Chapter 10
Liv, exhausted from the last day of fire school, grabbed a coffee with a double shot of espresso and headed to the dingy basement of the town clerk’s office. She pored over the dusty property records that detailed the history of the first Waverly estate, the old theater and restaurant. Her fingers traced the faded lines on the brittle pages as she delved deeper into the past, trying to unearth the connection between them. The records were a maze of names, dates, and deeds, a history that went back more than a century.
As she uncovered the ownership history, Liv”s heart quickened when she found the mention of the Waverly family on the deeds of all three. Were the town’s founders the key to understanding the puzzle? She wrote a note to dig deeper into their history.
With a sigh, Liv gathered her findings and decided to seek some answers elsewhere. She knew Molly might know more about the three dead by now. Perhaps their identities and the circumstances of their deaths would provide a lead.
* * *
Liv strodeinto the ME”s office unannounced, chased by her secretary. Molly gave her a bemused look and said with a touch of sarcasm, “Well, well, well, if it isn”t the Detective of the Year gracing me with her presence. What brings you here today?” She also thanked her secretary.
Liv, used to her sister”s playful banter, offered a wry smile. “I might need you to complete your job and ID the bodies I found.”
Molly leaned back in her chair, her expression growing more serious. “The first body, from the pit at the Waverly estate, is Robert Kendrick, a former town attorney.”
“He was on the council with Dad and David Reynolds.” Liv”s curiosity deepened further as she listened to her sister”s findings. “What else can you tell me about him?”
Molly took a deep breath and continued, “Only what I could find from a google search and know from town gossip. As the town attorney, he was known for manipulating the town”s legal system, always working to protect the city council”s interests. He had a long history of corrupt legal practices, and there”s a trail of ruined lives that followed him. It seems he may have made some powerful enemies along the way.” She tapped the file. “That’s how I identified him. The body matched DNA he used to fake his death in 1993.”
“Faked his death?” Liv shook her head as her sister continued, absorbing the information about Robert Kendrick”s connection to the town”s power structure and his shady legal dealings.
“I would also check in with Mom. You know Dad was on the council? She knows a lot about the town. She may be able to fill in some more info.”
Liv did need to know more. “How did he die?” She thought about his faked death. “Really die?”
“Serum carboxyhemoglobin levels show he was dead before the fire. Waiting on the tox screen. But the bullet wound at T-2 would be a good start. Through the aortic arch. No bullet.” Molly pulled a picture clear and handed it to Liv. “The CT-scan showed metallic artifact of a ring on the wedding finger engraved with ‘Bobby loves Edith.’”
“Do you think he was killed at the estate?” Liv asked.
Molly shook her head. “He wasn’t dead too long. But he wasn’t killed at the estate. Very little fluid in the body, yet the dirt below the body was clear. Oh, and the tooth in the vial wasn’t his. The DNA belonged to a woman.”
“Thanks, Mol,” Liv said, her tone more genuine now. “This is a start. When do you think you’ll have the ID on the other bodies?”
“Running DNA. The third cryptic message reads, ‘In the flames of adversity, the phoenix finds its strength, emerging reborn from the ashes of its trials.’” She sighed. “Do you have any idea what these mean?”
“Not until you identify the two other bodies.” Liv yawned.
“What are you wearing to the Harvest Dance tonight?”
Liv slipped on her coat. “Shit. I forgot.” Jackson.
Molly shook her head. “Well, you better get home and change. The current town council is turning it into a fundraiser for the injured and displaced from the fires. Hatfield’s always has good food and good music. It should be fun.”
* * *
As Jackson waitedoutside the restaurant, he was greeted by the familiar faces of townspeople making their way inside for the festivities.
“Evening, Jackson!” called out Mrs. Jenkins, the town”s resident baker, as she bustled past with a tray of her famous apple turnovers. “Hope you”re ready for a night of dancing!”
“Looking sharp, Jackson!” chimed in Mr. Thompson, the local mechanic, giving him a friendly nod as he held the door open for a group of giggling teenagers.
Jackson returned their greetings with a smile. The Harvest Dance was always a well-attended event. But on the heels of the two fires, there was a huge turnout. Hatfield’s parking lot was buzzing with people from the community, all coming together to help those affected by the two recent fires. Also in attendance was a large contingent of local firefighters who worked tirelessly to combat the fires.
Jackson walked over to Liv’s arriving Uber and opened the passenger door. “Hey, you made it.”
Liv smiled. “Sorry I”m late. You”re looking sharp, Jackson.”
He leaned in and helped her out of the rideshare. “Thanks, but you... you”re stunning.” He inhaled deeply.
