Too Much Heat (Wounded Heroes: The Redemption #4)

Chapter 4

“This is nice.” His younger sister, Julia smiled over at him and her dark eyes twinkled. “I don’t get out much.”

They’d gone to The Lantern, a fancy restaurant, because these dinners were the only times the three of them got together alone. The atmosphere was hushed and the lighting dimmed. Joe planned to treat them because the place he picked was expensive. He was lucky. He wanted to spend time with his sisters. He got a kick how they’d both dressed to the hilt. Him, too, he thought tugging on his tie.

Caroline rolled her eyes at Julia’s remark. “You should tell Cameron you want to get a sitter and go out on a date.”

“Like a date night with my husband?”

“Mark and I do it.” She turned to her brother. “What do you think, Joey?”

“I think date nights are a great idea. And if I’m off shift, I’d love to babysit the kids.”

“That’s sweet.” Julia worried a glittery earring. “But you should have a social life, too.”

“I do. I see women. I go out with the guys. Jackson and I spend time together.”

Caro asked, “Any special woman in your life?” Caroline always pried. Usually, Julia was more circumspect.

Damn it. He could feel his face flush.

“There is?” His oldest sister always read him right. “Who?”

“Look I have feelings for a woman but she’s unavailable. And that’s all I’m going to say about it.”

Julia’s eyes widened. “It’s not Erin, is it?”

“God, no. Hell, Julia!”

Caroline gasped. “Speak of the devil.”

“What?”

“Check the entrance.”

And there she was—Jimmy’s wife, Erin. All dressed up in heels and a glittery dress.

Caroline said, “Son-of-a-bitch. She knows we won’t make a scene here.”

He scraped back his chair and stood. “I won’t allow it. Not this time.” He strode to the reception area.

Erin peered up at him. “Hello, darling. Did you come to escort me to the table?”

“No, Erin,” he said grasping her arm. “Let’s go outside.”

She pouted. “I want to have dinner with you and your sisters. Jimmy used to. I belong with you.”

He managed to nudge her out the door without manhandling her. Once on the side of The Lantern’s porch, he gave her a disgusted look. God, she’d caked on the makeup big time. “This is the end of your shenanigans. I’m fed up with you mauling me, intruding on dinners like this. Or movie nights. Or you calling me. You have to leave me alone, or this time, I’ll tell Ma and Pa what you’re doing to me and not to invite you to family dinners. And if you continue to stalk me in public, like tonight, I’ll get a restraining order.”

“You don’t mean that Joey.”

“I do.”

“Jimmy would be ashamed of you!”

“You have that backwards. Jimmy would be ashamed of you .”

She raised her chin. He’d boxed her in she knew it. Erin wasn’t dumb. She was just self-centered.

When she didn’t move, he stared her down.

A weird expression crossed her face. “All right, I’ll stop. But you’ll be sorry about this.” Then she stalked off.

Knowing that was an empty threat, he went back inside and could see the girls were upset. When he sat, he took each of their hands. “We can’t let her spoil tonight. And I gave her an ultimatum. I don’t think Erin’s going to be bothering me anymore.”

Caroline shook her head. “You’ve tried before, Joey.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t mention a restraining order then.”

* * *

Today was cleaning day. Lara had stripped all the beds in the bunkroom when her cell rang.

Please don’t let this be about Sammy.

“Swanson here.”

“Firefighter Swanson. This is Chief Hansen’s secretary.”

“Hi, Mrs. Sullivan.”

“The chief would like you to come to his office after your shift ends.”

“I—”

“He said no excuses.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The woman disconnected without saying goodbye, and Lara sat down on her own bunk. What to do? Sammy was with his mother. He didn’t like it when Lara was late getting home. She had no choice though. So she punched in a number. “Hello.”

“Ma, this is Lara. I got called to the chief’s office after work. I have to go. I’m sorry. Can you stay a bit longer?”

“Of course. Lara, you can’t lose your job. The insurance…”

Sammy’s mother always anticipated the worst thing happening.

