Winds of Fire

PARTNERS: WINDS OF FIRE
by
Kira Chase
TORRID BOOKS
www.torridbooks.com


Published by
TORRID BOOKS
www.torridbooks.com
An Imprint of Whiskey Creek Press LLC
Copyright © 2015 by Kira Chase
Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
ISBN: 978-1-63355-659-1
Credits
Cover Artist: Vinessa Riley
Editor: Sara Kent
Printed in the United States of America


Other Books by Author Available at Torrid Books:
www.torridbooks.com
Partners: The Wrong Corpse
Partners: The Other Woman
Partners: Blinded By the Trees
Partners: Beyond the Shadows
2-in-1 Partners
Partners: The Wrong Corpse & Partners: The Other Woman


Chapter 1
Frankie tiptoed to the bed and stared down at Johanna. Tears sprang up in her eyes. She'd come so close to losing her. She ran her fingertips through Johanna's long, silky, auburn hair. Johanna's eyes popped open and a beautiful smile tugged at her lips as she looked up at Frankie.
“Do you need anything before I leave for the office, sweetie?” Frankie asked tenderly.
“No.” Johanna stretched leisurely. “I can't wait until I can go back to work. I'm going stir-crazy.”
Frankie looked into Johanna's green eyes. “The doctor said you might be able to return to work on Monday. He'll let you know at your appointment this afternoon.” She bent and kissed Johanna's cheek. “Why don't you stop at the office after your appointment and we'll grab some dinner and then see a movie? Or do you want me to meet you at the doctor's office?”
Johanna ran her fingertips over Frankie's cheek. “I've got an even better idea. Why don't you play hooky and stay in bed with me all day?” She lifted a suggestive eyebrow.
Frankie groaned. “Don't tempt me. You know I'd love nothing better, but I have to clear up some paperwork.” She lowered her head and kissed Johanna's cheek again. “And you know how much I love paperwork,” she said, lifting her eyes heavenward.
Johanna laughed. “Why didn't you bring it home? I could have done it from here. At least it would have given me something to do today.”
Frankie exhaled loudly. “I would have, but there's a few details I need to go over with Kate. It's that Benley case. Remember I told you about it?”
Johanna frowned. “You haven't mentioned that case in a while. I thought it was over and done with. What happened?”
“It was, but since Mrs. Benley didn't like the fact that there was no dirt to dig up on her husband, she doesn't want to pay the balance of her bill.”
“Is it large enough to bother pursuing?”
“Damn right it is. It kept me away from you for too many nights. It's a big piece of change.” She shook her head in disgust. “Mrs. Benley is one nasty woman. I'm sorry I took her on as a client. She's claiming I never tailed her husband and am charging her for services not rendered. But Kate was with me on several of those nights.” She grimaced. “I feel sorry for her husband. I can't imagine what he goes through with her unfounded accusations.”
Johanna's eyes narrowed. “I'm glad I didn't have to deal with her.” She perked up. “But I could come to the office and help catch up the rest of the paperwork before my doctor's appointment.”
Frankie eyed her suspiciously. “I don't think so. You wouldn't stay put and you know it. I have a couple of summonses to deliver and you'd want to go with me.”
“I don't like you going alone to deliver the summonses.”
“Nothing to worry about. I'll be serving them at their place of employment, not at private residences.”
“That makes me feel better.” She looked thoughtfully at Frankie for a few seconds. “If I swear I won't leave the office can I come with you?”
Frankie shook her head. “Not until the doctor officially releases you. Just a few more days, honey.” She peered at Johanna. “Oh, and remember, if you go out back, no peeking under the tarps. Promise?”
“I promise,” she said. “I'll find something to do. All I've heard for weeks is pounding and sawing. When can I see what's under all those tarps and scaffolding out back?”
Frankie grinned. “Tomorrow. I assure you it'll be worth the wait.” She glanced at her wristwatch. “I've got to run, babe. Kate's meeting me first thing this morning.”
Johanna frowned. “I suppose I have to let you go.” She pulled Frankie's face close to hers and gave her a long lingering kiss.
Frankie sighed longingly as the sheet slipped from Johanna, exposing her firm enticing breasts. “Quit tempting me.”
“Never,” Johanna murmured.
* * * *
Frankie leaned back in her chair, slowly shaking her head back and forth as she scrutinized her friend Deputy Kate Allen. A wide smile broke across her pretty face.
“What?” Kate asked with narrowed eyes. She looked down, glancing at her uniform, then at Frankie. “Did I spill something on myself? Do I have something on my face?” She shifted from one foot to the other. “Out with it, Frankie.”
Frankie ran a hand through her short brunette hair. “I was just sitting here thinking that next month at this time you'll be a married woman.” She leaned forward. The trace of the smile was still on her lips. “I still can't get over the fact that you and Arlan are actually going to be our neighbors, too. Johanna and I are thrilled.”
Kate grinned. “We are too. I am absolutely in love with the