Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 101466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
I sat in the rig, stewing. She was far better at this game than I was.
I wondered what she had up her sleeve next.
The following day, freshly showered, I headed to the break room. It had been a busy night, emergencies one after another, so I’d gotten little sleep. Some of the guys were napping, but I wanted to stay awake. My three-day shift ended later today, and I wanted to adjust to a regular sleeping schedule.
I stopped to get some coffee, looking around hopefully. No new food items had appeared from Casey, so she must be waiting until I got home for her next move. I wondered if I would find the house covered in wind chimes or a girly wreath on my front door. No doubt she’d come up with something clever.
I had my answer a few moments later.
I did a double take as I crossed the station floor to the break room we shared with the police and paramedics. We often pooled meals as well, finding one another’s stories amusing and company affable. On occasion, we had cook-offs, cops or paramedics competing against firefighters. The cops usually won, thanks to their secret weapons—two retired chefs who worked in the station.
Casey was standing at the intake desk, speaking with Martha, who was shaking her head and looking concerned.
My heart rate sped up in worry.
Why was Casey here? Was she okay?
Did something happen?
What was she talking to the police for?
I set down my coffee, hurrying over.
“Casey,” I called out. “Everything okay?”
She turned and my breath caught. I’d somehow forgotten how pretty she was. Dressed casually in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, she was effortlessly sexy. Her hair hung down her back, almost touching her ass, glossy and rich under the bright lights. She had on her usual Doc Martens, and her lips were shiny with gloss. I had a strange urge to lean down and kiss it off when I got close.
I resisted since she was my tenant. That was all.
And I was surrounded by coworkers and the police.
“What’s happened?” I demanded. “Everything okay at the house?”
Martha spoke. “Some vandalism has occurred.”
“What?” I asked, shocked. I had never had a single incident in the time I’d lived there.
Casey faced me. “I was robbed.”
“Robbed?” I repeated. “Are you okay?”
She nodded. “I think someone in the neighborhood hates my decorations. My wind chimes keep disappearing. I put them up, and poof, they’re gone.”
Martha shook her head. “Damn kids.”
“I was just dropping off some treats, and I thought I’d ask Martha if anyone else had reported missing, ah, decorations.”
I gaped at her, then looked at Martha, who was watching me closely.
Dammit, this girl was good.
I cleared my throat. “Well, no need to involve the police, Casey. As your landlord, I’ll look into it. I’m sure it was just someone pulling a joke.” I had to swallow, trying not to laugh. “I mean, who takes people’s wind chimes? Just a prank.”
“I hope so,” she murmured. “I hate to think there is some sicko out there and what they’re doing with my wind chimes.”
“Not getting any cookies, that’s for sure,” I griped.
“What?” Martha said, looking amused.
“Nothing.”
The police chief walked out with my chief, looking our way and coming over.
“Shit,” I muttered as Fleming and Arnold stopped beside Martha.
“Problem, Thorne?” Chief Fleming asked, looking between our little trio.
I stepped closer to Casey, reaching for her hand and squeezing it.
“You win,” I said as quietly as possible.
Casey smiled brightly and shook her head. “No. I was just catching up with Martha. I hadn’t seen her in a long time.” She laughed lightly. “And Mr. Thorne is my landlord. He saw me and was worried something might be amiss. He is so conscientious.”
Chief Fleming nodded. “Not surprised. Thorne is one of the most highly respected firefighters on staff.”
“Is that so?” Casey asked.
He indicated the wall to his right, closest to the fire station part of the building. “Lots of commendations. He’s saved many people. Animals. Voted most hardworking volunteer at the food kitchen and the local Habitat for Humanity. Twice.”
Chief Arnold grunted in approval. “Good man. Always proud to work with the fire department and their great men and women. And happy to meet you, Miss…ah?”
“Oh, Casey Lawson.”
“Lawson,” Arnold muttered. “I knew a Lawson years ago. Lived here for a short time with her daughter.” He looked between us. “Related to Lou somehow?”
“Yes,” Casey acknowledged, a catch in her voice.
“Casey is living in Lou’s place now,” I explained.
Chief Arnold extended his hand. “Any relation of Lou is a friend. Welcome.”
Casey shook his hand, then my chief did the same. “You’re the one who sent in the cookies and the lasagna?” Fleming asked.
Casey met my eyes, grinning. “That’s me.”
Fleming clapped my shoulder. “Keep this one happy, Jesse. Those were the best cookies I ever tasted.” He chuckled as he walked away. “Not that you’d know.”