Burn it Down by JJ Grice

Author:JJ Grice [Grice, JJ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-10-27T16:00:00+00:00

Today is one of those days that my rule about not bringing the job home was made for. When we got to the scene, we realized pretty quickly that it wasn’t just a normal fire. I could tell right away that it was the arsonists' handiwork. There were quite a few people sitting out on the street who had clearly been in the building when the fire began. Jeb and I were sent in to ensure it was completely cleared out, but it wasn’t. And unfortunately the store owner that was still inside didn’t even survive until we made it back outside with him. We’ve lost people before, it’s a heartbreaking part of the job. But knowing that this could have been prevented and that it was essentially murder, is what’s really bothering me and is why I haven’t been able to let it go even after leaving work.

“You need to eat something, baby boy.” I dazedly look over at Cooper, who’s sitting next to me on the couch with his own take-out container in his lap. When I look back down at my own, I realize that I’ve barely taken a bite of the seasonal salad Cooper brought me for dinner.

“I’m sorry,” I say, feeling bad that he wasted his money. “I guess I’m just not all that hungry.”

He sits up straighter, putting his container down on the coffee table before grabbing mine and setting it next to his. He turns to look at me, grabbing my hands and forcing my body to turn so I’m looking directly at him too.

“I know it was a rough day, Tatum. But you need to eat something and you need to relax.”

Normally, when someone tells me to relax, it has the opposite effect. But with Cooper saying it, it seems to have the desired results. I let out a long breath and my body deflates slightly, leaning toward him more.

“You’ve lost people on the job before.” He’s not trying to be condescending. His words are quiet and gentle, with a hint of inquisition.

“Yeah.”

“So what makes this one so hard?”

“Because it could have been prevented.” His eyes widen slightly as realization hits him about what exactly I mean.

“I know, baby. I’m trying so hard to find-”

“I know you are. But whoever is starting these fires doesn’t seem to care anymore. They’re becoming reckless.”

He nods his head a couple times, then he brings his hands up to cup my cheeks and places a gentle kiss to the side of my mouth.

“I’ll find who’s doing this, I promise.” I nod my head before allowing Cooper to pull me into his side and wrap his arms around me. Being here with him, the TV playing quietly in the background while my head rests against his chest and his heartbeat echoes in my ear, is exactly what I didn’t realize I needed. I’m so used to being alone after long and stressful days, I forgot the type of comfort someone else can provide. It’s the comfort Cooper is giving me just by being here right now.

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