At the End of the Day

By Jodi James

At The End Of The Day: A Firefighter Romance, Sizzling, Steamy Romantic Suspense, Brothers of Solemn Creed Series

Passion Ignited

Withstanding the flames

Lessons in the ashes

After an accident claims the life of one of their own, a band of brothers vow to carry on the legacy of their forefather and

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Venture Press Inc
• Release date: Nov 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9781737811978

Jodi James

Jodi James was born in California, raised in the heartland of Iowa, she wrote her first book in Colorado and currently resides in Florida. Blessed with a successful career in the hair and beauty industry spanning three decades. Married to her best friend, he is the heart of all her stories.She's fulfilling a lifelong passion for writing. Her journey has transcended and evolved from reading to being inspired by the authors that wrote the words.She believes in the happily-ever-after. Writing makes her heart sing.If you like small-town intrigue, surprising twists, and simmering chemistry, then you'll love her heart-stopping stories from her thrilling Brothers of Solemn Creed series. Legacy, In The Heat Of It All, To The Core, and One Night.Her first Rom-Com Merry Frickin' Christmas, was a short story in the Holly Jolly Rom-Com Anthology, celebrating the holidays and bringing you all the feels.She writes about tormented heroes who believe they are unworthy of love and the strong women who show them anything is possible. Honoring perseverance, positivity, and passion.Jodi James, Best Selling & Award Winning AuthorSaving Hearts One Hero At A Time

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

As Firefighter Evan Parker waited in the District Attorney’s office, he realized something big was going on. Days ago, there had been gunshots and a frenzy of police around the parking structure between the precinct and this office. Now, no one could come in or leave without police escorts and the area had been blocked off. He had to be escorted in a separate doorway, and he had spotted Lieutenant Connor Winslow somewhere nearby.

Evan threw the magazine he’d rifled through blankly. Thoughts of Journey Honeycutt and the first time she brought food to Station 56 filled his mind. He’d loved it every time she came by, loved her food, but favored the quick glances from her gentle eyes and the familiar scarlet heat that warmed her cheeks when she caught him staring at her. She drew him in and away from his plight.

A staycation from the mundane, my private little universe that only she beholds.

She made him happy. Through the years, they’d become friends, he guessed, in a distant sense of the word. The friend zone was not where he preferred to be. Why was he still pining over her all these years later? Lovestruck was not his mantra at all. His heart was in lockdown; it was safer.

There’s something between Journey and me; I sense it in my core. If I only had the balls to act on it.

She was the bright light he yearned for, but she was way out of his league. She was his salvation from the horrors Barry Ryder and James Devland had committed against his brother and had put everyone through the last decade.

She is a candle in my darkest night.

Ryder and Devland were cold-blooded killers. Evan was finally getting close to seeing them pay for what they had done to so many innocent lives. Evan and Journey’s future, plus their families’ lives, were intersected forever.

Evan rolled his shoulders and stretched his neck. He’d done the right thing when he’d taken her brother, Jackson Honeycutt, to the accident site.

He had to hear it from him.

After what Evan had learned from the private investigator, he and Jackson both got raw and emotional talking about his brother, and how Adam thought he was being watched.

Evan dug at his chest. He’d never believed his brother was on drugs, as earlier reports stated. Adam had worked at a pharmacy, he was tested all the time, never drank or did drugs. He’d mentioned to Jax he’d talked to his brother that day, all those years back, when he was doing deliveries, calling his brother to the pharmacy after an alarm went off. Adam had walked into a burglary. There had been a struggle and Adam had taken off with a bag of drugs. His brother was panic-ridden, and then came his fatal crash.

Evan’s pulse raced. He missed Adam every day.

He’d heard there was a new witness called to shed new light on the case and something big was about to go down, but he’d never thought it would be Jackson Honeycutt. He clenched his hands together and wiped the beads of sweat off his forehead. His stomach rolled, thinking of Jax’s reaction when he’d told Evan what he knew, then Jax’s recent near-death experience.

Pacing the waiting area, Evan had flashbacks of the day he’d last spoken to Adam. The private investigator he’d hired finally overturned a huge piece of evidence, but for years Evan had blamed everything on Thomas Winslow, it was his vehicle Adam had hit. He blamed Connor Winslow because Thomas was his dad, and Evan had made sure it was Station 56 he’d been transferred to.

