Home Fires (16 page)

Rose glared at Charles. She’d heard enough. First he’d been after the Judge and now he seemed intent on breaking down Mike’s resistance. “I think you owe both the Judge and Mike an apology.”

“Let me make one thing clear, Mr. Kendall. I stand to profit nothing—
nothing
—from that fire.” The Judge’s voice rang out with a sharp edge of authority. “The insurance will cover my loss. But since the
Journal
is carrying on its own investigation, I’m sure you know that by now.”

Charles opened his mouth to speak, but the Judge cut him off with a quick raise of his hand.

“Furthermore, I have complete and utter confidence in our fire department. They are competent professionals, well-trained at their jobs. When they find the person responsible, he shall be held accountable. And make no mistake, Mr. Kendall. That person
will
be found.”

“Thank you, Judge,” Mike said. “We’re doing the best we can.”

Rose sat back in her chair, slightly mollified at hearing the Judge taking a stand in Mike’s defense. After tonight, Mike would understand why she felt the way she did about her old friend. Surely he would understand why the Judge couldn’t—and shouldn’t—be considered a suspect.

The Judge’s lips twisted slightly in a close-pursed smile. “So be it, then. Officer, I am satisfied to leave things in your capable hands. I plan on being out of state for a few days on family business, but I look forward to hearing from you upon my return.”

“Good night, Your Honor,” Tommy Gilbert called out as the Judge headed down the porch steps. The Judge lifted a hand in a brief farewell wave as he made the short trek home across the front lawn.

“What in the world were you thinking, going after him like that?” Rose turned on Charles with a furious glare. “You know he didn’t set those fires.”

“I don’t know anything of the sort.” A haughty look crossed Charles’s face. “Besides, our circulation has picked up since the arsons started. Whoever the guy is that’s setting these fires, he’s good for business.”

“What makes you think it’s a guy?” Tommy Gilbert said from his seat across from Mike.

Charles shot Tommy a cool stare, then turned to Mike. “Correct me if I’m wrong, Officer, but isn’t arson normally a crime committed by men? Women don’t go around setting fires.”

Witnessing Charles’s blatant rudeness set Rose’s nerves skittering on high. And she wasn’t the only one annoyed. The irritation on Mike’s face was apparent for anyone who cared to notice.

“I can’t discuss the investigation,” Mike replied tightly. “You know that.”

“I’m not asking you to divulge privileged information,” Charles retorted. “I merely asked a simple question.”

“The evidence is down at the State Crime Lab. I’m hoping they’ll be able to give us some direction or lead.”

“That’s all you’ve got?” Charles’s voice filled with derision. “Those condos burned down five days ago. Our taxpayers deserve a better payout than that in you solving the crimes. So, tell me, Officer Gallagher—when can we expect some answers?”

Dealing with adversity was how she made her living, and Rose had had quite enough of Charles for one night. If he wanted a fight, she’d be glad to oblige. “Charles, why don’t you do us all a favor and shut up. Mike doesn’t need you grilling him. He’ll answer your questions when he’s good and ready.”

Mike shot her a fast look, then looked back to Charles. “Like I said before, the investigation is not open for discussion. I can’t talk about it.”

Sudden words in his own defense put a smile on her face. Mike didn’t need a spokesman or spokeswoman, either, speaking up for him. He could hold his own.

“Seems to me that there isn’t much you
can
talk about.” Charles’s face wore an outright smirk and his eyes held a bold challenge.

The faint glow of the porch light provided just enough illumination for Rose to spy the flush of anger on Mike’s cheeks. His eyes flashed as he glared at Charles. And poor Tommy, caught in the middle. She caught the worried stare as he nervously glanced back and forth between the two men.

“Stop it right now, both of you.” Rose jumped up from her chair. There was way too much testosterone flying on her mother’s front porch. “I’ve heard quite enough on this topic for one night.”

The staring match continued a few seconds longer as Mike stood his ground. Charles finally shrugged, dropped his gaze, and stood up from his chair.

“Cecilia is right. It’s getting late. Gentlemen, I propose we all get going and let Cecilia get some sleep.”

Mike and Tommy settled back comfortably on the porch steps.

