Mike: The Firefighters of Station #8

Chapter 16

Mike drove up the two-mile road and pulled his Ford pickup to a stop in front of Shep’s A-frame log house. Every time he journeyed up the tree-lined lane, the sight of Shep’s home took his breath. Huge logs defined every section, from the A-structured ends with oak framed windows large enough to walk through to the A-designed middle, which centered another window showing the upstairs foyer. Slated rock with cement housed the wood pillars on the front porch. Trees surrounded the structure, completing the rustic, cozy home. Someday Mike hoped to have an eighty-acre farm and a house as nice as this.

Knowing Cap would probably be on the back deck, Mike made his way around the side, heading for the garden path and found Shep right where he knew the man would be. Hutch, his Alaskan Malamute, ears at attention, came loping to Mike’s side with his tail wagging. Mike scratched behind the big dog’s head.

“Figured you’d be along.” Bare feet propped on the wooden railing, Shep leaned back with a steaming mug in one hand.

“Oh yeah? Why’s that?”

“Checking up on your girlfriend’s cohort.”

“That’s one way to put it.” Mike chuckled as he climbed the steps. Hutch padded over to curl up beside Shep.

“Want a cup of coffee? Help yourself.”

“Nah. Had mine already. You sleep in?”

Shep took a sip of his brew before he answered. “That your subtle way of asking what time I got home?”

“The thought crossed my mind.”

“Hmm.”

“You’re deliberately being evasive.” Mike crossed his arms and leaned against a sturdy post. A twelve-inch pillar matching the ones in front.

“I took her home, put her to bed and left.”

Mike glanced at Shep, then looked toward the mountains. “Didn’t think otherwise. Short and simple.”

Shep dropped his feet and placed his mug on a small table to the side of his chair. “Nothing simple about it.”

Curious, Mike raised his brow. Silence stretched and he thought Shep wouldn’t say any more. The man stared out into the pasture beside the barn.

“Tammy is something else.”

Mike smiled. So, the redhead had kindled Shep’s interest? About time someone did. “Think I’ll get that cup of coffee.”

He shoved from the post and went inside. When he came back out to the deck, Shep had his feet resting on the railing again. Mike took the empty chair. “Looks like Tammy got your attention.”

“She’s pretty. And fun.” Shep shook his head. “When she forgets about that asshole husband of hers.”

“Ex,” Mike corrected.

“I’d like to make him an ex. As in extinct.”

“Cassie said he’s been giving Tammy some trouble. The latest is why they were in the bar last night.”

“Trying to take her kids,” Shep added then took another gulp of coffee. “I don’t cotton with a man trying to take kids away from their mother. Especially when the dad is a parasite.”

“You know him?”

“Nope.”

“She must have been pretty shaken up. She tell you about it?”

“Yeah. She talked a lot on the way to her place. A regular chatter box.”

“Alcohol will do that.” Mike snickered.

“She talked about her boys, too. Sounds like a great mom. You can tell how a woman is with her kids by the way she talks.”

Mike nodded, but had no idea since his mom had left when he was just a boy. He stared down his long legs at the toe of his boot. “Cassie said those boys were her life.”

“I got that impression.”

After another long silence, Mike asked, “Are you going to tell me or not?”

Shep knew exactly what he was asking. Hell, if Mike had to admit it, he was damn curious of the answer. Shep hadn’t dated in a long time. If he did, he’d never mentioned anyone special. Maybe Tammy could change all that.

“Not.”

Mike gawked at Shep while he stared out toward the field. “So that’s the way it’s going to be?”

“Are you asking for your girlfriend?”

Mike thought about that. Girlfriend. The idea pleased him. Relationship. Could he have a relationship with Cassie? He wanted one. Guess Cassie could be his girlfriend.

“One of the first things Cassie asked when she woke up was how Tammy got home.”

“No need asking you the same question you asked me.”

Mike glanced over to find Shep studying him. “Yes, I stayed the night. I slept on her couch. I gave her a tonic when she woke up.”

Shep laughed. The first sign of emotion since Mike arrived. “Your hellish hangover cure?”

“Don’t knock it. It works.”

“I’ll take your word for it. Did she drink it?”

“Yep.”

“Without any coercion?”

“No strong-arm tactics. Just told her it would cure what ailed her.”

“Pretty bad?”

Mike chuckled remembering Cassie’s reaction when he’d said bottoms up. “Yeah, she was kind of green. She didn’t care much for the smell of the stuff, but she drank it.”

“I’m sure Cassie has called Tammy by now. If I know women, she called the first chance she got. Either you were asleep or the minute you gave her some space.”

