Page 70 of Bear Creek Valentine
“I got it, Rafe. If I run into trouble, I’ll come right back here and we’ll figure out something else. Kiss for luck.”
Heather gave him a peck on the lips, grabbed her backpack, and got out of the car. Dressed in black, she strapped on the pack, slipped on a pair of gloves, and approached the sturdy wood awning above the rear entrance to the store. First, she climbed up the side of the dumpster, then crossed to the overhang. From there, it was only a short step up and a few yards across to the flat roof of the next structure, and so on, until she reached her destination.
The old buildings on this block were all made to look taller by a decorative facade extending up beyond the flat rooflines—making it impossible to see anyone on the roof from the street below. The growing darkness both helped and hindered, forcing Heather to watch her steps, but making it difficult for her to be seen. She carried a small flashlight to prevent tripping over anything but found her path mostly unencumbered by obstacles.
It was the satellite maps that showed what otherwise could not be casually observed—a direct and mostly hidden route toDelicious,unlikely to trip any alarms or floodlights. The maps also revealed an old skylight on the shop’s roof; the perfect entry point for someone with the tools she carried. If all went well, she could get in and out before anyone was the wiser.
SinceDeliciouswas towards the far end of the block, it took a few minutes to reach the skylight. Heather looked around, but neither heard nor saw anything to indicate she’d been detected.Working quickly, she took off the pack and laid out her tools and supplies. If the alarm system went off, she’d have to move fast, which meant one shot at getting it right the first time. Heart pounding, Heather quickly rehearsed the steps in her mind, and with a deep breath, grabbed the crowbar and got to work.
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The cleanup began after everyone left. Several guests volunteered to help, but Aiden sent everyone home to rest before the big day tomorrow. Since there were no leftovers to deal with, it was mostly washing dishes and putting everything back where it belonged. He and his mate were tired, but pleased that the meal went so well. Normally, Dash would have been with his family for the holiday, but they didn’t give him any grief for missing this year. Aiden’s holiday memories were of stunted, unpleasant affairs he’d long forgotten.
Pots and pans went in the dishwasher, leaving the tableware to be done by hand—Dash washing and Aiden drying. With only a small stack of plates left to go, Dash’s sensitive ears picked up the sounds of a single car pulling up to the house. A loud knock on the front door soon followed, just as Aiden’s phone began to ring. Dash went to answer the door while Aiden noticed the caller was Four Star Security. Damn! Today of all days?
“Mister Romero? We have reports of a fire atDeliciousin Bear Creek. First responders are already on the scene, and we suggest you meet them there immediately.”
Aiden looked up to see a Sheriff’s deputy standing on the front porch, asking them to come downtown.
“My apologies for interrupting your holiday, but the Chief will want to speak with you.”
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Dash drove and Aiden somehow held it together, utterly silent, until they got within sight of the shop. A defeated whimper escaped his throat, and Dash gripped the back of his neck to steady him. Two fire engines were pouring water intoDeliciousfrom the street and the alley, smoke rising from the remains of his business. The street was clogged with law enforcement and fire department personnel, and emergency lights reflected off the nearby shop windows. Dash pulled into the closest space and they ran toward the scene, only to be blocked by another deputy who recognized the couple.
“Sorry, gentlemen. You’ll have to wait across the street until the fire department is finished. The Chief will want to speak with you once he’s evaluated the structure, and I believe some of your employees are over there waiting for you.”
Serena and Skip were huddled with a small crowd of onlookers, despite Aiden’s assumption that all his supper guests were already home for the night. They appeared relieved to see Aiden and Dash, and Serena hugged them both with tears streaming down her face.
“Skip and I were at the Bears & Beer for a nightcap when we heard the sirens. You can’t tell me this was a random fire. If I ever get my hands on Heather Novak, I’ll strangle the nasty bitch!”
Dash’s bear couldn’t hold back a snarl of agreement, but Aiden’s resolve finally crumbled to pieces. He turned to his mate for comfort, and Dash wrapped strong arms around the weeping man. While he stroked Aiden’s back and whispered encouragements, Dash was already working out a tentative plan to move forward. He knew Aiden well enough now to realize he wouldn’t give up without a fight, and they’d face this crisis together. He looked up to give Serena and Skip some instructions.
“Novak probably thinksDeliciousis history, but we’re going to prove her wrong. Call your teams and let them know what happened. It won’t be easy, but I think we can get up and running in a few days with hard work and a little luck. We’ll need everyone, including the new part-timers, to report at seven tomorrow morning at D2. Tell them casual dress, and meals will be provided.”
Grateful for something todo, they moved away from the small crowd and began making calls. Aiden withdrew a handkerchief from a front pocket, wiping his nose and face, all while drawing on his mate’s calm confidence. Crying wouldn’t solve anything, but questions swirled in his head. How much damage did the fire do? Was the new building affected too? How could he survive the busiest season of the year without a storefront? Dash finished sending a text, kissed Aiden’s forehead, and pocketed his phone.
“Ryder is on his way, and we’re both going to help, so you won’t have to handle things alone. This is just a temporary setback, love. We still have D2, the satellite location, and a great crew to work with.”
Aiden heaved a great sigh and shook his head.
“You’re right, of course, but it’s hard to think straight right now. I wonder how she... “
They were interrupted by the approach of the Fire Chief, who drew them away from the spectators for a private word.
“This appears to be a case of arson, Mister Romero. The structure itself seems sound, but we’ll have to wait until morning to do a more thorough evaluation. You’ll want to contact your insurance agent first thing and file a report with the Sheriff. This is an awful way to celebrate Thanksgiving, but at least no one was hurt, and the fire didn’t take out any adjoining businesses. Personally, I hope you plan to rebuild because Bear Creek just wouldn’t be the same withoutDelicious.”
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Meanwhile, on Interstate 476
Rafael and Heather were in a jovial mood as they headed home. They had a few deliveries to make before crashing at their new digs, but the successful torching ofDeliciousgave them a reason to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. They were giggling like idiots when Rafe checked the rearview mirror and spied a patrol car. Had he been there all along, or was he simply going their way? The question was answered when the cop flipped on his lights, and Rafe’s curses put an end to their levity. Being pulled over wasn’t an option, given the irregularities of his vehicle and its contents.
“Hang tight, babe, I’m gonna have to outrun the bastard.”
Thanks to the information Glen Wahl provided the police, area law enforcement was on the lookout for a dark blue Caddy with a stolen license plate. Drug dealers were a dime a dozen in Scranton, but catchingthisone might also allow them to pick up Heather Novak as a person of interest, and end her crime spree. The pair mysteriously disappeared after the Halloween incident at D2, and until now, the authorities hadn’t been able to locate them.
Rafael wasn’t about to be captured, however, as he poured on the speed. Heather clutched the armrest as they weaved in and out of traffic, trying to shake the officer behind them. Rafe knew this stretch of road well and was intent on reaching the construction zone up ahead, hoping to take advantage of the newly finished lane that was still blocked from use.