He bit at his fist. A recent 911 call confirmed it had been motorcycles chasing his brother. Evan had been in a grave place and so angry back then. He’d spent his life taking care of his family after his dad had left, abandoning them and putting the burden of Abigail’s surgeries and burns on Evan’s shoulders. All of that had brought him here to Solemn Creed. If his brother hadn’t died, he could have had someone else to bear the weight of responsibility, Abigail’s recovery from her scars and his own.

How could I have been so wrong?

Evan had to rectify his actions. The door opened to the DA’s office and Connor walked out, his face ashen and marred with grief. He nodded and Evan was waved in. There were no words between them as he swiveled his head in Connor’s direction. Their silence spoke volumes.

Two hours later, Evan walked out of the District Attorney’s office, his muscles tense, his head pounding. Connor, his coworker and now his ally, waited for him in the lobby.

Holy shit show! Connor’s eyes bulged out. Want to take a walk and sit outside? I think I could use some air.

The sun and air sound well needed about now. Air. He needed air. He pointed to a bench outside the window. Maybe there? He couldn’t get out fast enough. The District Attorney’s office was stifling.

I thought you could use some company.

Thanks. I appreciate it. His smile fell away. Evan lifted his face against the warm midday sun, the breeze fluttering and teasing the leaves of a nearby tree. A falcon circled lazily above in a painted powder blue sky, and billowy cotton clouds rolled across snow-covered peaks. The crisp air carried a scent of the earlier morning rain, mingled with pine, that recharged him. He closed his eyes and they sat in silence for a while. Evan willed himself not to think about any of the morbid images that had been on constant replay for the last decade, or the many memories that connected them, for a minute.

Just breathe.

Evan opened his eyes and inspected Connor. He recognized the look on his face -- Connor was entrenched in his thoughts. He shook it off and waited.

Doing, okay? You seem tired. Evan shifted in his seat.

Can’t say anyone is sleeping much these days. But the bags packed under my peepers I’ve earned from the twins keeping us up half the night. They may have sensed our demeanor. We’ve been anxious about Jax.

Rightfully so. All of this brings up a lot for you, too. Evan had a sinking feeling in his stomach. It’s hard for me to think that though someone else caused the accident, it was my brother’s truck that hit you and your parents’ vehicle, resulting in their deaths. Evan rubbed at his chest and eyed his boots. I’m sorry. His words trailed out in a whisper. He was so over believing he was responsible in some way.

Nothing you did to be sorry for. Connor gave him an understanding nod, then bit at his thumbnail.

Can’t help but to feel responsible. And how I treated you when I first met you. His eyes darted away, and his breath hitched. He pressed his hands against his face as heat and a tingling sensation rose in his cheeks.

You are righting your wrongs, Parker, but yes, you were a jerk. Get over it. Connor gave a forced laugh.

I’ll own being a jerk. I was. Not sure about getting over it. I don’t think any of us will, ever.

No truer words. Connor nodded. It was Barry Ryder and James Devland running the motorcycle club and all drugs they sold on the streets to kids. We all suffered at their hands, and we are trying to get them behind bars where they belong, so no one else will suffer and get caught in their web of evil. His nostrils flared. They will have to pay for what they did.

Shit show is right on the money, Evan hissed. He used to be so angry at everyone, including Ryder and Devland, but he didn’t have it in him anymore. He was exhausted.

Damn straight, partner. Connor said as he shook his head. He tugged at his shirt and picked some imaginary lint.

Evan tipped his head to the side and stuffed his hands in his front pockets, rattling his keys. Any news on Jax?

Yes. Connor’s face held a blank expression.

Is he okay, dude? Tell me he is. Evan shifted in his seat and sat up straighter.

He sure the hell is. Connor smiled wide, lifting his hand for a high five. Evan slapped it hard. Cade just told me he’s getting tucked in at home by a pretty redhead named Andrea.

Good for him. Evan gave a slow grin and ran his hand along his facial stubble.

It’s about time he finally got the girl. He’s been waiting a long time. Sucker had to almost get himself killed, though. Connor blew out a huge breath and wiped his brow.

Getting abducted right in front of everyone. All the gunshots were surreal. He shook his head in disbelief. I’m stoked he didn’t meet his Maker. He’s a stand-up guy. A shiver ran down Evan’s spine.