Charles’s lips pursed in a thin line. He held his head high and stomped down the steps without another word. Rose watched him depart with an overwhelming sense of relief. He was still as arrogant, overbearing, and conceited as he had been in high school. She’d thought by now he would have learned the art of acting and speaking with prudence and decorum, especially given his position in such a public forum as the newspaper business.

“I don’t like that guy,” Tommy muttered as Charles’s car engine choked, stopped, and eventually sputtered to a start. It backfired once or twice before the glowing red taillights finally disappeared in the direction of downtown. “What’s he gotta be like that for? Acting so high and mighty.”

“Forget about him, Tommy,” Rose replied. “Charles will never change.”

“Yeah, well, he didn’t need to be so rude.” Tommy glanced across the steps at Mike. “He made it sound like you don’t know what you’re doing.”

Mike shrugged. “He has a job to do and so do I.”

“Joey doesn’t like him, either.” Tommy gazed back at Rose. “People in town don’t think much of the way he’s handling that paper. He could drop those advertising rates, too. We’re not some big city like Detroit or Grand Rapids. Heck, this is James Bay. Joey quit running his ad last month. Said he got more business from word of mouth than that pricey ad he had in the
Journal
.”

Rose listened quietly. Tommy made a valid point. Charles could be stuffy and arrogant, but he was tolerable, when taken in small doses. Joey Gilbert, however, was another sort entirely. She still remembered his volatile temper from their high school days. Joey was the only one of Tommy’s family she had never liked.

“You ever need any help down at the fire department?”

Mike shot Tommy a quick smile. “Sure. We’re always looking for volunteers. Why? You thinking about being a fireman?”

“Are you kidding me? All my life!”

“Stop by the department sometime when I’m on duty. I’ll show you around, let you see the trucks and equipment. You might change your mind when you see what’s involved.”

“I don’t think so.” Tommy’s eyes flashed with excitement. “What about tomorrow afternoon?”

“I’ll be around.”

“Sounds great. I’ll come down as soon as I get off work.”

“See you then.” Mike offered out his hand.

A big grin lit Tommy’s face as he grabbed Mike’s hand and pumped it hard. “I probably should get going. Joey’s got us out working early tomorrow. We’re trying to get stuff done early in the day before it gets too hot.” Tommy came to a slow stand and gave his short legs a brisk rubdown. “Thanks again, Cecil, for inviting me. Your party was fun. I always have a good time over here.”

“We’re glad to have you. You’ve been a big help to me, Tommy, with everything you’ve been doing. I appreciate it and I know my mom does, too.”

“No big deal. Glad to help. Your mom’s a real nice lady.” He gave a short wave and headed down the sidewalk.

“He’s a nice kid,” Mike said as they watched Tommy shuffle down the street toward home.

“That was sweet of you, taking the time to talk with him like that,” Rose murmured in the darkness between them.

“You think I’m sweet, do you?”

“You know what I mean.” She felt the telltale blush climbing her cheeks as she heard the flirting banter in his voice. How was she supposed to concentrate with him teasing like that? She struggled to continue. “Tommy tries so hard. Things can’t be easy for him the way they are right now. He lives with his brother and Joey Gilbert can be a real…” She swallowed down the vulgar comment that immediately rose to mind. “Tommy needs something going right in his life. Being on the fire department might be just the thing.”

“We’re always looking for volunteers. I’ll show him around, see what he thinks. But it’s not just fun and games. Some people think all you have to do is drive the fire truck and spray water on some flames.” Mike’s face sobered. “Volunteers are just as thoroughly trained as a paid firefighter. Everyone goes through certification. And if Tommy’s interested, there would be a lot of training involved before he could qualify.”

“He could do it,” she quickly replied. “People have the wrong idea about him because of the way he looks. Tommy was very sick when he was a little boy and ended up with a permanent limp. It’s always been a problem for him. My mother told me that’s what kept him out of the service.” She frowned suddenly. “Would Tommy’s limp stop him from becoming a volunteer?”

Mike shrugged. “I won’t kid you. It’s not easy passing the physical requirements. Hopefully his limp won’t hold him back. The training alone takes over one hundred hours. If Tommy makes it through that, plus passes all the required tests, he could end up a certified firefighter.”