Thinking back, Cassie had asked a lot of questions and had seemed a tad anxious when he’d mentioned Shep had taken Tammy home. Then in the kitchen, she’d been much calmer. Bet Shep was right.

“Wonder if Tammy remembered last night? Cassie didn’t remember much.”

“Those girls were pretty bombed.”

“It didn’t help you kept ordering more drinks.”

Shep shrugged. “Looked like they needed it. Besides, we were there to keep an eye on them.”

“Thank God.”

Shep took another gulp and let out a long heavy sigh. “I will admit I kind of liked the way Tammy clung to me. Felt good.”

Mike’s jaw dropped. He turned in his seat giving Shep an I-knew-it stare.

Shep ignored him. “Didn’t have to help with her clothes much. Not sure she was aware of what she was doing. When she started pulling off her clothes, I put her in bed and pulled the covers to her chin.” A chuckle escaped.

The sound surprised Mike. Shep kept his personal life private. Mike was pretty sure there had been no woman in Shep’s life for a long time. Not since Mike had known him, anyway. It was nice to see Shep interested in someone.

“And then, like the gentleman you are, you left.” Mike teased in a droll tone and waited for Shep to confirm it.

“Naturally. Don’t need a remorseful mamma out for blood.”

The smell of country air filled Mike’s lungs as he watched leaves dancing in the breeze. As far as the eye could see, lush green trees. Acres of it. Once again, a longing for pastures and a wooded area of his own invaded his thoughts. Away from the city’s noise and flashing lights. Away from smoke filling his lungs every time he entered a burning building.

Peace.

Contentment.

Thoughts to dwell on another day.

“So, what do you think?” Mike raised his mug and watched Shep over the rim.

“Of what?”

“Haven’t seen you show much interest in a woman.”

A long time passed before Shep answered. “She’s got something. A zest for life. A kind nature. I hate to think of her menacing hus—ex … bullying her.”

“Cassie tried to get Tammy’s mind off the custody threat. That’s why the girls got hammered.” Mike crossed his boots over at his ankles.

“I might be able to help her with that.”

Mike choked down his mouthful of coffee. His attention caught, he asked, “How?”

“My brother.”

Oh yeah. One of Shep’s brothers was a lawyer.

“I think I’ll give Eddie a call. Maybe do some checking into this … ex of hers.” His salt and pepper brows drew together in a frown.

“That’s a good idea. I don’t think Tammy has a lawyer. Cassie didn’t mention one.”

“I’ll call Eddie anyway,” Shep said and tilted up his mug.

“You know, if you help get her a lawyer, it might get you in her good graces,” Mike jabbed. “Especially if she gets pissed about last night.”

Shep cringed. “Women. And their damn sensibilities. She doesn’t have anything to get upset about. She didn’t molest me, no matter how much I wished she had.”

Mike smiled. Yep. His buddy was most definitely interested. And he’d bet Tammy was, too. “The woman doesn’t give me the impression she is timid.”

The sound of hearty laughter flowed from Shep. “No. She’s bold, no mistake about that. Brazen even. I haven’t had that much fun, real fun, since I can remember.”

Hutch raised his head as if he too, enjoyed the sound of his master’s laughter. Shep ruffled the dog’s fur and stroked his back. The image sent another emotion through Mike. One that he couldn’t ignore.

Damn. He was too emotionally drawn in. Cassie threatened his very existence. Made him think of what he wanted in his future. In a perfect world, he could feed his need and she would never leave. She would surrender herself to him and they both could be happy.

In his dreams.

That was a guarantee in which he had no control. Women were fickle. Yet Cassie was one temptation he’d willingly contemplate making permanent in his life.

“Do you know her ex’s name? Any other information you can give me.”

Who?

Lost in his own deliberation, Mike tried to focus on Shep’s question and recall his last conscious thought before falling into the chasm of Cassie. Oh yeah. Tammy. “I’ll ask Cassie.”

“Enough data to make sure I have the right guy. Eddie will get any dirt the man has to hide.”

“Sure thing. Cassie will give me the lowdown.” And maybe they would get down to a little business of their own.

God, the woman had a body and she knew how to use it. Sex with no emotion? Not anymore. Not since he’d tangled with Cassie.

He was in deep shit, and he knew it.

***

Mike finished his coffee and grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge. He liked his caffeine, but he needed water to keep his body hydrated. Between the workouts, lack of sleep and fighting fires, he drank several bottles a day.

He took in the rigs as he headed down the steps. Usually, Laredo had the bay doors open and at least one truck parked outside. Mike glanced at his watch and realized it was early yet.