Blushing, Liv teased him, “Oh, stop it. You clean up pretty well yourself.”
Jackson offered his hand, and with a gentle twirl, he led her gracefully into the dance. Liv curled into his body like she belonged. He could enjoy this feeling.
Hatfield”s Restaurant buzzed with excitement as it was transformed into the perfect venue for the annual harvest dance and fundraiser. The spacious dining area had been cleared of tables and chairs, making way for a makeshift dance floor adorned with strings of twinkling fairy lights and colorful autumnal decorations. A stage had been erected at one end of the room, ready to host the live band and DJ that would provide the evening”s entertainment.
Tables lined the perimeter of the dance floor, each one adorned with crisp white tablecloths and centerpieces of freshly cut flowers in vibrant fall hues. At one end of the room, a long buffet table groaned under the weight of an array of delicious dishes, freshly baked pies and decadent desserts.
As they entered the venue together, hushed conversations followed their path.
“Isn”t that Liv Everhart with Jackson Reynolds?” a woman whispered.
A second woman said, “Yeah, they”re clearly here together. Wonder what that”s about.”
“The fires. It’s probably for work,” a third woman dismissed the potential of a romance.
The murmurs followed them as they walked through the room, greeting people as they made their way. Their presence sparked curiosity and gossip among the folks at the dance.
He grasped her hand. “People are talking.”
Liv laughed. “Get ready, Captain. My mother and four sisters are over there. It will be like walking into a beehive.”
Jackson looked at her with lusty eyes. “Olivia Everhart, I run into burning buildings for a living. And I’m walking into a celebration with a sexy woman.” He slid the back of his pointer down her cheek, enjoying her shudder. He leaned in close. “It’s nice to be the one on top for a change with you, Detective.”
Olivia’s fair cheeks grew heated. She was momentarily speechless.
The event was sophisticated, with dimmed lights, soft music, and dressy attire. Jackson and Liv, dressed elegantly, stood out as a striking couple. He wore a fitted suit, his physique and confidence shining through, while she was stunning in her elegant green knee-length cocktail dress, which matched his eyes. Her own eyes sparkled with enthusiasm for the evening ahead.
Jackson chuckled softly. “I must admit, I’m grateful for the universe or your sisters’ intervention tonight. Otherwise, we might have missed out on this delightful conversation.” Upon their arrival, they found their original seating arrangements crossed off and changed, placing them together.
Olivia grinned, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Yes, Ruth does have a knack for orchestrating things.” She paused, taking a moment to appreciate the charming atmosphere surrounding them. “But I suppose it”s up to us to make the most of this situation.”
Amidst the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversations around them, Jackson’s gaze lingered on Olivia. “You truly do look stunning tonight, Livvy.”
Their banter flowed effortlessly, punctuated by shared laughter and exchanged glances that built the growing chemistry between them.
“Your sisters and half the crowd are staring at us. I can”t help but be intrigued. Care to share some stories about them?”
“Ah, my four lovely sisters. Where do I even begin? Well, there”s Ruthie, the bookworm. She”s always buried in her novels, dreaming of far-off lands when she’s not destroying the prosecution in the courtroom.”
“Sounds enchanting. Glad I’m usually a good boy. And the rest?” His eyes devoured her, and Olivia’s neck blushed.
“Then there”s Isobel, the artist. She”s forever painting the world in vibrant colors, turning even the dullest days into masterpieces. I think it makes her workday easier. She works with domestic violence victims and victims of child sex abuse.”
Jackson pressed his lips together. He looked over at Liv’s sister, whose head was tilted back in laughter.
“Let”s see... There”s Molly, ME by trade, but she’s a competitive dancer. She’s my adventurous sister. She doesn’t do it that often anymore, but she”s the one who”s always dragged us on wild escapades, like spontaneous midnight picnics in the woods.” Liv looked down. “It was her way to make up for losing our dad.”
“I’m sorry, Livvy. You all were so young.” He laced his fingers with hers.
“Then there”s Sophie, the doctor. She buried her head in school, but she is also a gifted musician. She plays the flute by choice, because it was small and portable. But she can play anything.”
“And you?” Jackson leaned in closely and pressed his lips against her cheek.
“I’m the goody-goody. I guess, as the oldest, I was, well, still am the caretaker.” She shrugged.
“I can only imagine the adventures and laughter you shared together. Sounds like lots of love.”
“That”s for sure.” She cocked her head. “But, hey, enough about my sisters. Tonight is about us, dancing under the stars at the harvest
A mischievous gleam danced in Jackson’s eyes. With a playful smirk, he leaned in close, his voice laced with a hint of teasing. “Care to test your luck on the dance floor with me, Livvy?” he quipped, his tone light and inviting. “After all, you are the most beautiful woman here.”
