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  “My mom used to make these.” He brushed crumbs off his fingers and onto the plate. “Outside of Oreo cookies, they’re my favorite.”

  “Sorry to ruin them for you,” Carilyn said.

  He reached out and touched the side of her face. “That was my mom’s recipe and what you made is great. Thank you for making the brownies for me.”

  She couldn’t help smiling in return. He was so genuine and sincere. “You’re welcome,” she said.

  He let his hand drop away from her face, but his gaze remained on her. “You manage to surprise me,” he said.

  She raised her brows. “I hope that’s not a bad thing.”

  “No, it’s not a bad thing at all.” The corner of his mouth curved. “You’re a beautiful women who happens to be a computer geek; you bounced back from a head injury sooner than I expected; you’re brave; you’re genuine; and you even made me brownies.”

  She laughed. “Burnt brownies.”

  “Best burnt brownies I ever ate,” he said with a grin then leaned forward and brushed his lips over hers.

  ***

  Chapter 13

  Carilyn sat on the porch swing, alone for a second day. Cody had taken four days off from work, which apparently wasn’t usual—he had traded with another firefighter so that he could stay with Carilyn an extra day. Starting Monday it had been time for him to work a forty-eight hour shift where he would sleep at the fire department and then he’d have seventy-two hours off.

  The butterfly soft feeling of his lips against hers had left her tingling. All he’d done was give her that light kiss and it had made her body warm and desire him in a way she’d never expected. She wondered what would have happened the next day if he hadn’t had to leave for his shift at the fire department. Would he have kissed her again? Would it have become more than a kiss?

  If anything, she had to count herself lucky. If he’d been around these past days, she might have done something she would have regretted.

  She had argued with Cody about going back to Leigh’s, but in the end she’d agreed to stay put at his house for safety’s sake. However, she’d insisted that when he was back that she was going to go to Leigh’s to clean up the mess that had been made when it was ransacked.

  The metal pole on the porch swing was cool beneath her palm as she gripped it while she pushed the swing to and fro with one foot. She was waiting for the mail carrier to show up to deliver the package that contained what she needed to get to work. Cody had said the mail carrier, Gisele, arrived between 10:15 and 10:30 like clockwork, unless it was rainy or stormy. Today was another clear day, so she figured there shouldn’t be a problem in the mail carrier arriving on time.

  Tom, the retired rancher who worked for Cody, was out in the barn cleaning the stalls. From what Cody said, the rancher didn’t mind the dirty work that he did to supplement his retirement. Cody had felt more comfortable about leaving Carilyn at the house because Tom was there, and the older man kept a pistol in a holster hanging from his belt. He had a weapons permit and always “packed heat” as he referred to it. Tom was a nice man and she liked him, and it did make her feel better to know he was armed.

  Dirt boiled up from the road in the distance and Carilyn watched to see if it was the mail truck. When it came closer, she saw that it was and she waited for the truck to cross the cattle guard, travel down the long driveway, and pull up in front of the house.

  She rubbed her palms on her jeans, got up from her seat, and met the postal carrier as she got out of the truck.

  “Are you Carilyn Thompson?” The woman with graying hair asked as she came toward Carilyn.

  “Yes.” Carilyn smiled and took the clipboard from the carrier. “You must be Gisele.”

  Gisele nodded. “That’s me.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Carilyn signed, and then gave the clipboard back to Gisele.

  “Have a good day.” The carrier gave Carilyn the small box, turned away, and went back to the postal truck before driving off.

  After Gisele left, Carilyn headed into the house. It was cool inside but bright because the shades were open. She went to Cody’s office where she’d been setting up her laptop and she settled into the office chair. It took some time to load all of the software.

  When she was finished loading software, she went to the kitchen and fixed herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich along with a tall glass of milk. She took it to the office and ate while she finished organizing the computer’s desktop just the way she liked it.

  “Phew.” She leaned back in the chair when she was finished. The PB&J sandwich and glass of milk were gone and she toyed with the idea of another sandwich but decided to stay where she was and work instead considering she was a few days behind now. She’d have to wait to track down Firebug, too, because she needed to do her job. When she was ready she’d set up a tracer program.

  Soon she was lost in her work. She enjoyed contracting for the government, which was much better than actually being in a permanent position with Uncle Sam. She had freedom in the number of hours she worked, the days she worked, and the ability to do whatever it took to get the job done. It would come in handy some day when she stayed home to raise a family.

  That thought made her think of Cody and what it would be like to have a family with him.

  She groaned, shook her head, and got back to work.

  When she finished, she felt tired and realized she’d overdone it. She’d been working for hours with only a long enough break to fix herself lunch. She’d been feeling a lot better overall, but she hadn’t fully recovered from the concussion. Now she was exhausted and her head ached.

  She always kept her email closed when she worked so that she wouldn’t be distracted by anything that came in. She’d also been worried that she’d receive something else from Firebug. When she opened it she saw a couple of emails from friends, several work-related emails, and a message from Sam. Thank God there wasn’t one from Firebug. She even checked her spam folders, just to make sure.