Cooper had already checked the air tanks, but Mike had a habit of striding down the line, making sure the hoses and connections were in their designed locations. The kid did a pretty good job.

“Hey Hoss.” At the top of the steps, Cooper waved his arm toward Shep’s office. “Cap’s looking for you.”

Wonder what that’s about?

Mike gave a nod and grabbed the water bottle he’d sat on a bench. He made short work of getting upstairs.

“Cap doesn’t look too happy,” Cooper said with a straight face.

“I don’t get excited when the Captain calls me to his office.” Mike gave the kid a mock glare.

“Just saying.” Cooper shrugged.

“Give it up, pup.” All the guys goaded each other now and again. Being the newest, not to mention the youngest member of their squad, Cooper caught most of the taunts. So, he tried every chance he got to pay them back. Couldn’t blame the kid for trying.

Mike gave two raps, then opened the door to Shep’s office. “You looking for me, Cap?”

“Come in and close the door.”

Shit.Maybe Shep did have a bone to pick.

He took the chair in front of Shep’s desk, right in the line of fire.

“I just got a call from a Mr. Williams.”

Mike racked his brain and couldn’t remember a man by that name. “Who’s he?”

“Apparently the father of a boy you met at the hospital.”

“Todd?”

“Todd Williams. The boy who fell on a saw in his back yard.”

“Well, yeah,” Mike rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “The boy was waiting in ER. Blood oozing down his leg. He hadn’t been seen and I asked Tracey to look at him.”

“Tracey,” Shep repeated.

“Yeah. I know most of the nurses there. She recognized me and took him into the examining room.” Actually, he’d carried the boy. “Is this because I carried the boy to the examining room?”

“Why’d you do that?”

“Hell, Cap. He hadn’t been seen yet. The place was full. He was bleeding.”

“Doesn’t explain why you carried him. How old is he?”

“Ten, I guess. And it was faster. By the time Tracey had to go looking for a wheelchair, I had him on the table.”

“I see.” Shep gave a nod. His voice remained steady, but it always did. Unless Cap wanted to hand you your ass.

“His father mad ’cause I touched his kid?”

“No. Evidently the boy is singing your praises.”

“He’s a sharp kid.” Seeing the look on Shep’s face, Mike quickly explained, “What I meant was, the kid is intelligent. He talks like an adult. He’s tough. Not squeamish. Hell, he had a gash in his leg. Didn’t even cry. His mom said he came walking in the house with blood running down his leg. I think she was about to have a heart attack.”

“His mother the one who brought him to the hospital?”

“Yeah. And I remember her telling the kid her father wouldn’t be happy.”

“Would you like to hear why Mr. Williams called?”

Mike knew that tone of voice. Time for him to shut up. “Yes, sir.”

“Like I said, it appears the boy, Todd, has been pestering his dad to come to the firehouse. Station eight. He was very specific about that.”

Shep took a breather and Mike figured he better remain quiet until the Captain was done.

“Mr. Williams wanted to make sure it was all right for his son to pay us a visit. He said his son doesn’t lie. But since Mr. Williams was not part of the conversation, he wanted to know our policy on children coming to the fire station, or if it was even allowed.”

“That’s it?”

“What did you think? He was suing you for manhandling his son?”

“Well, you never know.”

“Seems you made an impression on the kid. His father’s work takes him out of town a lot. He can bring the boy by next week. I explained we might get a call, or if there was an emergency you’d be gone. Mr. Williams said they’d work that out.”

“That’s great, Cap. Wait till you meet this kid. You’ll see what I mean.”

“I’ve got to handle something else, so that’s all for now.”

“Sure thing, Cap.” Taking his cue, Mike closed the door as he left.

Shit. He left his water in Shep’s office. He went to the main room to get another one.

“Cooper made a grand gesture of looking at Mike’s ass.”

“I don’t fly that way, pup.”

“Just checking to see how much the Cap chewed off.”

“What?” Laredo called from the corner. “Mike get an ass chewing? What’d you do?”

Leave it to Laredo to pick up a dead ball and run with it.

“No, I didn’t get my ass chewed. I’m going to have to teach pup here some manners.”

“I didn’t do nothing,” Cooper said, throwing up his hands in defense.

“Wait till Jared—”

Mike interrupted Laredo. “You yahoos better straighten up. We got a kid coming to the station.”

“A kid? Whose? Yours?”

Mike glared at Cooper.

“When did you have a kid?” Laredo chimed in.

“Why do I bother?” Mike said, rolling his eyes.

“All right. All right.” Laredo got serious. “Who’s the kid?”

