Chapter 10
CHAPTER TEN
From his place at the bar, Finnigan watched Whitcomb and Stoltz at one of the tables in the back. Moira had passed on information suggesting a connection between the two, and Jiena had given the green light to tail them. After Tex reached out, letting him know he’d tracked the warden and the guard to the off-road bar, Finnigan, disguised as a biker in black jeans, silver chains, and dark leather boots, headed to the same location. He planted himself on the barstool closest to Whitcomb and Stoltz’s table. The noise level prevented Finnigan from hearing their conversation, but the way they sat, stiff and rigid, along with the forbidding expressions on their faces, indicated they weren’t merely two colleagues meeting for drinks after hours.
A short time later, Whitcomb and Stoltz got up and weaved through the dense crowd toward the bar’s entrance. Finnigan waited until they climbed into their separate vehicles before he started Justice’s Harley, which he’d borrowed for his surveillance. The thrilling roar as it came to life had Finnigan exclaiming, “Man, I have to get one of these!”
A chuckle rang through his earpiece, followed by Tex’s voice. “I heard that.”
“You’ve been so quiet, I forgot you were with me.” He gave the Harley some gas and eased left out of the packed-dirt parking lot.
“You’re following Whitcomb.”
“Yeah.”
Several cars intervened between Finnigan and his target, but Tex guided him to an old apartment complex in Chino. Its outdated architecture indicated it had been built sometime in the 1970s. Scattered trees and bushes illuminated by floodlights made the rough exterior more attractive.
“Hang back until Whitcomb parks,” Tex advised. “We don’t want to arouse his suspicion.”
“Copy that.” Finnigan allowed the Harley to idle.
A couple of minutes passed. “Okay, he’s parked in front of Building C. It’s the third building on your left. Do you see it?”
Finnigan eased off the brakes and drifted forward several hundred feet. “I see it.”
“There’s an empty spot in a row in front of that group of trees. You’ll be in the shadows there. Back in and cut your lights.”
Finnigan maneuvered the motorcycle into the designated spot and switched off his headlight. He gazed at the building before him, dotted with lights blazing in windows in a zigzag pattern. When another window lit up on the second floor, he said, “Second floor overlooking the parking lot.”
“I’m looking at the schematics now. Apartment C203.”
“What should I—” Finnigan broke off as headlights suddenly approached from his left. He ducked out of sight behind the trees. “Shit. Someone else is here,” he whispered as if the newcomer could hear him.
Finnigan cautiously peeked around a thick tree trunk. “Fuck me! Judge Cohen!” He reached for his cell phone and snapped several pictures of the judge as he parked and climbed out of his car. Finnigan switched to video and recorded Cohen entering Building C.
“Tex, are there security cameras in the hallway?”
“Yeah. I’m hacking them as we speak.” Tex paused. “And there he is outside Whitcomb’s apartment.”
Finnigan’s blood thrummed in his veins. “Got you. You’re fucked.”
When Moira returned a quiz from the previous day, Tawny noticed that she’d circled certain letters in her answers: M, S, C, W, H, C. Without any vowels, they did not form any words. No. Tawny smiled as her brain processed the letters. Given her current suspects, she deduced that they represented initials. Mickey Stoltz. Carey Whitcomb. Harry Cohen. Two of the three men Bette suspected of working together. Add in Perry Jones, and it created a quartet of corruption. Tawny understood how a connection between Stoltz, Cohen, and Jones could be, but Whitcomb’s involvement baffled her. Did he stumble upon their scheme and want in on it? Were they working alone, or were they part of a larger organization? She wished she had access to law enforcement databases to see if similar situations occurred or had occurred at other institutions. They’d focused their investigation on CIFW because of Lucy’s death, but Tawny wondered if they’d overlooked a pattern.
Their motive was obvious—good old-fashioned greed. Millions of dollars could be made in the drug trade. How were these men hiding their money? Tex or Hutch could easily follow a money trail if one existed.
Again, something niggled at the edge of her brain. Two names popped into her mind. Wendy Corrigan and Director Jerry Dickinson. What bothered her so much about them?
Yolanda poked her in the arm. “What’s wrong, Ginger? You’re starin’ at that quiz like it’s about to bite you.”
Tawny shoved it inside her binder. “I’m good, Yolanda.”
“You ready for physical training today? It’s gonna be tough.”