  Her gaze lingered on the new one from Sam. She had meant to respond to him when she’d received the first one, but had forgotten to. He was probably concerned about her because she’d always been good about replying to him, even after they had broken up.

  She clicked on the email to open and read it.

  Carilyn,

  Are you off on one of your jaunts in some exotic locale with Leigh? Where? When do you return home? I need to see you.

  Love,

  Sam

  Carilyn worried her lower lip as she reread his email. He had signed both emails with “love Sam” and she wasn’t sure how to take that. Surely he didn’t want to get back together with her?

  She leaned back in the chair and stared at the computer screen. She had no intention of getting back with Sam again, if that was what he wanted to talk about. But then again, she might just be jumping to conclusions. For all she knew, he had met someone and was inviting Carilyn to the wedding.

  Did that thought bother her? She tilted her head to the side as she considered it. Yeah, she had to admit it would be difficult seeing Sam in love with another woman. At the same time, Carilyn also realized that she had moved on. It might be hard to see him marry another woman, but she could accept it.

  For now she’d take it as he probably meant it—just a friendly note that he was thinking about her. She might as well let him know that it would be a month before she got back to Kansas City.

  She didn’t plan on telling him about her car or Firebug—not now. She wanted this whole thing to be done and over with and didn’t want him to be worried about her while she was gone.

  Sam,

  It was a nice surprise to hear from you and I hope you are doing well.

  I’m staying in Prescott, AZ to watch Leigh’s house while she’s in Europe. I’ll call you when I get back in town sometime during the middle of next month, and we can catch up then.

  Take care,

  Carilyn

  After she pressed send
, she shut the lid on her computer. She found herself wishing that Cody was here, but he wouldn’t return until tomorrow morning when he got off of his shift. He had called her last night, checking on her, but hadn’t been able to talk for long.

  As she wandered toward the kitchen, her cell phone rang. She drew it out and saw that it was Cody. Her heart skipped a beat and she smiled as she answered it. “Hi, Cody.”

  “Hey there, sunshine.” A smile was in his voice. “How was your day?”

  “Tiring, but good.” She gripped the phone as she walked toward the living room, a smile on her own face. “My software came in today and I’m all set up.”

  “That’s great.” He hesitated. “No unwanted emails?”

  “None.” She shook her head. “Just the usual related to business and a couple of emails from friends.” She wasn’t going to bring up Sam in particular. “How was your day?”

  “A second grade class from the elementary school came to the station for a field trip.” He said it with enthusiasm. “Love how the kids’ eyes light up when they see the fire truck and ask questions.”

  After seeing him with the 4-H’ers, Carilyn would bet anything that he’d made the field trip fun for the kids. He’d make a great father, too. She could just tell from being around him and the way he talked about kids.

  She sat on the couch and curled her legs under her as she held the phone to her ear. “Having a group of kids come to the fire department sounds like fun.”

  “It was.” He paused. “Now be truthful. How are you feeling? Headaches, nausea, coordination?”

  “I’m feeling a lot better and much steadier on my feet.” She shifted on the couch. “Give me another day and I’m sure I’ll be good as new and ready to go back to Leigh’s.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that.” He sounded both amused and serious at the same time. “I don’t want you overdoing it.”

  “I won’t.” She crossed her fingers like a little kid. “You worry too much, cowboy.”

  “Never,” he said. “You’ll be all right there tonight?”

  “Yes, yes, yes,” she said with pretend exasperation. “I’m perfectly fine, Mr. McBride.”

  “Call me if you need anything,” he said. “I mean anything.”

  In a serious voice she said, “I’d like some bonbons and a satin pillow. Oh, and bring me a feathered boa and a diamond tiara while you’re at it.”

  “Anything for you, princess.” He laughed. “But for now I have to get back to work.”

  “See you in the morning,” she said.

  “See you.”

  When she disconnected the call, she let out a little sigh. She liked talking with Cody. It was comfortable and natural, as if they’d been friends for years. How had she so easily fallen into this comfortable rapport with him?

  Yes, it was very comfortable…perhaps too much so?

  * * * * *

  Cody had found himself driving home faster than he should have, all because he couldn’t get his mind off of Carilyn. He was on the last stretch of highway before home as a pair of flashing blue and red lights appeared in his rearview mirror. He groaned. Even with cousins on the police force, that didn’t make him immune from getting a ticket.

  He sighed and pulled the truck over onto the side of the road. He buzzed down the window as he waited with his hands on the wheel for the officer to come to the window.

  “So, where’s the fire?” came a familiar deep voice.

  Cody looked up to see his cousin, John McBride’s, not so amused expression. Reflective sunglasses hid John’s eyes, and Cody couldn’t tell if his older cousin was serious or not.

  “Hi, cuz.” Cody let out his breath, hopeful that John wasn’t going to give him a ticket.

  John was a big man, a hard man, and he had his clipboard in hand. “Cody, you do know you were going twenty-one miles over the speed limit? You should know that’s a criminal offense.”

  Cody winced. “Sorry.”

