Page 65 of Home for Justice
“Got it!”
Tyler bolted toward the pump, heart hammering. He yanked the crank and felt the old mechanism shudder to life. Grabbing the connected hose, he sprayed water in wide arcs, soaking the grass closest to the barn, trying to slow the fire’s crawl toward the fields and the house.
Justice joined him moments later, a shovel in hand. Ignoring Tyler’s shouted protest, she beat back sparks and flaming debris. “Dad has the hose!”
Finally, the whine of sirens pierced the night, and a small convoy of rural volunteer fire trucks barreled onto the property. Sisco and Devlin leaped from one of the trucks, clad in turnout gear, their faces grim.
Working fast, the firefighters attacked the blaze, hoses blasting streams of water onto the small barn. Tyler helped where he could, backing off when ordered as they took control.
Soon, the fire was out. The small barn was a total loss. But miraculously, every person and every animal was safe. The firefighters climbed onto ladders to scrutinize the house roof and wet it down to ensure it was unharmed.
Inside the house, Justice moved quietly but purposefully, brewing coffee and tending to the firefighters.
In the driveway, Sisco and Devlin huddled with the fire chief, their conversation low but urgent. Tyler joined them just in time to hear the chief say, “This wasn’t accidental. We found traces of an accelerant—most likely gasoline. The fire spread too fast and burned too hot for it to have started naturally. There are distinct burn patterns along the base of the barn walls, and we picked up a sharp chemical odor even through the smoke. We’ll return in the morning, when it’s fully light, to conduct a more thorough investigation. I’ve reported this to the deputies that came, and tomorrow I’ll file a report for the detective assigned to this.”
The weight of those words settled heavily on Tyler’s shoulders. Arson. After making sure to thank everyone, they all left except for Justice, Jack, Sisco, and Devlin. The first pale fingers of dawn crept over the horizon as Justice brewed another pot of coffee while they sat around his kitchen table, everyone silent for a moment, processing.
“What if it wasn’t Jordy?” Justice asked quietly, her fingers wrapped tightly around her coffee mug. “He’d have no reason to hurt Tyler.” She looked at her dad.
Jack shook his head. “I don’t know, sweetheart. You’re right, my brother would have no reason to do anything here.”
“Who would want to get back at both of you?” Devlin asked, his brow lifted as he looked at Tyler.
“Developer Anthony Milton?” Tyler offered, his voice rough. “He’s the only one who benefits from making people scared enough to sell.”
No one had answers, but Tyler was certain that something dark and deliberate was at play.
Justice rose slowly, fatigue lining her face, but before she left, she moved to Tyler, bending to press a kiss to his mouth. “I’ll see you later,” she whispered. “I need to get Dad home and get ready for work.”
“Babe, you need to take a day?—”
“I know, but we’re already behind on customers’ vehicles. I’ll be okay.” She waved at the others and walked to her vehicle with Jack, determination stiffening her spine.
“That’s an amazing woman,” Devlin said, standing next to him.
Tyler nodded. “I know.”
A grin passed over Devlin’s sooty face. “It ain’t easy to find someone who can handle men like us. My advice?”
Tyler looked over at Devlin and tilted his head.
“Lock her down and make her yours. Keepers need a good partner, and that woman is as good as they come.”
As Devlin and Sisco headed out to their vehicles, Tyler watched them leave. Offering a chin lift, he walked back inside. He was tired and pissed, and from the sound of the goats, he was needed outside. But someone would pay for this.
29
Tyler pulled up outside the main building on the Lighthouse Security compound, gravel crunching beneath his tires as he eased to a stop. The sun hadn’t fully risen, still casting long shadows across the parking lot, but half a dozen trucks and SUVs were already parked in their usual spots.
He let out a breath as he climbed down from his vehicle. From the looks of it, most of the team had already started their day. A twinge of guilt settled in his chest.I haven’t even logged one full week as a full-time Keeper, and I’m already leaning on them like this.
He scrubbed a hand over the back of his neck, trying to shake the unease. If the tables were turned, he’d be the first to step in. That was what being part of a team meant, and this team made it clear last night that they had his back.
Stepping through the main entrance, he was greeted by the now-familiar scent of fresh coffee. The compound felt like a mix between military precision and something distinctly homegrown. Before he could make it past the reception area, a familiar voice called out.
“Thought you could use this after the night you had.”
Mary rolled smoothly out from the hallway with a steaming mug balanced expertly on the tray attached to her wheelchair.