Olivia blushed slightly at the compliment. “Thank you, Jackson.” She giggled.
As they sat at their table, enjoying a quiet moment together, their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Michael Wheaton and his date, Maya Turnbull, a firefighter from Station 3.
“Hey, Jackson, Liv, mind if we join you?” Michael asked with a grin, pulling out a chair for Maya.
“Of course, Mike, Maya, have a seat.” Jackson gestured to the empty chairs beside them.
As Maya settled into her seat, Jackson couldn”t help but notice the subtle glances Michael kept throwing Liv”s way. It was obvious to Jackson that her partner had eyes for Liv, despite his attempts to conceal it.
“So, Maya, how”s life at Station 3 treating you?” Liv broke the ice with a warm smile.
“Um, Captain Reynolds is good to work for.”
Jackson nodded. “No rank tonight, Turnbull.”
Maya”s eyes lit up as she launched into a lively recount of her latest firefighting adventures, while Michael listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with a supportive comment or a shared anecdote.
Olivia looked at an approaching man, her face lighting up. “Brad, I”m so glad you could make it. And look at you, all dressed up.”
The man chuckled and gave Olivia a playful nudge. “Someone”s got to keep an eye on you, Liv. Especially when you”re up to your eyeballs in a case.”
Olivia laughed and rolled her eyes. “Everyone, this is Brad Killian. We went to the police academy together.” Jackson stood protectively beside her. “Brad, this is Jackson Reynolds. He’s a captain at Station 3.” The two men extended their hands at the same time, greeting each other warmly.
“Any friend of Olivia”s is a friend of ours,” Jackson said.
Olivia gestured to her partner. “And this is Michael Wheaton, my partner in crime... solving.”
Michael gave Brad a curt nod of acknowledgment. “Good to meet you, Brad. Olivia”s always sung your praises.”
“Join us.” Jackson grabbed an empty chair from another table.
Jackson and, it seemed, Brad observed the dynamic between Michael and Liv. Both men could tell she was oblivious to Mike”s subtle flirtation, her attention fully focused on Maya”s captivating stories.
As the evening progressed, Jackson couldn”t help but feel a twinge of amusement at the situation. Despite Mike”s attempts to charm Liv, it was clear to Jackson that her heart belonged elsewhere—perhaps without her even realizing it.
With a discreet smile, Jackson decided to play the role of the supportive friend, content in the knowledge that Liv”s affections were reserved for him. They continued to share stories, their laughter filling the air as they found themselves drawn into the enchanting atmosphere of the event, focusing only on each other.
“Tell me, what”s your favorite non-police adventure you”ve ever been on?” Jackson asked, surprising her.
“I can answer that one for her.” Michael smiled. “Trip to Italy last summer.”
“He’s right. My sisters and I took my mom on the trip. The food, the culture, the architecture.... it was all so magical. Jackson, how about you?” Her eyes lit up as she looked in her mom’s direction.
“Italy sounds amazing. As for me, it was a backpacking journey through Southeast Asia. The people I met, the places I discovered. It was a life-changing experience. One tiny issue with food in Laos, but otherwise incredible.”
Laughter bubbled up between them, and they found themselves letting their guards down, momentarily forgetting the stresses and dangers of their jobs. It was a relief to just be themselves, to laugh and relax in each other”s company.
After dinner, the music shifted to an upbeat country tune, and a line dance began. Jackson and Liv, along with their families and friends, joined in the fun. The synchronized dance brought everyone together, creating an energetic atmosphere.
As the line dance concluded, the tempo of the music slowed down, and Ed Sheeran’s romantic ballad, “Thinking Out Loud,” began to play. Liv”s sisters and some of Jackson”s firefighters who had been watching the two interact couldn”t resist the opportunity to nudge them.
Neither needed the help. They began to sway to the slow, melodic music. Jackson leaned into Liv’s ear. “Follow my lead,” he whispered and pulled her a little closer.
Liv closed her eyes and rested her head against Jackson’s chest. His body’s warmth sent his cologne wafting around her, and she relaxed in his arms. Soon her movements were perfectly in sync with his and the romantic music.
The world around them seemed to fade as they continued to move as one.
* * *
The sweet scentof chocolate cake and the clinking of spoons against plates filled the room. Over dessert, Liv and Jackson”s conversation picked up again. She enjoyed control, but with Jackson, well she felt secure enough to let things simply happen.
As the dessert plates were cleared away, the conversation among Jackson, Liv, Michael, Maya, Brad, Turk, and his date Kelsey continued to flow effortlessly.
