Never Forget The Past (The Men 0f Fire Beach Book 4) Read online

  “Okay, let’s go.”

  Chapter 4

  Makenna pulled open the door and stepped inside the small station first, but she could feel the hulking presence of Bubba behind her. Had he always been such a presence? She remembered him being handsome back then, but she’d been too focused on her career to notice many men. Plus, he’d been a suspect at first, making him unsuitable to date, but now she was settled and he was cleared. And she couldn’t deny that he was attractive.

  “Hey, Captain,” Clark, her newest recruit, said from the front desk. He had just graduated from the academy and was greener than she would have liked, but he seemed like a good kid. Eagerness and a willingness to learn were his best traits, and she would take those over a knowledgeable curmudgeon any day.

  “Clark.” She nodded at him before continuing through to the evidence room. Tad, Kelsey, and Brayden sat at their respective desks, but all looked up as they entered.

  “Guys, this is Matt Fisher, er Bubba, the guy I was telling you about. He’s the only one to escape the arsonist, and he’s offered to lend whatever help he can. Bubba, you might remember Tad Brewer.” She pointed to the dark haired lieutenant before turning to her other two officers. “This is Kelsey Knight and Brayden Cook.”

  Tad stood first and extended a hand. “Good to see you again, man.” The two men shook and then Kelsey stood and threw out her hand as well.

  Kelsey had been the first one hired after Makenna’s predecessor, Stillman, had made captain. She was good, thorough, and though her thinner frame mislead people, she was tough as nails. Her blond hair was pulled back in its customary ponytail, and her face was nearly devoid of makeup. Still young, she could pull it off, and there were days when Makenna envied that fresh face.

  “Nice to meet you, Bubba. Wish it was under better circumstances.”

  “As do I.”

  Brayden was the last to stand. He’d sent his application in right after the arsonist story made the news. Makenna hadn’t been sure whether he was simply chasing the story or if he was hoping to be the one to break the case. He was tall and lanky, and he had an ego the size of Texas. Had it been her decision, she might not have hired him, but he had turned out to be a decent cop.

  “Welcome, Bubba.”

  “Okay, now that introductions are made, let’s catch Bubba up on the case. As you remember, there were three women killed the first time.” Makenna moved over to the board where pictures were hanging. She pointed first to the young, perky blond. “Daisy Johnson who worked at the coffee shop you stopped at regularly.” Her hand moved to the stunning brunette. “Alexis Gibbons who worked out at the same gym you did, and,” her finger moved one more time to the final picture, a pretty redhead with a dusting of freckles across her nose, “Clarissa Wiggins who was a massage therapist and whom you dated briefly, am I right?”

  Bubba nodded, but his eyes were wide as he looked from one woman to the next. “When you lay it out like that, I can see why you thought I was a suspect.”

  Makenna nodded. “You were the only link we could find between these three women. Clarissa and Daisy didn’t attend the same gym Alexis did. Neither Alexis nor Clarissa drank much coffee, and we found no record that Daisy or Alexis were ever clients of Clarissa.”

  “So, if the killer was after me, why go after these women? I barely knew Daisy. I mean I spoke to her the mornings I ordered coffee, but I’d never seen her outside of the coffee shop, and Alexis led the aerobics classes at my gym which I didn’t take. The only one I had a true connection with was Clarissa, and we broke up months before she was killed. And it was amicable.”

  “That’s what we’ve been trying to figure out,” Tad spoke up and joined Makenna at the board. “At first we thought the killer was a spurned interest or something. All of these women are beautiful, so perhaps he tried to ask them out and was rejected. That made sense until the attempt on your life.”

  “When you were brought into the equation, we were left with two scenarios,” Makenna continued. “Either the killer wanted to hurt you and he chose these women because he thought they meant something to you or you represented what he would never be.”

  “But if it were the latter, wouldn’t he have kept killing even after me?” Bubba’s eyes flicked from Tad to Makenna. “You said the killings stopped after the attempt on my life.”