“Yeah, I’m ready.”
After a grueling physical training session, the women changed into fire gear and trooped back out to the field. An engine from Station 92 sat parked on the track. Three firemen in full gear waited at attention.
“Class, it’s time to put into practice what you’ve been learning before you’re allowed off campus. You’ll be divided into three groups and assigned to one of these men who will test your knowledge and skills.”
Moira sent a group of four and three off with two of the firemen. Only Tawny, Yolanda, and Terrin remained. “You’re at the top of the class, so I’m pairing you with my second-in-command, Smith.” She turned and strolled toward one of the other groups with her clipboard.
Smith removed his headgear and smiled. Tawny’s knees went weak, and she almost grabbed Yolanda’s arm for support. Her heart pounded an ecstatic rhythm in her breast. Her man, the love of her life, stood two feet away from her. Tawny’s eyes feasted on him. His short hair shone lighter in the sun. He’d disguised his beautiful brown eyes with blue contact lenses, most likely because of his resemblance to Moira. Her gaze traveled from his beloved face down his broad, muscular chest, lingered on the six-pack underneath his shirt, and reveled in the rest of him. God, she wanted to throw herself into his strong arms and kiss him senseless!
He noticed her checking him out and winked. Yolanda jabbed her in the ribs, and Finnigan laughed. Its huskiness sent her pulse spiraling out of control. “Well, ladies, Captain Finnigan says you’re the best, so let’s see if her assessment is correct. We’ll start with the basics. As the captain probably explained, the equipment on the engine varies with need. I want each of you to name five things that most engines would carry. Then, we’ll check this baby to see if you’re right.”
Tawny allowed Yolanda and Terrin to rattle off their list first. Finnigan’s eyes met, locked, and held hers. Behind the blue contacts, his brown depths devoured her. She was certain if she touched his chest, she’d feel their hearts beat in sync. She swallowed the hard lump in her throat. He took her breath away.
“Fire blankets, cutting tools, drones, emergency lighting, and axes.”
He broke their connection, and her breathing returned to normal. Or as normal as it could be with Finnigan so close.
“Ladies, let’s see how accurate your answers were.”
Finnigan opened two compartments, and they examined the contents. Tawny reveled in his voice, absorbing every word he said while also silently cursing him for the risk he took by impersonating a firefighter so he could see her. The man inspired and exasperated her, and she loved him for it. Just the sight of him bolstered her.
“I hope none of you are afraid of heights.” Finnigan stabilized the fire engine. Then, he raised the ladder to a safe height using the hydraulic system. “You might have to climb up one of these to douse a fire or rescue someone. Who’s brave enough to give it a try?”
The other two groups gathered to watch and listen to Finnigan’s demonstration. He asked questions about the ladders required on the truck and called for volunteers to handle the system. When he concluded the lesson and lowered the ladder, Moira rotated the groups, giving Tawny and Finnigan a moment alone.
“I’m sorry, Red. I couldn’t stay away. Are you okay?”
“Yes. You followed the lead I gave you.”
He nodded. “And we have solid proof. I took photos and video. Tex has security camera footage, too.”
“Add Perry Jones, the public defender.”
“Already done.”
“Find the money.”
“Working on it. God, I miss you, Red.” He didn’t dare look at her.
“I miss you, too. We’ll be heading to fire camp soon.”
“I know. You’ll be safe, I promise.” Finnigan raised his voice at the sound of footsteps. “That’s very good, Ms. Westfall. The proper way to handle a chemical fire, which burns differently from, let’s say, a wildfire, is to treat it with other chemicals.”
“Thanks, Smith. Your explanation helped a lot.” Tawny smiled as she left him to join Yolanda and Terrin.
Once the class thoroughly explored the fire truck and handled the equipment, Finnigan and the other two firemen left to return to Station 92. Tawny’s heart hurt as she watched them drive away. She found it difficult to breathe now for an entirely different reason.
Yolanda touched her shoulder. “Wow. You and Smith have the hots for each other.”
Tawny let out a half-strangled laugh. “Do you think he’s hot?”
“Smokin’. But forget him, Ginger. Men like him don’t fall in love with women like us.”
“Only in a Hallmark movie?”
“Girl, definitely not in a clean and wholesome Hallmark movie. When was the last time you watched one about a convict?”
