unconditional love.”

  “I agree. Once shot a man dead because of the abuse he gave to an animal.

  Shooting her head in his direction, she opened her mouth wide. “Are you kidding me?”

  Boone held the expression for almost a minute before laughing. “No! I might be many things, but I haven’t killed anyone. Yet.” His eyes danced in the sun. “I have beaten the shit out of a guy though.” His eyes clouded over. “Not my finest day. I would have killed him if my buddies hadn’t pulled me off the bastard. I was lucky he didn’t press charges. He was lucky I didn’t allow the dog to bite his face off.”

  Stasha found herself moving closer. “Well, I think you can tell what I’d do.”

  “Yeah, little lady and you just might get yourself killed.”

  A moment of awkward silence passed between them. “You gave the pups a bath. They seem happy, no worse for the wear.” Very subtly, or as much as she was able, she looked up and down the length of the man. Even in a T-shirt and faded blue jeans, ragged around the edges with holes in the knees, he was stunning. His shaggy hair was wet, giving him the rugged bedroom kind of look. She swallowed hard and forced herself to look away. My God. Her nipples were hard, scraping against her bra and there was no doubt her wet thong was soaking through her jeans.

  “I couldn’t allow them to remain covered in piss and shit, now could I?”

  “No, that was going to be my first chore.” She kissed Blaze on the nose. “I guess I should grab the babies and get out of your hair.”

  “How about a ride?” Boone asked quietly.

  “A ride?” Stasha heard the nervous laugh slipping past her lips. “Confession time. I haven’t ridden in a long time, since I was a teenager. I even purchased myself an older mare but the most I’ve done is walk her around the shit for a fenced in area I have.”