I Am The Storm (Storm Warning Series Book 5) Read online

  I Am the Storm

  Storm Warning Series, Book 5

  Geri Foster

  Contents

  The Storm Warning Series

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Author’s Note

  Also by Geri Foster

  About the Author

  Copyright © 2018 Geri Foster

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

  The Storm Warning Series

  Fear the Storm

  Chase the Storm

  Perfect Storm

  Ride the Storm

  I Am the Storm

  Brave the Storm

  Inside the Storm

  Eye of the Storm

  Embrace the Storm

  Chapter 1

  David Anderson leaned against the white pillar of the white tent and grinned at the irony of it all. Once again, the confirmed bachelor stood at another beautiful wedding, stuffed in a suit and being choked by a tie. At least the booze flowed, and the food was good enough to win a cooking contest. Jeff and Nancy hadn’t cut corners on their wedding.

  There seemed to be a rush on people getting married lately. First, Marcus and Kendall, who were smart and eloped. They did have a kick-ass reception for friends and family though. Then, Rachel and Lucas finally got together after way too many years apart. Lastly, before he could catch his breath, Austin and Candi tied the knot.

  It appeared to be a downright epidemic.

  He felt lucky that, as the honorary woman’s man of Rainwater, he hadn’t been caught up in the marriage net. Not him, he enjoyed being single too much. While he wasn’t the love ‘em and leave ‘em type, he sure didn’t hang around either.

  Looking around, he watched the citizens celebrate the newlyweds as only a small town in Texas could. The music, the caterers, the beautiful women, and no wedding would be complete without it being outside on a late summer day. Breathing deep, a hint of roses and hydrangeas filled the air. There were more flowers here than at the new botanical gardens they just opened.

  Feeling a hand on his shoulder, he turned and met his dad’s eyes. “You’re probably next.”

  Being the Fire Chief, his dad didn’t often wear a suit. He mostly dressed in navy blue cotton pants and t-shirts with his name embroidered on one side, Rainwater’s logo on the other. Seeing him all buttoned up now, he looked to be about as comfortable as he, himself, felt.

  “No, not me. I steer clear of all this.”

  His dad laughed. “A man can’t run forever. Some pretty young thing is going to come in here and sweep you off your feet someday.”

  Scanning the crowd, there were pretty girls everywhere, but not one of them could he get serious about. It wasn’t that relationships were a terrible thing. Both his cousins, Marcus and Candi, were happily married. His boss, and good friend, Lucas was as well. Hell, Nancy had waited most of her life to find the right man and she finally did. So yeah, it could happen. Just not for him. Considering the available women, he figured his lack of interest was mostly because he grew up and went to school with them.

  A flash of a memory struck him, and he scrunched his brow. Okay, the whole grew up with them thing wasn’t entirely true. There was one girl that had made his heart beat a little faster once upon a time. Someone he’d known most of his life but had never really gotten close with. Not until that one night, anyway. Letting out a breath, he shook his head. Yeah, that one night was something else. But he hadn’t been ready for anything more than that at the time. He’d thought maybe, a few years later, he could be that man. But she never came back. Even though she promised to.

  Shaking his head again, he confirmed, “I don’t think that’s going to happen. I’m happy as a bachelor.”

  “I think every man who married these past couple of years said the exact same thing at one time or another. But enough of that talk.” His dad put his hands in his pockets and stood staring at him, long enough that he was just starting to squirm at the serious look on his face, when he finally said, “I’m really proud of your promotion, son.”

  “Right,” he breathed out, relieved. He’d almost forgotten about that. “Thanks, Dad. I never imagined Rainwater would one day become big enough to have a Police Department with a full-time detective.”

  “It’s about time and, according to the Council and the Mayor, we can afford it.”

  He pointed to Lucas Quinn, dancing with his wife, Rachel. “He’s glad to be the new Chief of Police, I can tell you that.”

  “It’s well deserved. And those three new deputies are a real asset to the town, too. People want to feel safe.”

  “Yes, and Rainwater has had its share of troubling cases.”

  “Well, now, as the new detective you’ll just have to put a stop to that.”

  He grinned, thankful for his dad’s support. “I’m the only detective.”

  His dad patted him on the shoulder again, then, looked away. “Hey, there’s your sister, Olivia.” Turning back to him, their gazes clashed. “I never expected her to attend another wedding.”

  “Well, she really likes Nancy, so I’m not surprised.”

  “After what happened at her own wedding?”

  “Let’s hope she’s moved on.” He searched for her in the crowd and saw her coming toward them. “Quiet, she’s coming this way.”

  They both turned to face her as she approached.

  “Hi,” his dad said, way too friendly. “Are you having fun?”