“A boy I met in ER. About ten years old.”

“Is he okay?” Cooper asked.

“You wouldn’t believe this kid. Fell out of a tree onto a saw. Put a gash in his leg and walked into his house calm as a cucumber.”

“That’s the way my kid will be.” Cooper beamed.

“Your kid? Better have someone else raise him then.”

Mike walked off while Laredo and Cooper went at each other. He had other things on his mind.

Like a sexy blonde with a great body.

Cassie might have behaved pretty funny last night, but thinking back, she looked like the answer to all his fantasies. Limp in his arms, she’d teased him, tempted him, and if she hadn’t been drunk, he might have had one hell of a night. But he didn’t take advantage of helpless women. Even if Cassie struck him as one of the strongest women he’d ever met.

She’d needed him.

That gave him pause. He’d never been needed before. Plenty of women had come on to him and he’d gladly taken them up on their offer. But that was only sex. What he experienced with Cassie surpassed anything he’d encountered with other women. He’d liked watching out for her, protecting her, without sex being on the agenda.

He wanted to see her again. Go out with her. Talk to her. Just be with her.

He snatched the phone and punched the numbers before he had a chance to change his mind.

“Hello?” Her soft voice greeted him, causing a stiffening behind the zipper of his jeans.

“Uh, hi Cassie.” A gasp and the sound of scuffle made him wonder what the hell she’d been doing. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” He heard water running. “I spilled my coffee.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Just me being clumsy. How are you?”

“I’m fine.” What the hell? Would they discuss the weather next?

“I wanted to check up and see if my special potion helped.”

“You should bottle and sell that stuff. I bounced right back.”

“How about Tammy? She okay?”

“With two kids, she’s doesn’t have time to suffer. She hides it well.”

Shit. Here goes.

“Was she mad about Shep taking her home? I promise you, she had nothing to worry about. Shep is a real gentleman.”

“That was the problem.” He thought he heard her mumble, but it was so low, he couldn’t be right. “No, she’s not mad.”

“The thing is, Shep wondered.” Christ, Mike felt like a damned kid passing notes in school. “Shep wondered if he should call her.”

“That would be great. Tammy would welcome a call from Shep.”

I’ll be damned.

“Uh, look.” He shoved a hand through his short-cropped hair. “I’d like to see you again. Maybe you’d like to go out or something.” Christ. He was bad at this. How long since he’d asked a girl on a date? Picking up women at bars didn’t count.

“I’d love to.”

That was fast. Some of the anxiety drifted from his stomach.

“Or maybe you could come to my place for dinner,” she added.

That sounded just fine and dandy to him. More make out sessions on her couch. And more sex in her bed. He put the reins on his testosterone. Cassie was worth more than a roll in the sac. He wondered at his need to impress her.

“I’m at the station. I’ll be here until late this evening. How about tomorrow? I’m not the fine dining type, but I would like to take you to dinner. Maybe we could take a drive over the Blue Ridge Parkway.”

“I’d like that.”

Hot damn.He’d see her tomorrow.

***

The bartender lined up two shot glasses and poured a generous amount into each. He placed one in front of Seth and the other in front of the man sitting at his side. Poor shmuck. Had that long face look. The kind a man had after a woman took him for a ride.

Not Seth. He was too smart for women who thought they could get their hooks into him. Nodding a thank you to the bartender, he picked up the glass and swallowed the contents with a quick toss of his head, then relished the burn in his gut.

He turned his attention to the crowd filtering into the bar. He thought back to other Saturday nights, long ago, when he’d sneak out of the house to follow his brother. If their dad had caught either one of them, there would have been hell to pay.

His brother had caught him once and that was the end of that. He’d preached a sermon about how Seth should follow the rules, but never paid any attention to them himself. Trouble trailed Shawn like the whirl of a tornado. Seth often wondered if Shawn had carried a demon on his shoulder. Pushing him. Driving him. Seth hadn’t seen his brother in years. If Shawn had lived, if they met today, would he be as crazy as he’d been back then? Would he raise as much hell now as he had at seventeen?

Didn’t matter anymore. Besides, Shawn hadn’t been crazy. He’d just liked to let loose. Anything was fair game. Shawn had managed to make it in the big corporate world, but Seth doubted his brother would have changed. Shawn always did what he wanted. Took what he wanted.

Until the day a cocksucker put a blade in him.

Shawn would never have been in that hellhole if it weren’t for that rat bastard.

Seth’s grief fueled his anger.

Revenge.

It would be sweet.

With a circle of his finger, he signaled the bartender for another round.