Chapter 23 #2
Now, inevitably, her thoughts drifted to Tyler.
Their acquaintance was new, yet undeniably profound.
That spontaneous hug in the hospital lobby…
the comfort she offered was mirrored perfectly by his embrace and had ignited something she hadn’t expected.
Discovering he lived next door felt like fate had nudged them closer.
Her hands glided through the warm water, softly caressing her body.
Soon, her fingers drifted instinctively to her breasts as the other hand slid lower.
Heat flushed her cheeks as images of Tyler filled her mind, memories of their shared kisses sparking a deeper desire.
She yearned to feel his touch beyond the feel of his lips on hers.
And based on the hunger in his kisses, she knew the feeling was mutual.
A sudden shrill ringing shattered her sensual reverie. Startled, Justice jerked violently, water sloshing over the tub’s rim as she nearly slipped beneath the surface.
“Dammit,” she muttered, her frustration sharp as she grabbed the towel and reached for her phone.
Her heart skipped when she saw the notification flashing urgently—a security alert at McClay Mechanics. Adrenaline surged through her veins. She dropped the phone, knowing the security system would automatically notify the sheriff’s department.
Quickly drying herself, Justice tugged on her panties, abandoning the comforting pajamas she’d planned to wear.
Instead, she yanked on jeans, a bra, and a sweatshirt in frantic haste.
Socks and boots were shoved onto her feet before she threw on her jacket.
She grabbed her purse and keys and dashed toward her vehicle.
Her phone rang again just as she slid into the driver’s seat. Anxiety tightened her chest as she checked the screen. Relief mingled with apprehension as she saw the sheriff’s department number rather than her father’s.
Justice took a deep breath as she answered the call. “This is Justice McClay.”
“Ms. McClay, this is Deputy Joe Rollins from the sheriff’s department.”
“Is this about the alarm at McClay’s Mechanics? I received an alert just now.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Deputy Rollins confirmed. “My partner and I are at your shop. Two of your front plate-glass windows have been shattered, and it appears someone threw a Molotov cocktail inside. The fire department is here now. The fire is still active but is being brought under control. It’s been contained in the reception area, but there’s already substantial smoke and water damage. ”
“I’m on my way!” she snapped sharply, her voice tight with suppressed fury.
“I’ll be there in ten minutes.” She disconnected the call, heart hammering painfully against her ribs.
Ten minutes was ambitious, but tonight, speed limits meant little compared to the urgency burning through her veins.
Her thoughts churned chaotically, anger mingling with the deep fear of what she might find.
When she arrived, the scene was bathed in surreal flashes of red and blue lights.
Her headlights illuminated deputies' cars parked hastily, the beams glinting off shards of broken glass scattered across the pavement.
Thick, acrid smoke curled into the night sky, and the sharp scent of something scorched filled the air.
Bright streams from active fire hoses arced through the shattered windows, water slapping the smoldering remains inside.
Justice rushed forward, identifying herself quickly to one of the deputies, who escorted her to Deputy Rollins.
He stood with a composed yet cautious expression, positioned just beyond the edge of the firefighting effort, where crews in turnout gear moved with purpose, shouting over the roar of water and hiss of steam.
“Goddammit,” she muttered under her breath, eyes locked on the blackened remains inside the reception area.
The front counter was charred, papers and files nothing but ash.
The upholstered chairs were now twisted skeletons, and the room glowed faintly with the sheen of lingering embers.
Water streamed across the floor, swirling soot into dark, murky puddles.
“Ms. McClay?” Deputy Rollins prompted gently, drawing her back from the turmoil of her thoughts.
“Sorry,” she said, forcing herself to speak evenly despite the fury roiling inside her chest. “How extensive is the damage? Is the main garage safe?”
A firefighter approached, having been alerted to her arrival. “Are you the owner?”
“Yes. I’m Justice McClay.”
“We managed to keep the blaze from spreading to the garage area. No structural compromise there. But the office and waiting room sustained smoke and water damage. You'll need a full inspection and cleanup before reopening.”
She exhaled slowly, battling the tide of relief and frustration. Even though the fire hadn't reached the garage, the closure meant lost work, lost income, and a wrenching conversation ahead with her father. Her stomach tightened at the thought of breaking the news.
She stared at her phone, throat tightening. Calling her dad now was impossible. She couldn’t handle the fear in his voice. Without thinking further, she dialed Tyler’s number.
“Hey, Justice,” his voice came through calm and steady, grounding her immediately.
Closing her eyes briefly, she absorbed his soothing tone before responding. “Justice? Are you there?” His voice grew softer as he recognized her distress.
“Yes,” she managed, clearing the tightness from her throat. “Is Dad still with you?”
“Yes, we’ve just wrapped up the meeting,” Tyler said, his voice shifting slightly, becoming alert. “We’re on our way home now. What's wrong?”
Her voice trembled despite her efforts. “I need you both to come to the shop. Vandals threw a Molotov cocktail into the reception area. There’s fire and water damage. I'm here with deputies and the fire department now.”
She heard her father’s muffled voice, anxiety evident even from afar. “What’s going on, Tyler?”
Tyler’s voice was reassuring and steady as always. “There’s been an incident at the shop, Jack. We’ll head over now and see what’s happening.”
Gratitude flooded Justice, mixing with the painful emotions she could hardly hold at bay. Tyler’s calm strength was exactly what she needed now. He didn't overwhelm her with questions. Instead, his steady presence offered comfort and support.
“Thank you,” she whispered, emotion thickening her words.
“We’ll be there soon,” Tyler assured, his firm and steady voice exactly what she needed to hear.