At the end of the day, Moira announced that they were ready to move to the fire camp located in Chino Hills. “Our primary purpose is to support Cal Fire, cutting fire lines and trees, if necessary, and using fire hoses. We also help rescue people. If you’re adept at handling drones, that might be your job.” She read a list of rules and explained that any infraction could land them back in prison.
“Listen to Captain Finnigan.” Warden Stoltz stepped into the classroom. Everyone sat up straighter. “This is your opportunity to train for a worthwhile career and do something positive with your lives. Success in the program means early release. Do not make me regret choosing you as the first class to restart the fire program.” His lips curled into a smile, but his eyes held no hint of sincerity. “Good luck.”
Tawny gazed at the other women. Their faces reflected their skepticism and outright dislike of the warden.
“Thank you, Warden,” Moira responded to cover the silence.
He nodded and left with a final glance at Tawny.
“Ladies, a bus will be here after breakfast to transport you to the camp. You can bring one bag of personal things with you. Rest well tonight, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
Tawny waited until the others were out of sight before she gave Moira a quick hug. “Oh, my God! Thank you for today.”
“I couldn’t stop Marcus. And Commander Mattox agreed because he would only be away for a few hours.”
“Seeing him was just what I needed. But due to my surprise, I forgot to tell him to check into Wendy Corrigan’s relationship to Director Dickinson. He told me she’s his niece, but I don’t think that’s true.”
“I’ll pass the information along to the team.”
“Thanks, Moira. See you tomorrow.”
“It’s too bad you already have a career, Tawny, because you’d make a great firefighter.”
She grinned, and they saluted each other.
Before breakfast the next morning, Tawny stuffed a pillowcase with her journal, pen, penlight, a deck of well-worn cards, a few slim paperbacks, and snacks. Nervous apprehension curled in her stomach. Today marked the beginning of the end for Stoltz, Whitcomb, Cohen, and Jones. She couldn’t wait to bring them down.
When she entered the cafeteria, a pall hung over everyone. She went through the line and made her way to the table she usually shared with Yolanda and Jo. As soon as Tawny set down her tray, Jo leaped to her feet and hugged her.
Tears pooled in Jo’s eyes. “I’m never going to see you again, am I, T?”
“Not true. When I’m out for good, I’ll have my lawyer look into your case, Jo. I swear I’m not leaving you behind. Trust me.”
“I do. I trust you. You’re the only person who’s ever given a damn about me.”
“Me, too,” Yolanda added. “I wouldn’t be going to fire camp without Tawny having my back.”
Their honest affection for her warmed her heart, but guilt settled like a hard rock in her gut. Tawny hated to deceive these women who trusted her.
“Okay, let’s eat. We don’t know what the day holds in store for any of us.”
“That’s what I love about you, T. You’re so optimistic,” Jo remarked. “As if every day in prison isn’t exactly the same.”
Sadness dampened their laughter.
When the bus arrived, guards escorted Tawny, Yolanda, Terrin, and the seven other women to it. It didn’t surprise Tawny that Whitcomb was one of them. She’d half-expected it.
“Whitcomb. Are you merely walking us to the bus? Or have you been assigned to the camp?”
“Would you miss me if I said no?”
Tawny flashed a flirtatious smile. “Maybe.”
“Well, don’t worry. I’ll be guarding all of you at the camp.”
“I imagine you’ll see things differently on the ground. You know, coming down from your ivory tower.”
His eyes narrowed. “You’re a real smartass.”
“It’s a gift.”
Warden Stoltz waited next to the bus. Moira stood beside him. He greeted the women with an expression that Tawny could only deem as a sign of relief. “I wish you all nothing but the best. I know you’ll make us proud.”
He shook their hands as they boarded the bus one by one with their bags of personal things. Stoltz held Tawny’s hand too long, and her skin crawled when his thumb caressed hers. She yanked her hand away from his and climbed onto the bus behind Yolanda. A guard Tawny didn’t recognize sat in the back of the bus. The women kept their distance by selecting seats in the middle of the bus. Tawny slid next to Yolanda, and after Moira and Whitcomb took their places, the bus lurched forward.
Once they passed the prison gates, Yolanda murmured, “What’s wrong? You look angry.”
“I am. That SOB rubbed his thumb against mine when he shook my hand.”
Yolanda made a face. “Ew.”
“Listen, Yolanda, you and I can fight, and we have street smarts. But Terrin and the others, they’re not as tough as us. We have to protect them.”
