“Fire Marshal Zapata shared the arson investigators’ interviews from the cannery and Synergy fires. I need eyes on them, fast. Shoops, look for inconsistencies in witness statements or any individual who fits one of our profiles. Also, search for overlaps with Little Rock and Shreveport.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Karen peeked at her from behind her glasses before diving into the files.
Athena strode farther into the office, noting all agents’ attention riveted on her except Paulson, who obliviously plowed ahead on his computer. She halted, hand on hip. “Paulson. Want to let the rest of us in on what’s so riveting?”
He unlocked the brake on his wheelchair and spun to face her, triumph gleaming on his face. “You’re gonna want to see this.”
“Put it on the big screen,” she instructed, hopeful regarding his findings.
Images ofdocuments and a photo appeared on the wall of screens above Paulson’s station. “Meet Calvin Rusk.” Brown hair, brown eyes, rugged cowboy type, no remarkable features, yet older than the profile called for.
Paulson proceeded. “I hit on him for his juvie record—setting a dumpster fire. I know, regular teenage mischief, but he also has an adult record, serving two years for aggravated assault. He lives in Greater Houston, has a trailer on the edge of town, but—”
Raising a finger for dramatic effect, Paulson clicked his mouse, and a speeding ticket appeared on a screen. “He was in Shreveport the day of the steel pipe factory fire. That spurred me to dig deeper into Rusk and voilà,” he said with a smirk, pulling up a yearbook photo. “Good old firesetting Calvin went to high school in Tyler, Texas, with cheerleader Beth Knowles, who, if you recall, was the victim recovered from that fire. Coincidence?”
“No such thing,” declared Travis. “Do you want Hernandez and me to bring him in?”
Athena glanced at the ex-Marine, his posture tensing with readiness.
Returning her attention to the screens, she scanned Rusk’s bio. “Has worked several blue-collar jobs, described as a loner, out of touch with his family, but he’s thirty-four, and nothing in his employment history connects him to any targeted business.”
“Only a little over the age range,” Paulson dismissed, “plus, it’s possible he was a hire for the jobs, or the connection might not be with the companies themselves, but employees who worked at them. I can keep running that approach; just give the word.”
“Yes, to both of you,” Athena replied. “Ice, Hernandez, go pick up Rusk and bring him in. Paulson, keep at it and see what else you can find.” Lifting her gaze to the other agents, she declared, “I need more suspects.”
“Ma’am, I’ve been working the ex-firefighter angle,” Campbell ventured. “While there’s a surprising number of washed-out candidates and firefighters sacked in disgrace, this Ricky guy best fits our profile.”
“John?” Athena’s look required no verbal directive.
Agent Paulson pushed a button to transfer control of the wall screens to Sean’s computer. Instantly, a photo accompanied by various documentation filled the screens. The young man, likely mid-twenties, had a striking smile, thick black hair, and smooth tan skin—every bit the charmer.
“Ricky De León hails from a broken home,” Campbell reported, “and his family moved frequently during his childhood. When his mom was in rehab, he spent three months at an uncle’s place in Little Rock. While not a star candidate, he graduated from the Fire Academy four years ago and stayed on the job for about a year. After two recorded reprimands, Captain Hughes of Firehouse Sixty-two fired De León for substance abuse and misconduct. He showed up to work drunk, argumentative, and took a swing at the captain. Seems he pulled himself together, though, because six weeks later, guess where he ends up working?”
Shoops waved a page from a folder Athena had given her. “Synergy Warehouse Collective!” she announced enthusiastically. “The arson investigators interviewed everyone employed at Synergy, and here he is. The notes say he claimed he was home alone, sleeping, at the time of the blaze.”
“Does it specify his position at the warehouse?” Athena inquired.
“Shipping and receiving clerk.”
“Hmmm.” Athena weighed the information. “Troubled childhood, drinking problem, anger management issues, but otherwise a handsome, charming fellow—perfect for being the face of the business, dealing with the tenants and drivers, but a far cry from the rush of racing into burning buildings or saving lives. Firebug? Could have kept it under wraps for a few years. He’s the right age.”
“Campbell and I could bring him in,” Howard suggested, already jumping out of his swivel chair, a bright expression on his dusky face.
“Why not? Two suspects are better than one,” she concurred.
“I’m driving,” called the ginger agent as he slipped a brown coat over his white shirt and shoulder holster. “You putt around town like a grandma.”
“Who you callin’ grandma, carrot top? Just ‘cause I don’t drive like a West Texas Tasmanian Devil, don’t make me a grandma.” Howard hotfooted it after Campbell while Athena shook her head at their antics.
“Good work,” she confirmed in understated praise. “Shoops, Paulson, send me everything you’ve got on these two and then drum up more suspects. I’ll be in my office preparing for the interviews.”
“You’ve got it, boss.” A twinkling smile accompanied Shoops’ cheerful chirp.
Athena settled in behind her desk, eyes flicking between two profiles—one a rugged loner with a violent past, the other a fallen golden boy with charm and demons to match. Either could be their arsonist. She liked to ensure she already knew most of the answers to questions she’d pose, aiming to catch a criminal in a lie. The more they stepped in it, the more the noose tightened.
“Now ... which of you has been turning buildings into bonfires?”
Howard and Campbell got back before Ice and Hernandez, who’d gone to bring in Calvin Rusk. After winning the coin flip, Campbell joined Athena in the stark interview room, where a good-looking young man sat like he’d wandered into the wrong place—too casual, too clean-cut for the steel table and harsh lights. He regarded them with pleasant curiosity through bright eyes.