He sure is. Best, I know. Hey, that’s the reason I’m sticking to you like tacky shoe gum.

What? Evan gave him a questioning look. Nice visual. He winced, followed by a laugh.

Thought you’d like that. He raised his shoulder and smirked. That’s the best I can do today. My last brain cell’s toast. Connor let out an exhale and the soft breeze stirred his hair. Cade’s meeting us at the precinct in a few. He said he needs to have another chat with us. I think he’s going to fill us in on all the details about Jax. Let’s walk. Maybe not through the parking garage where all the shooting happened. Connor pointed. Let’s go this way.

A detour around the area sounds like a solid plan to me. Not all your brain cells are useless.

Ha. Funny guy. Go ahead, jab all you want. We could use a laugh about now. I’m spent.

Evan cocked his head back and pointed. There’s Cade right now. By the expression on his face, all is not well in Solemn Creed yet. He took slow, methodical steps in Cade’s direction, not sure he wanted to know there was more, but everything in him said there had to be.

"After the past two years I’m surprised there’s anything left. But understanding this town and all the players, there’s no such word as I quit."

Evan and Connor both shivered as they walked through the shadows near the parking garage, the darkness leaving them vulnerable to the cooling temperatures around them.

Not in my DNA, either. We keep on keeping on, Evan said.

A figure was coming towards them, and Connor grimaced. We may need a thick backbone if the look on my brother’s face gets any grimmer. I’m going hurl.

I feel your pain. Evan agreed. Little did I fathom moving here would be such a carnival.

Connor walked up to Cade and gave him a handshake. Hey, bro. How’s our favorite DEA agent?

Just peachy, but after all of this, I’m having a snooze fest.

Aren’t we all. Jax is okay, right?

He is. He glanced at his watch. About now he’s better than fine after getting some Zs. He’s earned a rest. He wiggled his eyebrows.

Good. Also, TMI. Did you just waggle your brows? That’s wrong on all levels. Save it for your woman, Connor razzed.

I’m in a funky mood. Sleep deprivation will do that to you. He cupped a hand over his mouth and yawned. I’m going on zero sleep and about to be a story spinner in the tenth degree. Cade opened the door and led them down a dark, sterile hallway.

Evan kept quiet, watching the two brothers dialogue banter go back and forth, as he steeled his nerves for what might come. Enough already. Can’t we just call it a day?

Afraid not. Cade stopped and peered into an empty interrogation room. This one will do. Wish I could, Parker, but you need to hear this. I got the okay from my boss since you two were here and knew the skinny before.

Shit, I was afraid of that. Evan followed behind Connor, closing the door behind them.

You better sit and hang on for the ride. Cade directed Evan and Connor to the seats on the other side of the room. I’m not gonna sugarcoat this and I need you to keep the pace. Cade laid his shield on the table. Let me verbally vomit this out. You can ask questions later and I’ll tell you what I know. Deal?

Evan and Connor studied one another and nodded. Evan had an uneasy feeling sitting in his stomach.

We suspect Jax was in the wrong place at the wrong time when this went down. A lot of us were. We were lucky no one got killed. He sat in his chair, put his hands behind his head and teetered his seat. They did not kidnap him as we had originally thought. Jax dove into a van to get away from the gunfire, but it was transporting a key witness from the protection program. Three bodyguards and a witness, to be exact. I can’t imagine how it got out, but the bad guys had tracked them down so she wouldn’t testify. He leaned forward and rested his chin on his knuckles. They were in a high-speed chase, then bailed on foot, but they caught up with them and one guard got shot. Long story short, two bodyguards left to get help and Jax hid out with the witness.

What the…? Evan blurted out.

You got that right. I’m getting warmed up. This part makes it even more interesting. I found out from Jax’s girlfriend, who works at Solemn Creed Emergency Dispatch. Jax somehow got a message to her. Cade took a long pull of air into his lungs and blew it out. Don’t know how he could think straight with a nasty head splitter, but he did. While Andrea was on the phone, the smoke got to him, and he zonked out. This is where it gets all shades of what-the-fuckery.

Cade furrowed his brows and continued. The female witness, CJ, snatched her phone from him, took control of the situation so first responders could get her and Jackson out of the fires. But before she did, Andrea, Jax’s gal pal, recognized the woman’s voice and found out she’s her sister, the one who has been missing from home for the past eleven years. Cade raked his hands through his hair and stretched his neck from left to right. You guys up to speed?