  “You’re lucky this is a lonely stretch of road and no one else is around.” John lowered the clipboard and Cody blew out a breath of relief as his cousin continued, “Watch your speed or next time I’ll have to give you a ticket.”

  “You’ve got it.” Cody gave John an expression of appreciation. “How are Uncle Hal and Aunt Angel?”

  “They’re both doing well.” John seemed to relax as he spoke of his parents. “You missed the reunion on Easter. It was a hell of a good time. You should drop by and see the folks.”

  “You’re right, I should go see them,” Cody said. “Really sucked that I got called in on the morning of the reunion—that was one of the days the damned arsonist struck.”

  “That’s right.” John gave a nod. “Reese has been keeping me updated on the progress in the case. I heard that one of the victims received a threatening letter, and another one is missing.”

  “Yeah.” Cody frowned. “I don’t like this, don’t like it at all.”

  “Same here.” John’s radio squawked on his shoulder and he responded to it. Cody recognized it was the code for a domestic dispute.

  “Watch that speed,” John said as he took a step back.

  “You bet,” Cody said before John turned away.

  Cody pulled his truck back onto the road, kept his speed just a couple of miles over the speed limit, and headed the last mile to the turnoff to his home.

  The thought of seeing Carilyn again made him smile. He had been looking forward to seeing her again since the day he’d left for his shift. It was the first time he could remember that time had seemed to crawl unbelievably slow.

  Carilyn was on the porch swing as he drove up to the house, typing on her laptop as she moved the swing back and forth. She looked up and smiled and gave a little wave to him as he parked.

  He smiled and grabbed his duffel as he climbed out. He shut the truck door behind him, and then strode up to the house.

  She closed the lid of the laptop and held it in her lap as she waited for him to walk up the porch. Loose tendrils of her red hair had escaped her braid and floated around her face in a soft breeze.

  When he reached her, she stood, still holding her laptop as she said, “Good morning.”

  The thought of having her waiting for him every time he came home from getting off a shift sent warmth through his gut.

  He wanted to kiss her, but instead said, “How are you feeling?”

  “So much better.” She walked in through the doorway as he held the door open for her.

  “You wouldn’t just be saying that because you want to go to Leigh’s?” he said as entered behind her and closed the door behind them.

  She shook her head. “Honest.”

  “You’d better be.” His lips quirked as he tossed his duffel on the loveseat. “Or I’ll have to turn you over my knee for lying.”

  She raised her chin in mock indignation. “I am not lying, Mr. McBride.” She turned toward the kitchen. “Come on and have some breakfast.”

  “Smells great,” he said as he sniffed the air. It smelled like baked potatoes and cheese. He followed her into the kitchen.

  “It’s a breakfast casserole.” She opened the oven and took out a casserole dish with potholders and set it on the stove. “Hopefully it’s not dry. I’ve been keeping it warm for you. I managed not to burn it.”

  He grinned. “I bet it’s great.”

  She grabbed a trivet and he carried the casserole to the table. “Only taste will tell,” she said.

  Over breakfast he described the kids in the second grade class who had come to the fire station. He and the other firefighters had enjoyed the kids’ visit and he could tell that Carilyn enjoyed hearing about it. She told him a little about what she’d been doing, but told him overall it was pretty boring compared to having a group of second graders visit.

  After breakfast, Cody went outside to take care of chores. He couldn’t get Carilyn off his mind. More importantly, he didn’t want to get her off his mind.

  He was glad to see that
she was feeling better. It was clear from the animated way she talked, her smile, and how clear her green eyes were, that she was doing a lot better. The only thing that bothered him was her insistence that she needed to go back to Leigh’s. Yes, he was concerned for her safety, but he enjoyed her company and didn’t want her to go.

  Somehow he had to convince her to stay until they had a better handle on this Firebug thing, or the bastard was caught.

  ***

  Chapter 14

  A sick feeling settled in Carilyn’s belly as she walked into Leigh’s living room. It looked even worse the second time around. The first time she’d been in shock. Now she was just angry.

  “How dare someone do this?” Her voice came out hard.

  “I don’t like the thought of you staying here.” Cody’s words were tight. “Like I’ve said before, the bastard could come back.”

  She said nothing as she righted a chair and adjusted the couch cushions. Cody helped, too, picking up the pieces of a broken lamp from off the floor.

  Carilyn looked at the end table and her skin went cold. The frame that had contained the photo of Leigh, Misha, and herself was empty. The photograph was gone.

  “Oh, my God.” Carilyn’s heart thumped so hard her chest ached. “He was here again.”

  “What?” Cody was at her side in a couple of strides. “How do you know?”

  Carilyn pointed to the frame. “I picked that up off the floor when we were here last. The glass was broken but the photograph was there.” She looked at Cody to see anger on his features. “He came back.”

  “You’re not staying here tonight.” Cody’s eyes were narrowed as he looked at the empty frame. He turned his gaze on Carilyn. “No arguments.”

  “Believe me, I’m not arguing.” She shuddered. “Just knowing he was here again makes me sick inside.”

  Cody nodded. “I’m calling Reese. Maybe they’ll get fingerprints this time.”