Page 1 of Jagged Burn
Chapter One
One For The Road
Stefan Grey
I sip my bourbon, smoke in the bar swirling around me while a sad country song plays on the jukebox in the corner by the pool table.Secluded in my corner, I watch people I have known my entire life as they mingle and laugh on a Friday night.I’m on the outside, always looking in.
That’s not the entire truth, though.I used to be the life of the party.But things are different now.
“Why are you sulking?”Matt, my best friend and fellow firefighter asks.“This place is packed with women.Drunk women with loose morals.”
“Don’t start,” I say with a grumble.
He stares, frowning.“You’re twenty-five.It’s time to return to the living, Stefan.”
“Matt,” I say with a sigh before taking a deep breath.“This is why I stay home.”
“And this is why I drag you out with me,” he replies with a smirk.“I know you went through a lot and you’ve changed, but—”
“Stop!”I say harshly, cutting him off.I slam my glass on the polished oak bar top, shattering it and sending bits of glass flying and drawing the attention of everyone in the bar.“I told you, I’m fine.”
For long moments he doesn’t say anything before he nods and signals the bartender.“Another, please.”His finger circles in the air indicating us both.
It takes a moment for the rest of the patrons to go back to what they were doing, and I feel like a freak on show the entire time, only breathing once they stop staring.I should be used to it by now, it has been eighteen months after all, but I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the looks.
Matt’s cell phone rings and a smile spreads across his features when he sees the name of the caller on the screen.Immediately I assume it’s a woman and jealousy swims through my veins making me feel guilty.And then I hear his words and feel like a complete asshole.
“Hey, Anna!”
I can’t hear her end of the conversation, but I can see the instant change in his body language.Something is wrong and I am immediately ready for action.I just need him to tell me what to do.
“Calm down,” he says hurriedly.“Tell me where you are, and I will come and get you.”
She says something and he nods, taking in the information she is giving him.
“Listen carefully.Lock yourself in the bathroom,” he says, already standing.I drop some money on the bar as we both move in unison toward the exit.“We’ll be there in ten minutes.”
He pockets his phone as I unlock and round my truck, happy that I drove us here tonight.“What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure,” he says as I throw the truck in “drive.”
“She was crying hysterically.All I heard was that she needed me, and she was at 1319 Blake Street.”
I nod at his words.“I didn’t know she was back in Kidds Beach,” I say, keeping my voice even as thoughts of Anna in tears has rage swimming through my veins.She left at the beginning of the year to move to the city and as far I knew she was doing well.
“Neither did I,” he murmurs in return, drawing my attention.“But I guarantee I will damn sure be finding out the truth.”
The rest of the five-minute drive is quiet as we speed toward our destination, both of us deep in thought.The moment my truck comes to a stop beside the curb, both of us are out in an instant.Matt doesn’t make the effort to knock, instead kicking in the door and marching in like he has every right.And I follow a step behind him.
“What the fuck?”a man yells from his spot in the living room before jumping up from the couch.“What are you doing in my house?”
“Where is she?”Matt demands.
“Who?”the man asks with a glare.
“My fucking sister!”Matt is visibly vibrating with rage, and I place my hand on his shoulder to hold him back.“I want to know where Anna is.Right.Fucking.Now.”
He laughs.“So, you’re the big, bad, fireman come to kick my ass?”
