Austin nodded.“We can get closer in the meantime.”
“I have your word you won’t barge in there before we have what we’re looking for?”
Austin opened his mouth to lie, but he suspected that West would know it was a lie.He had Jonathan.He could easily put himself in Austin’s shoes and know how he was feeling and what he was willing to do right now.Austin didn’t even care if Caleb got angry and left him.As long as Caleb was fine, Austin would be, too.
* * * *
CALEB WENT BACK TOthe front of the shop.They’d agreed that was where he would leave from, and he couldn’t wait.This flower shop didn’t remind him of his grandmother.It reminded him of Tate, and he found that creepy.He needed to get out of there and back to the hotel room where the others were waiting for him, and the sooner he did that, the better.Hopefully, they’d managed to get evidence that Tate was up to something, and they could all go home and let Archer take care of Tate.
They’d placed several cameras around the shop.There had already been a few from the security system, but they’d wanted to add some that were more hidden so that Tate wouldn’t be able to take everything down.He’d have to get inside the shop to use the accelerant and ensure everything would burn down, so there was a good chance they would finally get evidence that he was the arsonist.Once they did, they could hand everything over to Archer, who would do his job.Caleb would finally be able to rest easier and focus on Austin and their relationship.
He couldn’t wait to see what that would be like.
He wasn’t a relationship guy, but then, he’d never dated another shifter.He’d certainly never dated a dragon shifter, and while he would never forget what Sal had done, he was sure that Austin was nothing like that asshole.That didn’t mean he was going to become best friends with all the dragon shifters he crossed paths with, but he was willing to give them a chance.
Something creaked behind him, causing him to freeze.He held his breath, hating that he didn’t know this place well enough.If he had, he would’ve been able to tell if this was a normal creaking noise for the building or if there was something more to it.Surely Tate would wait for him to leave to get inside.
He hadn’t waited for people to leave the community center.
Caleb felt movement behind him and rushed forward.He was almost at the front door, but before he could reach it, something hard slammed against his back.He lost his balance and tilted forward, trying to twist his body so he could face his attacker.He knew who it was.
Tate was making his move.
Caleb panicked.He’d volunteered to do this, but that didn’t mean he’d been ready to be attacked.He hadn’t thought that Tate would go this far.He’d thought Tate would wait until he left, but instead, here he was, standing behind Caleb.
Caleb started to shift.He needed to defend himself, and it was the easiest way to do it.Tate had to suspect that he was a shifter, anyway.He knew that Mrs.Kendricks was one since he’d targeted her shop.
Tate thrust a hand toward Caleb’s face.Caleb jerked back, which was the only reason he didn’t get pepper spray right in the eyes.He coughed and quickly hid his face into his arm, knowing he couldn’t afford for Tate to get the upper hand.His friends were out there, waiting for him, but they might not know what was happening or reach him too late, even though he still had the call to Austin’s phone open.No, Caleb had to react like he was on his own and couldn’t count on anyone to rescue him.
He heard Tate swear, but he didn’t stop moving.He ran to the counter, eager to put it between them.He hoped Tate didn’t have another weapon, but he couldn’t be sure, and that made him nervous.What if Tate shot him?Tate wasn’t a shifter, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t dangerous.
Tate grabbed the back of Caleb’s shirt and pulled.Caleb lost his balance and flew backward, trying to use his arms to stay upright but failing miserably.Tate swung him around, sending him crashing into a massive potted plant in the corner.Pain exploded along Caleb’s side and made him breathless, but he couldn’t stop because if he did, he was dead.
“What the fuck is happening here?”a loud voice boomed.
Caleb could have cried because he recognized that voice.
The lights didn’t turn on, but Caleb didn’t need them to see Austin and West striding into the room.Tate had let go of him when he’d sent him flying, so Caleb scrambled to his feet, using the potted plant as support.Tate had his hands held up as if surrendering, even though he probably had no idea what was happening.
“You okay?”Austin asked Caleb, but he didn’t come closer to check in on him.Most of his focus was on Tate, who was frowning and looking from West to Austin.
“I know you,” he said.
“What are you doing here?”West asked without answering.
Caleb wasn’t sure they had enough evidence to get Tate on the arson, but he’d attacked Caleb.At the very least, that would warrant an investigation, which hopefully meant that Archer would be able to dig into Tate and finally find the evidence he needed.
“You’re from station one thirty-three,” Tate continued.“I talked to you the other day.You mentioned this shop.”
Tate glanced from West and Austin to Caleb, who had put as much distance between them as he could without leaving the room.He had no idea what was going on in Tate’s mind, and he didn’t want to find out.Tate scared him.
“You’re the arsonist,” Austin accused.
“What are you talking about?”
“I found the map in your trunk.Why did you do it?You’re a firefighter.You’re supposed to help people and be there for them when they need you the most.Instead, you hurt them.”
Tate hesitated.It didn’t last long, though.A few seconds later, he squared his shoulders and stood up straighter.“Do you know what this guy is?”he asked, tilting his chin toward Caleb.“Or this shop’s owner, for that matter.Do you know what they are?”