  She slid him a dangerously solemn glare. “You know I hate weddings. I’m only here because Nancy asked me to please be here.”

  “It’s good you came,” he offered. “You need to step out of your comfort zone occasionally.”

  Sparks practically shot out of her eyes as she literally growled, then, turned and marched off into the crowd.

  “Well, that didn’t go well,” his dad said. “Maybe she should’ve skipped the whole thing.”

  Not wanting to get into that mess right now, he changed the subject. “I guess the next time we celebrate it’ll be at your retirement party.”

  “Yeah,” his dad agreed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I hope I’m going to like all that free time.”

  “You’ve been on the job over forty years, it’s time to enjoy the rest of the time you have left.”

  “I might look forward to it more if your mom was still alive. Now, with it just me, I’m thinking I might get bored out of my mind.”

  He nodded, understanding. His mom had been gone for seven years now and it still felt strange not having her around to talk to. “There’s the Senior Center, and you know everyone in town. I’m sure you’ll adjust. Besides, a
ren’t you going to visit your brother in Florida?”

  “Yes, I’m doing that a couple of months after I retire. Want to be there for the winter.”

  He laughed. “You sure don’t have to go because of the weather. Our winters are pretty nice.”

  “Not last year. We had more snow than ever. Once people start turning on heaters, fireplaces and furnaces, my business gets busier.”

  That was the truth. Having a dad as a fireman, especially one as fearless as Theo Anderson, had never been easy on his family, never knowing if he wouldn’t come back from a blaze. But it was especially hard around the holidays, when accidents turned up left and right. Though it might pain his dad, he’d be glad to see him walk away from such a dangerous occupation.

  “Hey, David.”

  Torn from his thoughts, he turned to see Mary Beth from the bank standing in front of him.

  “Mary Beth,” he greeted with a smile.

  Her cheeks turned bright red and she clasped her hands tightly. “Do you want to dance?” she rushed out, nervously.

  He wasn’t interested, sweet though she was, but not one to ever hurt anyone’s feelings, he handed his beer over to his dad, took her hand and headed to the dance floor.

  It had been a wonderful day. Residents of Rainwater sure knew how to party. Even the three grandmas, notorious in town for their wild antics and firm opinions on all things, were either dancing or clapping their hands and tapping their toes on the sidelines. He laughed to himself, watching his own amongst the group, Grandma Mercy, forcing a young man to dance with her.

  Rich and poor alike showed up for Nancy Wigan’s wedding. As Vice President of the bank, and a member of the Council, she’d done a lot for the city. She was responsible for the Police Department, the Parks Department, and adding more people to the Fire Department.

  Because of her fundraising, they just finished a new wing on the library, as well. She also acted to invite nine new businesses into the area, two of which were high tech. The result was that the housing market skyrocketed as more families moved in to grab up new jobs. Rainwater was thriving, and it had a lot to do with her tenacity and determination. Jeff Crawley certainly was a lucky man.

  The dance ended, and he gave Mary Beth a friendly hug, trying to indicate, subtly, that was all that would be between them, and moved over to talk to Lucas. Looking out over the large party, he commented, “Great wedding,” as he grabbed another glass of champagne from one of the waiters.

  “It sure is. I never thought those two would get together, but stranger things have happened.”

  “I can see what you mean. She’s so soft and sociable, while Jeff couldn’t care less about people or gossip. Give him his ranch and cattle and he’s a happy man.”

  The Mayor danced by and Lucas waved. “That was true, until he fell in love with Nancy. He was a goner after that. Started smiling and laughing more. They may be complete opposites, but they bring out the best in each other. That’s love for you.”

  “Yeah, well I have no idea what that feels like and I’m not anxious to find out. I want to stay single for a very long time.”

  Lucas scrutinized him jokingly. “I’m surprised, as much as you date and visit the women in Dallas, one isn’t walking around with a ring already.”

  He laughed at the good-natured jab. “They try, believe me, but I’m not latching on to anyone. I make it clear, up front, what’s about so the minute it turns serious for them, I’m gone. That’s scary stuff.”

  “You won’t feel that way when the right woman comes along.”

  He held out his hands and backed away. “Don’t go there. I’m not looking for the right woman.”

  “Neither was Austin, or Jeff. It just happened. Marcus is the exception to the rule—he had a crush on Kendall for years and just had to bide his time, get her to come around.”

  “And you and Rachel?”

  Lucas chuckled. “That…was complicated.”

  He shook his head, smiling. “Understatement of the year. But really, no matter how it happens, I don’t want it happening to me. I’m going to be the one this marriage bug misses.”

  They both laughed, and Lucas slapped him on the back. “Alright, alright.” Sobering, he asked, “So, how does it feel to be a detective now?”