“I don’t expect to. I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“All right. Good luck.”

Hell. Now she was spooked. She set down the phone.

“What’s wrong?” Romano stood in the doorway, leaning against the jamb. The stance pulled the firefighter T-shirt tight across his chest.

She swallowed back her reaction to his presence. “The chief ordered me to his office as soon as our shift ends.”

“Interesting.” He came fully into the room and sat on the bunk across from hers. “I got the same call.”

She stilled. Then, “Do you think it’s about us going to my house yesterday?”

“No. He understands family issues. He went through a messy divorce and missed a lot of work.”

She leaned over. Said quietly, “We embraced, Joe.”

“First off, it was a comforting hug.” His face reddened a bit. He knew as well as she did he’d reacted to her nearness. “In any case, how could he know about that?”

She shrugged. “He couldn’t.”

Joe checked his watch. “I’ll let you get back to chores. We have two more hours.”

She hated uncertainty.

Reaching out, he squeezed her arm. He’d never, not once, touched her at work. “Try not to worry, Lara. You haven’t done anything wrong.”

“I’m afraid of getting blamed for whatever it is and you as my officer would be there to take instructions.”

“I’d know that ahead of time. And I haven’t heard that you’ve done something wrong. He’s probably checking we’re all getting along on the shift. Don’t buy trouble.”

* * *

Stella said, “Captain Romano, the chief will see you and Firefighter Swanson now.”

When they walked into his office, the chief gave them a searing look. “Sit down.”

No greetings. Not a good sign.

Hansen was a big man and kept himself fit. But he never seemed to like Joe and Joe didn’t know why.

“It’s been brought to my attention that you two are involved in a sexual relationship.”

Joe scowled. “It’s not true. Who reported that?”

“I’m unwilling to reveal the source.”

“It isn’t true,” Lara said, her eyes fiery. “I’d never be so stupid to let that happen.”

Well, she didn’t have to sound so horrified about sleeping with him.

“Word is you got a sub for her and you two took off in the same car. Were gone a long time.”

Lara came to the edge of her seat. “Yes, sir, we did that. My husband needed help and I was too upset to drive.”

His face blanked. “You’re married?”

“Yes.”

He looked to Romano. No crack in his demeanor. “I’d be surprised if you did something so stupid, Romano, especially if you’re hoping to get that promotion to battalion chief.”

“You’re right, sir. I wouldn’t.”

“I put Swanson with your group because I thought you were immune to women.”

He couldn’t contain a chuckle. “I date plenty.”

“Hmm.” He transferred his gaze to her. “You sleeping around, Swanson?”

Her hands fisted.

Joe intervened. “I don’t think you’re allowed to ask a female firefighter those kinds of questions. Or a man, for that matter. They call it creating a hostile environment.”

The chief’s lips thinned. Then he stood. “You’re both dismissed.”

Joe and Lara rose. “Let’s go, Swanson.” He hoped she followed.

She did. They left the chief’s office but they didn’t speak. As they walked to their respective cars, her cell rang. She took it out of her pocket. “Hey, Ma.” Her mother or her mother-in-law?

He could hear a woman yelling even though the phone wasn’t on speaker. “You gotta come home. Sammy’s agitated that you’re not here. He knows you were due in an hour ago.”

“I’ll be right there.” When she disconnected she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. God, he wanted to hold her again.

Instead he said, “This is what your life’s like?”

“Uh-huh. Goodbye, Joe.”

He stepped back as she got in her car and drove away. Joe felt an overwhelming sense of sadness for her situation.

* * *

Emotion welled inside of Lara as she headed home. She was overwhelmed by their visit with the chief. Thankfully, they were off the next shift and wouldn’t go back for four days. Then they’d be on the nights. When she reached her house, and got to the porch, she could hear a commotion inside. Sammy was upset. He was yelling at his mother.

“I’m here, Sammy,” she called out as she hurried inside, circled the couch and sat down next to him. “I had to go to the chief’s office so I’m late.”

He calmed some.

Her mother-in-law said, “I told him you called to tell us that.”