“Protect them from what?”
“I’m not sure yet. Just be on your guard.”
“I hear ya, Ginger.”
It took almost an hour to reach the camp located a couple of miles northwest of Chino Hills State Park. Dense forest and undergrowth surrounded an open space with two bunkhouses carved from redwood and arranged in an L formation. The main bunkhouse contained three bunkbeds, a long redwood dining table, and a smaller card table. A moderate-sized kitchen occupied space along one wall. There were two horizontal dressers, six drawers each, twin nightstands, and a small sofa. A glassed-in area served as the fire captain’s office. On an old desk sat a laptop, a satellite phone, a landline phone, and a printer. The inmates weren’t allowed to have cell phones or use the office phone. A landline phone was attached outside the main bunkhouse where they could make and receive calls with permission. Laundry facilities were in the second bunkhouse. A basketball hoop was attached to it. Behind Bunkhouse B, a toolshed had been erected.
Moira ordered the women to line up single file. “As you can see, there’s only room for six of you in this bunkhouse. You’ll be assigned a bunk in a few minutes. Like at a regular fire station, you’ll be expected to share the responsibility for cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. On your bunks, you’ll find two extra jumpsuits and underclothes. Your gear is stored on hooks and in cubbies. It’s your responsibility to maintain it and keep it in good working condition.
“There will be mandatory inspections, and we will continue drills to keep up your performance levels. During downtime, you’re free to entertain yourselves. One last thing. Here, you’re not penned in or handcuffed unless you become violent or aggressive. The temptation to run will be great. Overmaster it. The consequences will be severe.”
Moira paused as she read her clipboard. “Bunk assignments are as follows. Tawny, Yolanda, Terrin, Ronette, Joy, and Precious, you’re assigned bunks one through six here in Bunkhouse A. Dee, Debbie, Barbie, and Susan, you’re assigned bunks one through four in Bunkhouse B. While you six get settled, I’ll take the rest of you to the other bunkhouse.”
Tawny allowed the others to choose their bunks first. When Yolanda tossed her bag onto the top bunk, the others left the bottom bunk for Tawny. It was a silent acknowledgment of their bond. While waiting for the other four to join them, they organized their belongings and explored the bunkhouse.
They moved with wariness, unused to their freedom. Yolanda opened the refrigerator and exclaimed, “Look at this!” Everyone rushed over to see an array of soft drinks, bottles of water, milk, juice, and fresh meats and vegetables. “Is this for us? Can we really eat whenever we want?”
Terrin checked out the pantry filled with dry goods. “Someone stocked our favorite snacks.”
“And look.” Yolanda pulled out a box of a popular brand of brownie mix. “It’s not homemade but a damn sight better than those hard bricks that pass for brownies at the prison. I’ll make these tonight for dessert, with the captain’s permission.”
“You don’t need my permission, Yolanda,” Moira said from behind them. “Yes, you have rules to follow because, technically, you’re still prisoners of the state, but within these walls and in the field, you act as a team. You decide what to eat and when to eat. Now grab an axe. We’re practicing how to cut a line.”
They followed Moira into the woods. She stopped at a spot of dense overgrowth and explained why cutting a line helped prevent a fire from spreading. “Like a car, it needs fuel. This method keeps it from consuming the fuel.”
The women hacked at vines and small bushes until they’d cleared most of it and cut a line to Moira’s standards. Though a chill hung in the air, they were hot, sweaty, and tired by the time they returned to the main bunkhouse. After they cleaned their axes and washed their faces and hands, they settled around the long redwood table and ate a simple lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.
“We need a team name,” Yolanda declared. “How about Tawny’s Titans?”
It echoed around the table, much to Tawny’s embarrassment. “Let’s just stick to Titans . We’re all equal here.”
Everyone agreed and lifted their glasses of soda. “To the Titans!”
After lunch, Tawny and Yolanda volunteered to clean up the kitchen and bake brownies for dessert. Moira secluded herself in her office to work and make phone calls. After they completed their chores, Tawny and Yolanda wandered outside and joined a basketball game with Precious, Terrin, Dee, and Joy.
An hour later, Tawny caught the basketball and stopped the game. She sniffed the air. “I smell smoke?—”
The words were barely out of her mouth when Moira ran out of the main bunkhouse. “Titans! Gear up! We’re on!”