Where There's Smoke Read Online Free Page B

people mean so much to me that I’m not sure what I’d do if something foul went down.” She held his face between her palms, offering a watery smile. “Especially to you.” She kissed the tip of his nose. “We’ll have to navigate these rocky shores together, babe. I’ll do my best to stay open and honest with you.” She kissed him lightly on the lips.
    Ross grabbed her around the waist and laid his head against her stomach, inhaling her unique scent. He sent a silent prayer to anyone listening that he didn’t lose this courageous woman who held his heart. No one would ever get as close to him again. The cost of opening up was too high. Letting someone shine the light on the dark spots of your soul was akin to a firing squad.
    They’d pledged to be open and honest with each other, but it was hard. She’d just stepped back, allowing him to do what he needed to find his partner. He couldn’t not go looking for Smoke. He’d do whatever necessary to get him back home. The reprieve she’d given allowed him to focus on the job, and he loved her all the more. His eyes watered as the battle raged within. He needed to be the man she respected and honored. But he’d have no honor in his eyes if he didn’t go after his partner. There was a discernible gap in his soul with Smoke missing. One way or the other, Smoke would be returned. The condition in which he returned would determine the measure of their retribution.
    ***
    Monday morning, Ross walked into Smoke’s condominium intent on turning off the alarm and froze at the absence of beeps.
    “Smoke?” he yelled, walking slowly from the foyer into the living room, his body alert. He was ready and hoping for an altercation to release his pent up tension.
    “He’s not here,” Red said, walking from the back. “I’ve checked all his rooms. It doesn’t look like he’s been here since Saturday.” Red’s voice deepened, a sure sign of agitation. He shook his head and collapsed on the sofa. Ross watched the big man struggle with his emotions and felt an answering rush of fear, pain, anger and hurt rolled into one.
    “I called him five times last night,” Red said, his voice hoarse. “I couldn’t sleep. I knew something was off.” He glanced at Ross. “The only reason I didn’t come over here last night was he might’ve had company and I would’ve felt like an ass. Now, look how much damn time has passed.” Red hit the arm of the sofa shaking his head.
    Hearing the words aloud made it more real. A shaft of fear lanced Ross’s chest. Smoke had to be all right. The alternative was incomprehensible. “Yeah, I couldn’t sleep last night, either.” Red looked at him.
    “I started to call you but I was scared you’d gotten the same responses I’d gotten. I couldn’t wrap my mind around anything,” Ross said.
    Red nodded. “I must’ve dozed off at some point. Soon as I woke up, I told Denise where I was headed and jetted.” Neither man spoke. Ross sat and allowed the reality of the situation penetrate his being. Smoke had been missing since Saturday. It was Monday. A day and some hours had passed. They had to make up time.
    “I see that damn fire in your eyes,” Red said staring at him. “Please tell me you got a plan. I’m about to bust a nut on somebody and I’ll never see my girls again. But I’m so full of this shit right now, it’s got to go.”
    Ross stood, dusted off his jeans. “Let’s head to the office, we’ll start there.”
    “Why?” Red sounded confused as he followed Ross out the door.
    “I don’t know, it just seems right.” Surrounded by his partner’s things, in his home, had too many memories. He couldn't think and he needed a clear head to plan, to move forward. And as Red said, to bust a nut on somebody.

Chapter 4
     
    Ross grimaced as he pulled into the company parking lot. Some of their employees were in the area, and if his guess was correct, a few were inside. Red met him at his truck door and they walked