She slid her arm around him. He felt more…diminished tonight.

“I’m leaving.” Helen crossed to Sam and kissed his head. “I’ll see you soon, son.” She gave Lara a sympathetic glance. “Take care, Lara.” She was clearly upset and Lara could do nothing about that.

Panic seized her so she pulled Sammy closer. What would she do if his family abandoned her? She wouldn’t be able to work. They wouldn’t have insurance.

Pride and strength rose inside her. If that happened, Sammy would have to accept the aides. She’d make him.

Somehow.

* * *

That night, Joe sat next to Andrea Lincoln at the bar in The Landings, a local hotspot where they’d be seen. Especially his date. She stood out with that mane of luscious auburn hair and her striking blue eyes.

The murmur of conversation among the patrons here and in the dining room filled the space.

“A toast,” Andrea said, raising her martini glass.

He gave her a killer smile. “To what?”

“To us. I was surprised to get your call.”

“To us, then.” They sipped their drinks.

Her painted-red lips pouted. “Aren’t you going to give any explanation for staying away so long?”

“Lots of things happened. I haven’t been dating at all. When I was ready, I called you.”

“Lots of things?”

“That I don’t want to discuss, Andrea.” His tone was stern. She liked strong men.

“All right.”

Looking over her shoulder, Joe caught sight of two people stumbling boisterously into the bar. The Deputy Chief, Allan Frank, with-oh my God, Diana Hartfield?

He turned his head away hoping they might not notice him. But the two of them trekked to the bar and stopped on their way to empty seats.

Frank said, “Hey, Romano.”

“Hello, Joe.” Diana’s words were slurred and she moved closer to him. She was all dressed up in blue sequins. But her scent of excessive perfume almost made him choke.

“Hello, Diana. What are you doing here with Frank?”

“He’s my new boyfriend.”

“Doesn’t your husband mind?”

“Divorced, sugar. Your incompetency ruined my marriage.”

Frank only had eyes for Andrea. “And who are you, pretty lady?”

“Andrea Lincoln.”

Frank’s brows rose. “As in Lincoln Architects?”

“Yes.”

“Well, well, well. Can we buy you two drinks?”

The asshole. Joe pushed back his chair. “Sorry, buddy, but we’re leaving.”

Andrea seemed surprised but stood and sidled around the guy. “Let’s go.”

They headed out. His hands were a bit shaky from the encounter with the woman whose twins he couldn’t save. The guilt still haunted him. With herculean effort, he forced down the memories and concentrated on the woman ahead of him. She looked great as she navigated the high heels and skintight dress. He couldn’t wait to get her out of both. And forget about everything else.

* * *

Day one of their off shift arrived with sunshine and a cloudless sky. Lara had risen at six in the morning to have some time to herself. Sammy didn’t get up until nine.

She made coffee and headed to the back porch, which once was a snazzy sunroom. It still let in the sun, but the screens had holes in them and the floor was scarred. At least it had okay furniture. A firefighter put up an ad for sunroom furniture and she got it cheap. She sighed as she sat down on the rattan couch that hadn’t been ruined by constant use like the one in the living room.

She sniffed her coffee. It smelled great. And tasted sweet. When she started to think about yesterday, she forced herself not to obsess. She picked up her old iPad which she’d left on the table and clicked into FaceTime.

She found the firefighter website she frequented and saw a new video had been posted. Its headline read, “A fight broke out at The Landings last night. Take a look.”

Alan Frank, The Deputy Chief who was a jerk, and a woman Lara didn’t recognize stood in front of a seated couple. When they got up to leave, she saw Joe with a stunning beauty. He said something to Frank, then he left with his gorgeous date.

A man sitting at the bar said to Frank, “Seems like you struck out, buddy.”

Frank leapt forward and clocked him.

Caught unaware, the man fell back. But he snagged Frank’s legs causing him to fall to the ground.

Lara clicked out of the site.

She swallowed hard. Joe had a date.

I date, Chief.

He sure did.

And somehow she knew he was out to prove it.

