Page 9 of Scarred Trust

“Why yes,” beamed Amanda, proud of her connection with the prominent law firm. “Miss Duffy is the representative of our prestigious sponsor.” When I turned, it surprised me to see Wes’s angry glare directed at me.

“Maybe we should discuss this in private.” I was representing ABS. There was no room for drama. As an employee and a junior partner candidate, I knew I was always being watched. How I handled this situation would be reported back to my superiors.

“Oh sure. Sure, let’s do that. Let’s have you corner me and tell me how great your company is. How it’s done no wrong. How it’s not culpable for any of the shit it does.” Even as he was spitting vicious words, I took him by the arm and escorted him across the room, back to the same shadowy corner where we had shared a passionate kiss. However, I couldn’t think about that if I wanted to stay in lawyer mode and resolve the situation before it got out of hand.

“Wes, I really have no idea what you’re talking about. My company works exceptionally hard for this city and all of its clients.” Dignity and decorum were key. Logic and civility would get to the center of the issue most expediently.

“Your company? How did you manage to hide that you were working for the fucking enemy? All this time. You lied to me.” His expression contorted in anger and venom.

“You’re the one who assumed I only worked at the pub. I didn’t hide anything. It’s not like I didn’t have reference books and papers stacked on the table. I can’t help that you didn’t notice or bother to ask,” I hissed. I was losing my composure. I needed to redirect this conversation to something productive.

“I’m the bad guy for respecting your privacy? Do they provide gaslighting classes as a perk over there?” Wes’s jeer lit me on fire in a completely different way.

“I work two jobs in between spending time with you. I cut out any personal time and have given it to you. I have done nothing to deserve this vitriol.” I clenched my fists, trying to release some of my anger.

“ABS killed my family. Therefore, you are the enemy.” He moved closer, boxing me in the corner. His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. His finger, pointing at my chest, was so close I could almost feel the jab.

“What do you mean? Those were accidents!” The outlandish accusation caught me off guard. I had never thought Wes could become so unhinged.

“Eight historical buildings. Accidentally burned. Their designations reversed. Replaced by a modern high-rise. Each represented by ABS. That’s not a coincidence. It’s a pattern.” He ticked the facts off on each finger, his heated breath pressing against me.

“Investigations were conducted. Reports submitted. All accidents. If a historical building doesn’t exist, then it only makes sense to petition for it to change.” Facts were an anchor, helping me to think clearly again.

“They were threats carried out. I’m evidence of that. And you’re complicit.”

“Wes, you can’t just go throwing around these accusations! There are legal consequences for slander.”

“I may not have definitive proof yet, but I will, and then I will take you all down.”

“I am not against you here. What can I do to make you understand?”

“If you’re not with me, you’re against me. If you really want to understand, go do your homework. Find out what your precious company is really up to.” He turned to walk away. I grabbed his hand, and he stared at where I was touching him, like I had just caused another scar as bad as those across his neck.

Chapter 6

IT HAD BEEN QUIET MOST of the night. The lounge was loud and boisterous with the guys playing card games like it was an Olympic sport. I sat off to the side in a comfortable oversized chair, trying to read a book I’d been working on for a while.

In between rounds, they teased our probie Dovovan, who was in the adjacent open-concept kitchen. Someone had had the great idea of letting him make his ‘famous’ chicken enchiladas. I’m not sure what made them famous, but they were delicious.

After eating, I made the rounds of the firehouse, heading downstairs to check the trucks and equipment. I even checked in the workout room, more for a distraction than concern that any of the crew missed something. I felt like someone was watching me at every turn. Then I glimpsed someone in the large window overlooking the bays.

I’d seen the furtive looks when the crew thought I wasn’t looking. We hadn’t talked about the photoshoot. I should explain myself. I had asked my therapist for suggestions on how to go about it. Honestly, I was embarrassed. I’m their Lieutenant and should be a leader for them. After the progress I had made with them, I gave them more reasons to doubt that I was fit for this position.

I thought of lying down for a while, but I knew I wouldn’t sleep. Instead, I went to the storage area, acting like I was going to check things there also, but I knew I was actually hiding from everyone.

It’s been eight days, six hours, and thirty-seven minutes since I last saw Cate. I think I really fucked this one up. I thought she would call or text me. I thought she’d apologize. I knew I was angry, but she works for fucking ABS and should know why I’m pissed.

Every fire incident had taken down one of these old buildings. Somehow, it leads back to them. How long has she been working for them? How far back do the incidents really go? How involved is she? Questions I probably should have asked instead of storming off.

I’ve missed her. I felt her around me all the time. Her smell in the rose garden. Her touch before I fall asleep. The sound of her laugh when she thinks I’m funny. The taste of her when our kiss gets so intense, the world disappears around us.

I didn’t think it was possible to fall so hard, so fast. Maybe it was because I had been infatuated with her for so long. This could be a good thing, so I saw her for who she really was. Then why do I still wish she would call, text, or send me a goddamn meme of some cat chasing a bug?

The sonorous alarm erupted, accompanied by the verbal announcement of the incident type and address. I was first in the locker room and was getting suited up when the others came running in. As soon as I was done, I went to the office upstairs and grabbed the run ticket off the printer that had the precise location and notes for us.

The lights and sirens were on when I got to the bays, and the last of the crew was boarding the trucks. Once I took my position on the ladder truck, we were speeding through the city to Motor Row. Police had the street blocked off, but let us through to pull in front of the building. Captain Cole was close behind us.

“Real quick. Our full staff is coming in for this one, and we’ll be working a coordinated effort with another local fire department. Rescue team, there’s no one reported to be inside, but be thorough as always. Ladders, focus on the ventilation to slow this down. Engine team, let’s get those hoses connected and rolled out. Stay on high alert and be safe.” Finished with his update, Captain Cole sent us on our way.