Page 41 of Hidden Desires

Chapter Twelve

“Ma’am, I’m not going to tell you again. Go sit on the sidewalk and stay out of our way.”

Smoke filled the air around them, fire licking at the walls of the building Autumn valued so much. Thirty animals were inside, helpless creatures that probably wouldn’t make it and it was all because of her. She’d tried several times to go inside, each time a bulky fireman pulled her back. This time though, the fireman simply dared her to disobey.

She glared at him. “Those animals are hurt and I’m a veterinarian. I need to help them.”

“Those animals are probably dead.” He shoved her aside. “Now move out of our way.”

She refused to cry. She had left for lunch with Jeffery and Kristin feeling good about their accomplishments for the day. Dodo was inside, and so was Bear, a beloved family pet of a small child with cancer. Two litters of puppies and several that simply had come in for shots while their owners were working. Autumn’s heart shattered at the thought of losing all those beloved pets. She needed to get those animals out safely, no matter what the stupid fireman said.

“Autumn, why don’t you sit down?” Kristin handed her a bottle of water and ushered her to a vacant bench in front of the clinic, away from everything.

“I need to get those animals out.” Autumn met Jeffery’s eyes. “Please. Can’t we do something?”

Her brother pursed his lips and glanced at the building. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Why is he doing this to me?” Tears gathered in her eyes but she refused to let them fall.

“I don’t know. He’s a sadistic bastard.” Kristin wrapped her arms around Autumn. “It’s not your fault.”

“Yes, it is.”

Jackson’s truck pulled into the parking lot. He and Davis burst from the truck and ran over to where they sat. “Are you okay? What happened?”

“It’s him.” Autumn pulled away from Kristin. “ We went to lunch and came back to the place erupting in flames. He obviously found out he couldn’t get to me by normal means so he decides to torch the place and kill the animals inside.”

A small sob escaped her as she started to walk away from the blazing building, Jackson right behind her. “Autumn, come here.”

She tried to pull away but he was stronger. His arms tucked her against his warmth and strength even though she fought him. She hated crying in front of people. She hated the sympathy.

“There’s a dog in there that belongs to a cancer patient.” She sniffled. “His name is Bear, and he’s been helping the little girl win her fight with it. And Dodo’s in there. She may seem like a grumpy pit bull, but she’s really sweet and lovable. And there’s two litters if pups with their momma’s—” Her voice broke.

“Shh.” He kissed her, using one hand to keep her close and the other to comfort. “We’ll get them out. I promise. Davis is already over there with the firemen.

“It’s all my fault.”

Jackson kissed her forehead. “You are not to blame, sweetheart. Davis and I need to talk to you and the police about all this.”

She glanced up at him. If she didn’t know better, he was angry. “Where have the two of you been all day?”

“Nowhere.”

She arched an eyebrow.

“I’ll tell you about it later.”

He kissed her, holding her to him. She knew he was up to something, with both he and Davis gone for nearly the entire day. When the phone call was made earlier, she’d been frank with Jeff, instructing him to tell Jackson about the fire and that she needed him here. Autumn wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her face against his shoulder, relishing the comfort of his scent and warmth.

“I love you, Jackson. I don’t expect you to say it back, but I had to tell you. I couldn’t go another minute without saying it to you.”

It was the truth. With all her heart, Autumn loved the man. And him being here, her in his arms and surrounded by his comfort, only made her acknowledge it more. She felt safe with him. No matter what happened in the world, being wrapped in his arms would keep her safe from harm.

“Autumn!” Jeffery yelled. “Come here!”

Autumn jerked away from Jackson, following the direction Jeffery’s finger pointed. Davis was charred with soot, a dog carrier in each hand. Two firemen followed him also carrying animal crates.

Jackson grabbed her hand and they ran to the animals. Summer jumped in examining the puppies and their mothers while Autumn examined the larger dogs. Dodo and Bear were fine. Bear had minor smoke inhalation and was coughing, but his tail wagged and his ears were alert. Dodo growled at everyone who looked at her wrong, and Autumn couldn’t help laughing at the stubborn dog.

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