Her time with the sun ruined, she stood. Then she heard, “Lara. Lara.”

Sammy was up early. And her nightmare began to play out again.

She went to his room and greeted him with a kiss on the lips. Handed him the urination bottle. “Not that. I gotta take a crap.”

Like she did on her days off, she assisted him to the bathroom and held him under the arms while he did his business.

Then she practically carried him to a chair off to the side and gave him a sponge bath. Helped him dress. And led him out of the room.

“Let’s go sit on the porch. It’s beautiful outside.”

“No TV out there. I wanna sit here.” Once she got him to the couch, he barked, “Gimme the remote.”

The incessant drone of the cop program he like grated on her nerves more than usual. “I’ll fix you breakfast.”

“Eggs. No oatmeal.”

“I’ll make you eggs if you stop being so mean to me.”

He looked chagrined. “Sorry.”

She headed to the kitchen and got out the breakfast food. She vowed she’d make it through the day with Sammy. He was a man she loved and her husband.

As she knew would happen, she was exhausted by five. Sammy fell asleep on the couch, so she dropped down in a chair facing out and closed her eyes. At one point, she heard a knock on the front door which was open to the screen. Through it she saw Gage Connors, the lieutenant on her shift. Joe had told all the guys about her situation.

When she got to the door, he said, “Hey, there, Lara.”

She let him in. “Hi, Gage. What can I do for you?”

“You can go upstairs, clean up and get dressed.”

“Why?”

He handed her an envelope. Inside she found a gift card for Magnolia’s. “I don’t understand, I can’t go out.”

“You can. I’m staying with Sammy.”

“He won’t let you. He’s not in a good mood.”

“Who’s here?” Sammy called out.

“A friend.”

Gage said, “Don’t worry about us. I’ll play up the firefighter connection.” He held up a bunch of DVDs. “Introduce us.”

Could she possibly get away for a bit?

At her hesitation, Gabe squeezed her arm. “We can at least try, Lara.” They walked to the couch and he sat down next to Sammy. “Hey, there, buddy. My name is Gabe. I hear you were a firefighter.”

Sammy’s eyes widened. “So what?”

“I am, too. You remember what the brotherhood of firefighters means, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“So I’m going to sit with you and watch these firefighter videos. Lara has to go out for a few hours.”

“Maybe that’s okay.”

Standing behind the couch, Lara’s jaw dropped. And she almost sank to her knees in gratitude.

* * *

Joe stood in front of the room with Annie Rodriguez, who said, “Listen up, everybody. I told you Captain Romano was coming in today.”

They clapped spontaneously. Joe smiled at the group of kids.

In unison, they said, “Good morning Captain Romano.” He noticed they all wore readable nametags.

Annie laughed. “I guess you’re looking forward to this.” Then to him, “Captain, they’re all yours.” She took a seat in the back of the room.

Joe had prepared the lesson with Annie because this class, this school, was full of troubled boys. They’d been sent to Pathways for one last shot instead of juvie. Joe knew one boy had indeed gone to the correctional facility for breaking the rules.

“Thanks for the warm welcome. I’m told this is career week. I’m here today to talk to you about firefighting.”

“Yeah,” a boy named Bryce said without raising his hand. “We got a lot of people coming in, but you’re the coolest.”

“Wow. What a compliment.” He nodded to their desks. “Ms. Rodriguez told me you wrote in your journals about what you want to learn from me. Would you open them to your questions, please?”

The kids obeyed though one rolled his eyes and another leafed through his journal. “Louis, do you need help finding your questions?”

“I…I couldn’t think of any.”

Annie frowned. “I’ll see you after class, Louis.”

One hand raised.

“Bryce, how about you?”

“How much do you get paid?”

“Our pay isn’t on the level of most firefighters in the state because Westwood is so small.” He told them starting salaries and then what he made. Annie smiled at him. Most men were reluctant to reveal their salary. “What else?”

Harlan Ford was fidgety but raised his hand. “Do you sleep in the nude like most guys?”