  “They did. Until the other night. Now, we have another victim.” She motioned to Kelsey who stood and took her place at the board.

  “This is Peter Smith,” Kelsey said pointing to a picture of a young looking man. “Single though we believe he had a girlfriend. He owned a repair shop on Fifth that he opened a few years ago. There’s only one other employee, and we’re still working on his friends, but his parents live here as well.”

  Bubba’s brow creased as he gazed at the man. “I don’t understand. I don’t know that man, and he isn’t in the same occupation that I am. Does the killer want to be both of us?”

  Makenna exchanged glances with her team. Bubba not knowing Peter did blow a hole in the first theory, and he was right - the other man didn’t look like him. He was smaller, more average looking, and his job didn’t hold the clout that a firefighter’s did. “We don’t know.”

  She hated saying those words. She was supposed to be in control here, but this guy - if it was the same guy and not a copycat - just made no sense. Why the shift in victims? Why the long break? Why did he start killing again? There had to be some connection, some trigger, but she had no idea what it was.

  Before she could say more, the door to the room opened and Natasha Kingston, head reporter for the Woodville Gazette and a pure pain in Makenna’s backside, burst into the room. “Oh, my word, it is true.”

  Clark entered behind her, chagrined and apologetic. “Sorry, Captain, she blew right past me.”

  “It’s fine, Clark.” Makenna had dealt with Natasha enough to know the woman took pushy to a whole new level. Clark would have been no match for her. “What can I do for you, Natasha?”

  Her bright red lips pursed as her eyes shifted from one person to the next until they finally landed on Bubba. “I thought Old Henry was yanking my chain when he burst into my office stating he had just seen a ghost. I almost wrote him off. I am in the middle of a big story, you know, but my back was aching, and I figured I could use a break. So, I decided I would see if there was any truth to the ghost of Matt Fisher getting out of your squad car and entering the building. Boy, am I glad I did.”

  Makenna rolled her eyes and stifled a sigh as Natasha pulled a portable recorder out of her purse and stepped toward Bubba. “Matt, do you want to tell me your story? I’d be delighted to write an exclusive on you.”

  Disgust erupted in Makenna’s throat at the words that sounded more like a seductive purr than an actual question. While she wanted word to get out about Matt’s return, Natasha would not have been her choice.

  “Natasha, Matt just got to town. He hasn’t even gotten the chance to see his family. Perhaps your exclusive could wait until tomorrow?”

  Natasha turned to Makenna, a fake smile plastered on her face. “Captain Drake, it is my job to deliver the news to the good people of Woodville, and this is definitely news. Now, I could run yet another story on how the police department has yet to find the killer who is terrorizing our town after a five year hiatus, or,” she turned back to Bubba, “you could give me a few minutes with our former hero here, and I could put out a much nicer piece.”

  Makenna forced herself to remain calm. Natasha was a dislikeable person, but she was just doing her job. Still, she didn’t like the thought of Bubba being subjected to her, especially on his first day back before he’d even had the chance to reunite with his family. She looked to Bubba and shrugged. “I’ll leave the decision up to him. We’re done here for the day anyway.”

  Natasha’s lips morphed into a sultry pout, and she placed a hand on Bubba’s arm. “What do you say, Matt? Can I have a few minutes of your time?”

  Though the desire
to say no was written all over his face and evident in his posture, Bubba nodded. “Sure, I can give you a few minutes. On one condition.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You don’t run the story until tomorrow. I want to talk to my folks before they read it in the paper.”

  Her lips pursed as she appeared to think over the offer. It was early afternoon, and Makenna thought Natasha could get a paper out tonight if she busted her butt, but did she want to work that hard? Besides, evening papers were a rarity in Woodville and most people wouldn’t read it until the following morning anyway.

  “Fine. I promise not to print it until tomorrow.”

  “Then you have yourself a deal.”

