Lawson had questioned him after the office fire. Patrons at Dockside had seen him at the bar most of the night, but no one could give an exact recounting of the time because they’d been too distracted by the band and spending time with friends. Lawson had also tried to have another conversation with Gabe, but my brother had told him to go through his lawyer from now on.
Ramirez squeezed Rance’s shoulder. “There’s no harm in them having a look.”
“Whatever,” Rance said, shaking off the hold and stalking toward a truck on the street.
Ramirez let out a sigh. “I’m sorry about that. I should’ve told him to wait in the car. I thought maybe his temper had cooled.”
“It’s okay,” Grae said. “I know things are a little awkward right now.”
Ramirez nodded. “Look, I know Law talked to him about these fires, but that’s not Rance. No matter how mad he is, he wouldn’t do something like this.”
Grae bit her lip. “I can’t see it either. Even though he hates me right now, I’ve never seen him knowingly hurt another person. My brother is just covering all his bases because it’s his job, and we have no idea who this is.”
Ramirez’s shoulders relaxed a fraction. “It’s good to hear you feel that way. I’m so sorry this is happening. I want to catch this asshole as much as you do, so let me know if there’s anything I can do.”
“I will. Thank you for everything.”
He gave me a chin lift and headed for the truck.
I studied Grae for a moment. “You really don’t think it’s Rance?”
Grae sighed. “I just don’t see it. Maybe it’s because I’ve known him for so long, but I just don’t.”
I wrapped her in a hug. That was Grae through and through, always seeing the best in people.
“Is Captain America gone yet?” A voice came from inside the screen door.
I chuckled as Eddie popped his head out. “Captain America?”
He rolled his eyes. “Rance has become a piece of work. He thinks he’s God’s gift to anyone in danger. He came in and basically started lecturing us all on fire safety.”
Grae groaned. “I’m sorry.”
Jordan came through the door and patted her shoulder. “Not your fault.”
Noel followed. “I don’t know. If I had to listen to another story about how he prevented imminent disaster, I might start blaming you.”
Grae grimaced. “I’ll bring coffee tomorrow to make up for it.”
Eddie looked instantly hopeful. “And scones?”
“You drive a hard bargain, but yes.”
The amusement fled Jordan’s face. “Your house is cleared?”
Grae nodded. “Do you mind if I walk over really quick and check it out?”
“Of course not. We’ll come with you.”
“You don’t have to—”
“We’ll come with you,” Jordan insisted.
I wrapped an arm around Grae’s shoulders. “Come on. Let’s get it over with, and then you can get to work.”
She nodded again, but I saw the apprehension in her eyes.
“Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it. We’re a team, remember?”