“No, we sleep in fleece shorts and T-shirts. We get calls in the night so we have to be prepared to rush to the bay.”

Another hand. “Let’s go to Tim O’Malley.”

“You got any girls on your squad?”

Light blue eyes and blonde hair came to mind. “No girls, but we do have one female firefighter at our firehouse.”

“Aren’t the guys worried about going into a fire with her?”

“Why would they be?”

“She’s a girl. They’re weaker than guys.”

He chuckled. “One day, she was doing bench presses and I was spotting her. I keep track of my people’s fitness. She pressed more than any guy on the squad, except me. And I only matched her.”

Five jaws dropped.

“There are many stereotypes about women in the department. Most aren’t true, like the content of the last question. And in some cases, women firefighters are better than men.”

“What?” Louis didn’t have a question but was paying attention.

“Women are more flexible than men.”

“Why do you need that?”

“In car accidents, for one. Women can crawl into vehicles easier than men.” He gave more examples.

“What about eating?” O’Malley asked. “Is it true you cook your own meals?”

“Yep.”

“How do you get the ingredients?”

"We go to grocery stores.”

“What happens if you get a call when you do that?”

“All of us have to go to the store together. That way, we can rush right out if we get a call.”

“I never seen that.” This from Harlan again.

Tim said. “I been to stores before I got sent here. I saw firetrucks parked outside.”

“Let’s move on to other things.”

Joe let them continue to question him. When they ran out, he picked up a pile of papers from the front desk. “I got a sheet here that tells you some important facts about firefighters.” After he distributed them, he said, “Let’s start with how to become a firefighter.” He asked them to volunteer to read an item because he wasn’t sure how well some of them read. His points covered the ranks of firefighters, drills they did every shift and firefighter terminology.

When the chime sounded signaling the end of class, the kids were animated as they left. “Thanks, Captain.”

“This was cool.”

“Great class. Can you come back?”

“We’ll talk about that at another time.” Annie told them to put their journals in the bin on the way out, spoke briefly to Louis and said goodbye to them.

She walked over to Joe. “That was a perfect lesson, Joey.”

“I agree.” Jackson Kane came into the room. “I was next door heard the whole thing.” He grinned. “Thanks, buddy.”

“Any time.”

They chatted some then Joe left the school on a high. He strode to his car. When he got there, he stopped abruptly.

Somebody had smashed in his front window.

* * *

Lara wasn’t surprised when another person knocked on the front door at noon the next day. There were two of them this time, Pike and Deluca. Parked on the street behind them was a firetruck. “Hey, Swanson,” Pike said. “Can we come in?”

“Of course.”

“Hey, Lara.” Danny said.

They entered the house and Abe spoke up. “We wanna see your husband.”

“He just finished lunch.”

“Who is it?” Sammy asked again from where he sat on the couch.

“Two firefighters,” Abe called out. He walked around the couch and Deluca followed him. Abe squatted down to eye-level. “Sammy, my name is Abe Pike. I’m a firefighter and a paramedic. We got a surprise for you.”

“What?”

Abe scanned the area. “Oh, good, you have a wheelchair.”

Danny added, “Which means we won’t have to carry you out.”

She saw Sammy’s face darken. “I don’t go out.”

“I gotta show you something.” Abe bent over and helped Sammy to stand and turn. “Lara, move. You’re blocking his view.”

When she stepped aside, Sammy looked out. “A…a firetruck.” He spoke the word with awe.

“Uh-huh. And we’re going for a ride.” He transferred his gaze to Lara. “A long one.”

“How’d you get the truck?” Sam asked.

“It’s one that was retired. They use it at the fire academy. Now, do you have to take care of any necessities?” Abe was matter of fact.

“Nope.”

“Do you wanna go with us?” Danny asked.

“Is the Pope Catholic?”

Danny grabbed the wheelchair, something Sammy hated to use. Abe got him right in and Danny pushed him out. They stopped in front of Lara. Abe ordered, “Say goodbye to your wife.”

Sammy smiled at her. She bit back the tears. She couldn’t remember the last time her husband smiled at her.