“So, Kelsey, how did you and Turk meet?” Maya inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Kelsey smiled warmly, casting a glance at Turk before answering, “We actually met at a charity event last year. Turk was speaking about recruiting firefighters, and I was helping out with the organization. We hit it off right away.”
“That”s so sweet.” Liv raised her glass in a toast. “Here”s to chance encounters and unexpected connections.”
The clink of glasses filled the air as they all took a sip, sharing in the sentiment. The conversation continued, with laughter and more shared stories. Liv, her eyes sparkling with determination, stared off in the distance.
Jackson cocked his head. “You’re thinking about the deaths,” he whispered.
She shrugged.
“Let it go tonight,” he pleaded.
She nodded, her eyes glistening. “You’re right. I’ll try.”
After the final notes of the music faded, Jackson helped Liv into her jacket, and they said their goodbyes to their companions. They made their way to Jackson”s fire department vehicle, and he drove Liv to her apartment.
Once they arrived, she invited him inside. “Coffee?”
He readily agreed, and they took the elevator up together. As they stepped into her cozy living room, the soft lights cast a warm, inviting glow on their faces.
Taking a deep breath, he turned to her, his eyes filled with a mixture of nervousness and desire. “Livvy,” he began, “there”s something I”ve been wanting to do.”
She met his gaze, her eyes curious. She liked being in charge—he’d have to earn her trust so she could let go. “What is it, Jackson?”
He took a step closer. “I want to kiss you.”
Without a word, she looked up at him, a warm smile spreading across her face. In response, she leaned in, and their lips met in a passionate kiss, soft at first as they savored each other’s taste and warmth. Jackson”s hand gently cradled Liv”s face, his fingers lightly brushing her cheek. Her arms encircled him, pulling him close.
Their kiss deepened. Their mouths moved in a perfect rhythm, a new dance of desire and connection. Their tongues gently brushed against each other. The taste was intoxicating.
Jackson pulled back. “I better go.” His chest rose and fell with heavy breaths.
Her eyelashes fluttered against her cheeks. A sad expression filled her gaze.
“Oh, Livvy. I better go, because if I stay… if I stay, I’m going to make love to you. And I don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage of you.”
Liv’s eyes met his. She reached to her side, slid the zipper down and let her dress drop to the floor. “Take advantage of me.”
Jackson’s eyes widened as he took in the sight of her standing there in a black silk bra and silk panties. “Livvy.” He slid his hand down her back and the other beneath her knees, scooping her into his arms. He headed toward the back of her apartment as he again sealed his lips to hers.
Their mouths eased apart, and he rested her on the bed. He ran his thumb over the pillow of her lower lip.
Liv smiled, darting her tongue at his thumb. “I’ve wanted you since the first day I met you.” Her eyes met his in a bit of a challenge.
“Mmm. I hope it’s worth the wait.” Straddling her, he gripped her wrists with one hand. “I have no problem with strong women.” This time, he seized her lips in a powerful, possessive kiss. She inhaled, stealing a breath as his tongue took possession of her mouth.
“Tell me you want this.” He nipped her earlobe.
“Yes.” Her breath warmed his cheek.
He returned to kissing her deeply. After releasing her wrists, one of Jackson’s strong hands cupped her face, then slid behind her head into the warmth of her hair. He again broke the kiss with a sigh. “You smell delicious.”
He nibbled down the length of her long neck. She tried to press her body up against his, but his weight held her back. His eyes twinkled with amusement. “Someone is in a hurry.”
She grabbed a handful of his shirt and yanked him closer. He slid his hands beneath hers, disengaging from her grasp. He stood and unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his muscular chest, then he opened his belt and stepped from his pants. He toed off his socks.
She matched him by unhooking her bra and tossing it onto the floor. He knelt in front of her and slowly kissed his way from her lips to her breasts.
“Ohh,” she groaned.
His hands spilled over them, cupping them, kneading them. His tongue flicked across one nipple then the other—fast, wet, quick. He was making her feel things she wasn’t used to.
Liv’s head rolled on the pillow. Her gaze settled on a large bruise on his hip. “Did that happen in the fire?”
“It will heal.” Jackson reached up and ran a hand through some stray hair draping her eyes. He placed more kisses to each pink nipple, over her tight belly, and circled his tongue around her innie belly button. After hooking his fingers into her panties, he tore them from her body.
His eyes seemed to glow as he looked at her. No man had ever looked at her like that. Liv reached to touch his straining cock, which peered through his boxer briefs, weeping for her.
