Page 52 of Home for Justice
“Yes. I’m Justice McClay.”
“We managed to keep the blaze from spreading to the garage area. No structural compromise there. But the office and waitingroom sustained smoke and water damage. You'll need a full inspection and cleanup before reopening.”
She exhaled slowly, battling the tide of relief and frustration. Even though the fire hadn't reached the garage, the closure meant lost work, lost income, and a wrenching conversation ahead with her father. Her stomach tightened at the thought of breaking the news.
She stared at her phone, throat tightening. Calling her dad now was impossible. She couldn’t handle the fear in his voice. Without thinking further, she dialed Tyler’s number.
“Hey, Justice,” his voice came through calm and steady, grounding her immediately.
Closing her eyes briefly, she absorbed his soothing tone before responding. “Justice? Are you there?” His voice grew softer as he recognized her distress.
“Yes,” she managed, clearing the tightness from her throat. “Is Dad still with you?”
“Yes, we’ve just wrapped up the meeting,” Tyler said, his voice shifting slightly, becoming alert. “We’re on our way home now. What's wrong?”
Her voice trembled despite her efforts. “I need you both to come to the shop. Vandals threw a Molotov cocktail into the reception area. There’s fire and water damage. I'm here with deputies and the fire department now.”
She heard her father’s muffled voice, anxiety evident even from afar. “What’s going on, Tyler?”
Tyler’s voice was reassuring and steady as always. “There’s been an incident at the shop, Jack. We’ll head over now and see what’s happening.”
Gratitude flooded Justice, mixing with the painful emotions she could hardly hold at bay. Tyler’s calm strength was exactly what she needed now. He didn't overwhelm her with questions. Instead, his steady presence offered comfort and support.
“Thank you,” she whispered, emotion thickening her words.
“We’ll be there soon,” Tyler assured, his firm and steady voice exactly what she needed to hear.
24
Outwardly, Tyler appeared controlled and composed. Yet internally, he battled a surge of frustration and anxiety, his stomach twisting into tight knots as his fingers clenched the steering wheel.
“Goddamn vandals,” Jack muttered bitterly, shaking his head. “Probably just reckless kids without a clue what it costs to fix their mess. Dealing with insurance and repairs is always such a nightmare.”
Tyler remained silent, unwilling to fuel speculation or premature judgments until they understood precisely what had happened. Each passing mile amplified his urgency to reach Justice. Flashing police and fire truck lights painted the distant darkness with splashes of blue and red, intensifying his tension.
Pulling swiftly beside Justice’s car, Tyler barely waited for the engine to cease humming before jumping out. His sharp gaze immediately swept the chaotic scene, finding Justice instantly as if guided by an unseen force. Their eyes locked, the pain and fear etched clearly on her face, tearing at his heart.
Instinct propelled him forward, steps quickening as she began running toward him. Their bodies met in a fierce, desperate collision, and his arms enveloped her tightly. He heldher close, steadying her trembling frame, silently promising she would not face this ordeal alone.
“Justice?” Jack’s worried voice approached, pulling Tyler back to awareness.
Slowly, reluctantly, he eased his grip, gently turning her toward her father. She inhaled deeply, visibly regaining composure, before speaking softly. “Dad, I’m so sorry you had to see all this.”
Jack embraced his daughter firmly, offering his quiet reassurance. Tyler saw the protective strength Justice was drawing upon, wrapping herself in an armor of resilience. His heart twisted, realizing how desperately he wanted to be the foundation beneath that strength.
As Justice stepped back, she introduced Deputy Rollins, who, in turn, introduced Detective Bailey. The detective and fire chief detailed what the preliminary investigation had uncovered. “Bricks thrown through the front windows, followed by an incendiary device. The reception waiting room bore the brunt of the fire, but the office, employee lounge, and storage closet suffered water damage. Other than water, the garage maintenance area was unaffected.”
Tyler listened intently, noticing Justice’s voice grow steadier and stronger, even as she explained the impact this would have on their shop.
“We’ll have to cancel tomorrow’s jobs,” she stated firmly. “Until the mechanics and I personally confirm nothing in the garage has been compromised, we can’t risk anyone’s safety or damage to equipment.”
Jack nodded in agreement. “You’re right, sweetheart. I’ll come in and handle the calls?—”
“No, Dad,” Justice interjected gently but firmly. “I have this.”
Tyler understood her protective instinct toward her father but felt a powerful desire to ease the burden pressing on hershoulders. His thoughts were interrupted as another vehicle arrived, and he turned, surprised as he recognized Cory and Todd.
“We monitor local police chatter,” Cory explained as he clapped Tyler reassuringly on the shoulder. “We heard Jack and Justice’s business mentioned, so we came immediately to see how we could help.”