  “Let me ask you, how does it feel being the Chief of Police?”

  Lucas rocked on his heels and considered the question. After a moment, he replied honestly, “Scary at times, but I’m adjusting. Having these three police officers to train and get comfortable with and new regulations to work through, along with weekly meetings with the Council—it can be overwhelming.”

  “I’ll admit, it’s pretty daunting, but Rainwater is growing. In order to get these new businesses to choose us over Dallas, Denton and Fort Worth, we have to prove we can provide the necessary services and protect our citizens.”

  “I know, and I welcome the jobs, but you and I know there’s a price for all that. Less sleep, for one, but more importantly, crime is bound to rise.”

  He nodded his agreement. “We have a full force now. Hopefully we can handle whatever gets thrown at us.”

  Lucas whistled low and shook his head lightly. “Let’s keep our fingers crossed.”

  A few hours, and many more drinks, later, his dad drove him home and waited for him to safely go inside. At the door, he turned, smiled, and waved before going inside. No matter how old you got, some things never changed.

  * * *

  Amelia Hightower stood beside her car in the darkened shadows between light posts on the quiet, residential street, tapping her foot restlessly. Her heart hammered hard at the thought of what she had to do.

  The truth had to come out and David would probably not believe her about any of what she had to say, but for too long she’d stayed away. Away from her hometown and old friends, from the life she’d wanted but couldn’t have.

  Time to come home.

  She tried to push herself toward the sidewalk, across the street and to his door, but her feet refused to move. The life she had known for the past five years was about to change...maybe not for the better.

  Flattening her body against the side of the car, she took a deep breath, hoping it’d ignite some courage. It didn’t work, and she considered, briefly calling the whole thing off, but…no. Clenching her teeth, she shook her head. The mess that ensnarled her life wouldn’t let her walk away this time. Not with so much at risk.

  As she’d watched him walk up his drive and go inside, David had appeared drunk. Perhaps she’d wait until tomorrow, when she could be sure he’d remember she stopped by to drop a bombshell on his head. She shook her head harshly. No, she couldn’t put this off. Besides, with what she had to say, he’d sober up pretty quickly.

  Decision made, she tugged the bottom of her short top down—why did she wear this one—and took a shaky step forward. Fighting back nauseating panic, she clenched her jaw and forced herself to put one foot in front of the other until she was standing directly in front of his door.

  She knew she had to do this but, still, she fought the urge to turn and run away. Before actually following through on that thought, she reached up and defiantly rang the doorbell.

  Then waited.

  She rang it again, anger mounting.

  Nothing.

  Considering the state he’d been in, he probably came home and passed out. Typical. “Immature, irresponsible, selfish,” she uttered the words furiously under her breath, turning to leave just as the door opened and the porch flooded with light.

  Surprised, she jumped back and gasped. She’d prepared herself to see him, but the man facing her now, and the state he was in, was not at all what she’d expected. David Anderson stood in the doorway bare-chested with his dress pants undone. The sight of his dark chest hair traveling down his stomach to disappear in his waistband sucked every ounce of oxygen from her lungs.

  She figured he’d changed. She certainly had. But she hadn’t counted on him still being so damn good
looking. No, even more good looking, because now he was all man. So broad, so muscular, and so sexy he could be on the cover of a romance novel. She licked her lips, swallowed and lowered her gaze.

  She refused to continue staring at him like a lustful, young teenager. That’s not what this was about. What would he think? She wanted a repeat? No, this was serious. How could she expect him to take her seriously if while talking to him she kept drooling?

  “Hi, David,” she said, softly, hoping her voice didn’t squeak and wishing it was stronger than it was in this moment.

  He squinted his brown eyes and tilted his head, his lips slightly parted. Since he’d been with almost every girl in Rainwater and half of Dallas, she understood that it might take him a while to recognize her.

  Watching him, his cheeks pinkened slightly and he shook his head quickly, as if to dislodge a fly. Guess he was drunker than she thought. After another minute of nothing but silence, her anger renewed.

  “Hello?” she waved her hand in front of his face. “It’s Amelia. Amelia Hightower. Remember?”

  She started to panic. Oh, please say you know who I am. If he couldn’t place her. . . God, this could be so much worse than it already was going to be. She bit her lip. She couldn’t run away. There was nowhere else to go.

  He looked her up and down. His brown eyes leaving a trail of heat where they paused briefly which, naturally, was her breasts, her stomach and further down.

  “I knew an Amelia once,” he breathed out disbelievingly, “but she moved away. Went off to college and didn’t come back.” His voice was a little harsher at the end.

  Okay, that was weird. What did he have to be angry about? Wanting to get this over with, she put her hand to her chest and stated plainly, “That’s me.”