“He’d be a great addition to the department. He’s a sweet guy and he’s very dependable. Plus, he’s stronger than he looks,” Rose assured him. “I don’t know what I’d have done around here without Tommy. He helped me fix up the house before mom got home. We made the front den into a sort of hospital room and he got the bathroom fixed up so she can manage things herself.”

Rose couldn’t stop the sigh from escaping her lips. “Being home has really opened my eyes. I didn’t realize taking care of her would be so hard.”

“I know what you mean. It’s easier to forget things when you’re not there…” His voice trailed off.

The darkness hung between them and Rose had the sudden feeling he’d meant to say more. She watched as he reached for the corn chips, his hand searching the bottom of the bowl. “There’s probably another bag in the kitchen if you’re still hungry.” It had to be way past midnight, but she didn’t want him to leave. The two of them had barely had a chance to talk alone.

“I am hungry,” he admitted with a rueful grin. “There was no chance for me to eat dinner. I had a couple of hot dogs before the parade.”

“Why didn’t you say something earlier? Come on inside, we’ve got lots of food left over.” Rose stood up, then laughed as she saw the hesitation on his face. “Don’t worry, I didn’t cook it. There’s no chance you’ll be poisoned.”

“That’s not it.” Mike shook his head as he came to his feet. “It’s getting late and everyone’s gone. Plus, I don’t want to disturb your mom. I probably should go on home.”

Her mother was fast asleep, and Rose wasn’t about to let him get away, not yet. She grabbed his arm, holding him hostage before he could head down the steps for his pickup. “What kind of a proper hostess would I be if I didn’t offer you something to eat? Besides, if my mother ever found out I let you go away hungry, I would never hear the end of it.”

Mike grinned. “Well, since you put it that way… I sure don’t want you to break any etiquette rules. And I don’t want to upset your mother.”

Rose halted as the soft purr of a car engine and flash of red taillights from the driveway next door caught her attention.

Mike nodded. “Isn’t that the Judge’s car?”

“I wonder where he’s going so late at night.” Her eyebrows knit together in a frown as the sedan pulled out of the driveway and started down the street.

“Looks like he’s headed downtown. Maybe he forgot something down at his office.”

“I doubt it. He’s flying out to California tomorrow. What would he need from his office?”

Mike shrugged. “His Blackberry?”

“I doubt he’s aware such things exist.” She sighed as the car disappeared from view. “Come on, let’s get you something to eat. A word of warning, though—my mom’s asleep. We need to be quiet.”

“Hey, speaking of your mom, that reminds me.” Mike rustled around in the darkness and finally grabbed hold of a bulky paper sack near his feet. He handed it to her with a smile.

“What’s this?” The sack was heavy in her hands.

“It’s for your mom. Sorry, I didn’t have time to wrap it.”

“You got my mom a present?” Rose flashed him a shy smile. “That was nice of you. She’ll be very pleased.”

“I didn’t think she had one in the house. And seeing as how you’re home again, I thought it might be a good idea.”

His words had her curiosity fully aroused. “Can I take a peek?”

“Go ahead.”

Cautiously Rose opened the sack and peered inside. Her eyes opened wide as she spied the small fire extinguisher.

“You mad?” An abashed grin played around his face.

“That you consider me a fire risk?” Rose grinned right back at him. “You’re a real tease, Mr. Gallagher, do you know that?”

“So I’ve been told,” he replied softly as he held open the screen door.

A gallant gentleman, this Gallagher man, and a hungry one, too. She watched in silent amazement as he sat at the kitchen table and devoured first one, then another, then a third piece of cold barbequed chicken.

“You looked pretty cute on that bicycle today.” His eyes sparkled thanks as she placed a large glass of cold milk before him.

“I’m surprised I even remembered how to ride it,” Rose said as she sank down in the chair opposite him. She thought of the condominium high-rise that she presently called home. Its narrow, gated entry, marble lobby and ornate glass elevator weren’t exactly bicycle friendly. And her building was located in the center of the city. Convenient for work and court appearances, but the only green spot was a tiny park two blocks down the street. Funny, she hadn’t realized until now how much she missed the sweet fragrant smell of newly mown grass.

“The city is no place for bicycles,” Rose finally said. “Too many cars.”

And not enough time. In the oddest silent moments, she caught herself realizing how much she’d given up, how much she missed having time for herself.