Connor scrubbed his face.

Uh. Think so, Evan winced and replied.

Cade scooted closer to Evan. This witness was involved in the accident that killed Adam and our parents.

Evan shot up on his feet, the chair sliding back and hitting the wall. She what? His voice raised and his eyes narrowed. He wasn’t sure if he could take another hit. He bit the inside of his cheek. Maybe it was the time for Cade to shut his pie-hole so he could process this. He ran a hand along the seam of his jeans and closed his eyes.

Cade spread his arms out, clasped his fists, and yanked them back. Whoa, Parker. I get all of this is a shock, but hear me out. Let me backtrack a little. He tapped a finger against his lips. This CJ was a teenager at the time. She was at the pharmacy, somewhere outside. From what the D.A. said, she was an accessory and tried to get away, but they wouldn’t let her, she witnessed too much. CJ was a minor, and a liability, but a victim herself. After several failed attempts, she succeeded in getting the hell out of their grasp and turned evidence against several players, single-handedly crumbling the organization. She’s testified against a dozen and has been in the witness protection, awaiting the next trial. I mean, since the accident she has been hiding, only coming out to testify.

Evan wanted to grab onto something to steady himself. There was a shakiness to his limbs. He was emotionally and physically exhausted. How do we know she can be trusted? He rubbed his eyes. Each step, heavy anvils.

The girl has a conscience and has risked her life to get the truth out, giving up her life to put these lowlifes behind bars. She’s been testifying right and left and plans to keep it up if we ever catch Ryder and Devland. That’s why she was in the parking garage outside the county building where Jax ended up. Cade pulled a bottle cap out of his pocket and rolled in and around his fingers repeatedly. Andrea said it’s her, but she hasn’t seen her. There’s more, but I’ll need both of you to swear you won’t say anything to anyone. If this gets out, we’re in trouble and more lives are at risk. It will affect both of you and your jobs until this goes to trial. I can trust Connor, but I’m not one hundred about you, Parker. I’m going on faith, and I need your word. This all affects you.

Evan observed the precision and rhythm Cade used to weave the old metal cap through his fingers and over his knuckles. We’ve already been lectured by the District Attorney. We’re not to share anything with anyone about what we hear until, after our testimonies.

Need your word, Parker. Cade leaned forward, locked eyes with him, and raised a brow.

Evan shifted in his seat and pulled his shoulders back. You have my solemn word, but I must tell my mom and my sister something. They have lost as much as I have. I’ve told them everything else. If I don’t, they will hop on a plane and get their noses involved. You don’t know them. Evan rolled his shoulders. Relentless. He shook his head.

I don’t, but I’ve had my share with strong women who don’t back down without a fight for what’s right. Right, bro? Cade said as he eyeballed his brother.

Damn straight, Connor responded. We understand all too well. He made a puffing sound.

You can tell them there’s a witness and their testimony will put the bastards that killed Adam behind bars. Here’s where this goes all shades of cray-cray. Cade splayed his fingers wide. Kaboom, he shouted. Jax’s girlfriend is the fire chief’s daughter, right? If you track the DNA trail, the witness would be his daughter as well.

You mean Chief Johnson’s missing in action daughter? The one he hasn’t heard from in years? Connor interjected.

Cade eyed his brother. Yes, the one and only teenage runaway he is tight-lipped about.

Shit! Evan yelled. What the hell is wrong with this spooky town?

Watch it, Parker. Cade’s nostrils flared. Possession at its finest, I guess. But it’s our town and our families live here. No need for satanic shit. I’m as scared as the rest of you.

I didn’t mean it that way. My head is swiveling off my neck right now. I’m about to upchuck green. There’s a lot of poltergeists going on. What’s next, the walking dead?

Cade smirked and covered his mouth. Evan realized he might have found Cade’s funny bone, but in a nano-second Cade was back to the business at hand, switching gears fast.

For years, her family thought she was dead. They didn’t hear from her until recently. I got word from the higher-ups she’s done a lot of good over the years. To be fair, we need to zip it until this goes to trial. Cade’s voice projected and echoed in the near empty room.

Evan crossed his arms over his chest and checked