  Makenna wanted to apologize for putting Bubba on the spot, but there was no chance to get him alone during the short walk down the hall to one of the conference rooms. She waited in the door frame for an invitation to sit in, but when he didn’t offer one, she took the hint and closed the door. He was an adult, and he could take care of himself. So, why did she hate the thought of leaving him alone with Natasha?

  * * *

  Bubba settled in his seat and leaned back. He was familiar with Natasha and knew that for the next few minutes, he would need to choose his words carefully. She was a good journalist, but like most, she tended to focus on the words that would make her story pop and bury the rest, even if it ended up twisting the meaning of the interviewee. Thankfully, he had avoided most situations with her when he worked at the firehouse, but he’d heard his captain complain more than once when what she printed took his words out of context.

  “So, Matt, why did you let everyone here think you were dead five years ago? Were you hiding something?”

  “On the contrary. After the attempt on my life, Captain Drake and I thought my “death” might keep the killer from going after my family.”

  “Really? You left your job as a fireman, deserted basically, and you want us to believe you did it to save your family? You were a suspect originally, am I right?”

  Bubba didn’t like where this was going, and he knew the spin on it would do nothing for his image. He didn’t care so much about that as he did about the backlash that would fall on his parents. They’d probably already had to deal with questions and pitying looks and apologies for the last five years, he didn’t want any more grief put on them.

  He leaned forward and stared into Natasha’s eyes. She was tough, but he was tougher, bigger, and had much more at stake. “I know you want a sensational story, Natasha, but that is the truth.”

  “Perhaps it is.” Confidence flowed out of her voice, and her steely eyes never wavered. “But I find it odd that you were the main suspect until your house caught fire. And then after your “death,” the fires stopped. Don’t you find that a little coincidental?”

  “I might. If I were you, and if they hadn’t started back up again. What’s your spin on that, Natasha? I was hundreds of miles away when this latest one happened.”

  She smiled, but it was not a warm, friendly smile, more the smile of a predator searching for her next meal. “I think there are two possibilities. Either, you came back early and wanted us to think you were still wherever you’ve been hiding, so that you would have an alibi. Or you have someone here you’ve been in contact with doing your dirty work.”

  Bubba shook his head and leaned away from her. “You have quite the imagination, Natasha, but why don’t you try this one on. Imagine that you were the subject of a murder investigation even though you had dedicated your life to saving people. Imagine waking up to the smell of smoke and knowing that everything you own will soon be a pile of black ash. Imagine that you are told the only way to save the ones you love is to leave them forever, never communicate with them, and try to pretend they never existed. Imagine having to move to a new town with a name you’ve never been called, with a past not your own and try to fit in.”

  He pushed back his chair and stood up. “And if you finish that and still think you should write the story in your head, then I want you to think about your parents. Think about them mourning you for five years and having to deal with questions and stares from the neighbors and people they once called friends. Imagine their joy when they realize you’re alive and then their utter destruction when someone fabricates a story about you and calls it news simply because they can.”

  Her mouth opened, but Bubba had no intention of letting her have the last word. “You can write whatever story you want, Natasha, but God help your soul if you write the trash you can’t back up with facts and pretend it’s truth.”

  With that he walked out of the room and found himself face to face with an embarrassed Makenna.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to listen.” The corners of her lips twitched as if fighting a smile. “But that was great. You don’t know how many times I wanted to tell that woman off, but in my position-”

  “Makenna,” he said, cutting her off, “can you take me to see my parents?” He wasn’t mad at Makenna, but frustration raged through him.

  Her smile faltered as she shifted back into her profession. “Right. Of course. I’ll take you right away.”

  “Makenna.” He grabbed her arm as she stepped away from him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. It’s just been a long day, and I have no idea what that woman is going to write. I’d just like to spend some time with my parents before,” he shrugged, “you know.”

  She offered a small smile. “I do, so let’s get you home.”