He raised a brow, bit her lower lip, and slid down to wedge his broad shoulders between her thighs. He took his time trailing kisses lower to her hairless mound. His eyes met her dreamy gaze before he lowered his head and took a swipe at her folds. “You’re delicious.”
“Jackson,” she cried, burying her hands in his hair.
He swiped at her needy bud with his warm, wet tongue. It swelled against his lips, her hips rocking against him to increase the friction.
“Please,” she cried out, begging for relief.
He slid two thick fingers into her core, and she climaxed hard against him, coating his fingers with her fluids. Panting, she begged, “I want to… taste you.”
Olivia rolled from her back and made her way to her knees, stalking him like a cat. She made her way to the edge of the bed, grabbed his hips and pulled him closer. One soft hand wrapped around his thigh, and the other guided the tip of his cock into her wet mouth.
Stars filled his eyes, and he groaned as he slipped a finger along her lips to release himself from her sinful mouth. He picked her up and tossed her against the pillows. Throwing one leg over each of his shoulders, he poised to take her. “I don’t have a condom,” he lamented.
She reached toward her bedtable drawer. After digging inside, she pulled a packet free.
Jackson tore it open, pinched the tip and slid it over himself, still balancing her legs over his shoulders. He stared at her soaked folds, dragging a nail over her nub before sliding a finger deep inside her.
Her eyes fixed on his. “Stop teasing me.”
After withdrawing his finger, he drove into her, sinking deeply in one thrust. She gasped as the head of his cock rocked against her internal rise. She pressed up, trying to take him deeper.
Maintaining control, he clasped his arms around her, lifting her so he could suckle a nipple or kiss her. He shifted his angle to pleasure her more.
She slid her hands to his ass, cupping it while he pushed himself deeper inside her. She didn’t think that was possible. She never came from penetration. If she admitted it, she rarely came with a partner at all. Yet her sex clasped him fiercely in release as she screamed, “Jackson!” Waves of pleasure rocked through her.
He clutched her to him, and his body followed her into his climax, pumping hard against her. Panting, he balanced on his knees and unhooked her legs, sliding from her body before he rolled them to the side.
Gently, he brushed her hair from her face and placed a soft kiss to her lips. “Livvy.”
Liv caressed his cheek. “If you need the bathroom...”
He nodded and left her. He returned with a damp, warm washcloth. As he placed it against her, he kissed her lips again. “Thank you.”
“For?” She cocked her head.
He kissed her nose. “For trusting me to take the lead.”
She smiled and sighed. “I trust you.” Her eyes fluttered closed.
Jackson pulled the covers over them and curled his body around hers.
* * *
Liv woke with a start.Her body was covered in sweat. She realized she was wrapped in the cocoon that was Jackson Reynolds. She lay on her side and observed him. His hair was mussed from sleep, and his long chocolate eyelashes rested on his cheeks. His lips were soft and kissable. His chest was covered in a smattering of hair that trailed below the waistline to cover the top of his cock, a cock that, when erect, was thick, long, and delicious. The sight made her body tingle with need. One of her fingers slid down his length.
“What are you up to?” Jackson asked, his voice rough with sleep.
“Exploring?” Her full hand wrapped around him.
He rolled onto his back and lifted her on top of him. The air left her chest in surprise. “I want to watch you explore.”
Liv slid down his thighs and poised her mouth above his erection. She winked and took him into her throat, her eyes twinkling at his surprise. Her head bobbed, taking him deeper with each stroke of her mouth.
“Livvy, I want to be inside you,” he pleaded.
When she let go of him to respond, he lifted her by the hips and impaled her on his length, filling her repeatedly with hard, fast strokes. Something was different. They were skin against skin. She’d tell him she was on birth control later, but now she was going to ride him.
“You feel so good,” she moaned.
She cried out as he took her breast into his mouth and gently bit her nipple. He reached between their connection and rubbed her clit. She squeezed and quivered around him. Beneath her, he bucked deeper into her and growled as she climaxed.
He lifted her off him, rolling her onto her knees, then he thrust into her from behind, cupping her breasts in his hands as he pressed himself up against her bottom. Sliding a hand free, he glided his rough palm across her abdomen. Holding her tightly, he thrust harder.
Her sex grabbed him as she came again with loud cries. He followed her over the edge.
Jackson withdrew from her body, and he froze. “Livvy…” he rasped, still catching his breath.
She rolled onto her back and smiled. “It’s okay. I have an implant, and I’m negative for STIs.” She pulled him to her and kissed him, feeling his heart pound against her. “Are you alright?”
“I am.” He took her face in his hands. “I’m sorry. That was selfish. You feel so good, but I’d never want to hurt you.”
She sighed.