  Chapter 5

  Bubba stared at the single level house that belonged to his parents. He had only spent a few years in this house as they had moved to Woodville when he was in high school, but for a time, at least, it had been home. Now, it felt like someone else’s life. He hadn’t been in this house for nearly five years, and he’d had no contact with his family since then either. What would they say? Would they hate him? His nerves twisted and knotted in his stomach, creating the feeling of having swallowed a lead weight.

  “Should I come in with you?” Makenna asked, touching his arm.

  The gentle feel of her hand focused Bubba, and he nodded. “That would be nice. There are parts I can’t explain, but will your family mind you being out so late?”

  A look of regret passed briefly over Makenna’s face. “No one is waiting up for me except my cat, Tabitha.”

  Bubba knew that feeling. He’d tried dating a few women when he’d first moved to Fire Beach, but he could never completely relax. A sense of guilt about the women who had been murdered still plagued him even though he knew it wasn’t his fault. Still, they had been killed simply because they knew him. That was hard to get over. Plus, deep down inside, a part of him feared it would happen again if he found someone and opened up about his past. It had just been easier to keep a distance and pretend he didn’t need the company or the companionship, even though he did.

  Perhaps Makenna was the same way. She’d definitely been devoted and eager when he’d met her five years ago. Maybe she too dealt with the guilt of never catching the arsonist or maybe her job was her life. To make captain as quickly as she had meant she was dedicated to her work. Perhaps, there was no time for a man in her life. He didn’t know why that thought pulled at his heart.

  “Okay, let’s do this then.” With a final deep breath, Bubba opened his door and stepped out of the police cruiser.

  Makenna fell into step beside him as they walked up the concrete path to the front door. His finger was almost on the bell when Makenna’s hand stilled his arm.

  “Wait, Bubba, I should tell you that your “death” hit your parents hard. They’ve aged faster than they might have otherwise, I think.” Her eyes brimmed with apologies. “I just thought you should be prepared.”

  Her words broke his heart, but Bubba had known the ruse would be hard on his parents. He was the oldest, their first born, and no parent should ever have to bury their child, no matter how old. He had argued about it with Makenna on the night of his escape.

&nb
sp; “I think we need to pretend you were killed, and you need to leave town,” Makenna said as she paced her living room.

  Matt shot up from the couch and threw his hands in the air. “Are you kidding me? I have a life here. My family is here.”

  “That’s exactly my point.” She turned and closed the distance between them. “I thought you were the arsonist because all the women were connected to you, but now I think you may have been the target all along. I think the arsonist was choosing women he thought you cared about, and when that didn’t faze you, he targeted you. If we let him believe you’re dead, then maybe this will end, but if he knows you’re still alive, who will he target next? Felicity? Your mother? Your father? Do you really want their lives on your head?”

  Matt stared into her eyes. Of course he didn’t want to see his parents hurt or his foster sister, but was this really the only way? “You really think the killings will stop if he thinks I’m dead?” She was asking him to give up everything - his life, his family, his job. Everything he had worked so hard for, but if it meant the killings stopped, he had to do it, didn’t he?

  “I don’t know, but my gut says yes. Look, let’s get you out of town and continue the charade. If the killings continue, I’ll bring you back and explain to your family. But if they don’t continue, if they end-”

  “Then you’ll know it was about hurting me all along,” Bubba finished. Why anyone would want to hurt him was beyond comprehension. He was a fireman. He saved lives. He attended church and volunteered. He donated to charities. Why would anyone want to hurt him? He searched his memory for any altercation, any event that might have been misconstrued enough to set someone off, but he came up with nothing.

  “I’m sorry, Matt. I know this is a lot to ask, but I think it’s the only way.”

  And she’d been right. The killings had stopped. For five years. For five years, the people of Woodville had been safe. His family had been safe. But now that safety was crumbling yet again, and every bone in his body wanted to catch this guy. To stop him. To make him pay for the five years he had stolen from him.