Athena’s chin lifted, her tone clipped. “Sometimes,Agent Shoops. Not usually. What’s everyone been doing that built up such an appetite?” Work ethic or not, Athena’s stomach growled too.
“We’ve eliminated a third of the employees from the two Houston locations, based on solid alibis,” Ice reported.
Bright-eyed—with the prospect of food on the way—Howard said, “I’ve switched gears to looking at firefighter candidates who washed out of the academy in the past two years.”
“Agent Paulson?” Athena pivoted to her senior man, now settling in at his station.
“You know how a lot of arsonists want to watch?”
Athena nodded, already anticipating the angle.
“I’m combing news reels, fire department footage, and social media—any videos of fires in progress. If our guy’s into watching fires, maybe he shows up in the crowd. I’m tracking repeat onlookers, too—people who appear more than once without a reason. My money’s on our firebug slipping into view somewhere.”
The sheer volume of video made Athena blink, but Paulson had filters, apps, and shortcuts. He always did.
“You could be right. Keep examining that angle,” she instructed. “Shoops, food ordered?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Even sitting up straight at her desk, the petite woman looked small. “I just ordered everyone’s usual. Shrimp Caesar salad OK?” She bit her lip, peering hopefully at Athena.
“It’s fine. Now, run a deep dive into Jolene Carver. I want to know everything—especially whether she was let go from Synergy the day of the fire. Ice, Hernandez—after lunch, trail Rusk and De León. Quietly. See if they go back to work, go home, hit a bar, or start another fire. Talk to employers. We don’t have enough for a warrant. Find something.”
“You got it,” Ice said, crisp as ever.
Back in her office, Athena grabbed a notebook and a pencil to brainstorm. After questioning the first two suspects, she was no nearer to an answer.Whoever this arsonist is, they shouldn’t have a clean alibi for all four dates—or we need to place them in the right city at the right time. Both men had motive and means; it might come down to opportunity. Was he in the right place at the right time?
Chapter 20
It had already been a glorious day for Flash—making things right with Athena had lifted a weight off her heart. And now, it was about to get even better.
She and Snuffles were invited for a swim, a private dinner at the mansion, and whatever came after. Flash had dropped her pampered pooch off for a spa day, crushed a high-adrenaline workout at the Extreme Sports ninja gym, met Nita for lunch, then kicked back at her loft watchingHairspray—singing along, of course. After a steamy shower and quick change, she and Snuffles zipped out to the suburbs on her bike, a fizzy thrill humming in her veins.
The wrought-iron gates swung open like magic at her approach. Beyond them, a riot of sculpted greenery and blooms framed the drive. With Snuffles strapped to her chest and a backpack holding her two-piece and toiletries, Flash kicked down the stand and slid off the bike, leaving her helmet behind.
And there—leaning in the doorway like a decadent fantasy—stood her brilliant, sultry girlfriend, sheer cover-up floating over her swimsuit, eyes glittering in the evening light.
Flash’s heart stuttered. Her grin bloomed wide. Snuffles squirmed against her chest, paws flailing, barking her approval.
“You are the most delectable, desirable siren I’ve ever laid eyes on,” Flash breathed.
Athena smirked, her cheeks tinged rose, and brushed a kiss over Flash’s lips. Turning her attention to Snuffles, she scratched behind her ears and cooed, “Snuffles, the sweetest, cutest little dog ever! Your mama needs to let you loose so you can go wild.”
“I’m glad to seeyoutoo,” Flash teased, trailing after her into the house. She unzipped the doggie pack, and Snuffles burst free in a blur of ecstatic energy—just as Athena predicted.
“I’ll do the dishes,” Flash offered. “It’s only fair after that fabulous meal.”
Athena winced. “Icancook, but I didn’t make this—I picked it up at Cajun Magic on the way home.” She lifted a palm and a plate, sheepish. “Don’t get mad. I brought work home. But I want to spend time with you, not shut you out. I just need to review the interviews and compare them to what the team pulled together today. It won’t take more than an hour. You can watch TV or have another swim.”
Flash set her plate down and circled Athena’s waist. “Is there a rule against me helping? Or just sitting with you while you work?”
Athena hesitated, biting her lip. “I was going to spread everything out on the dining table. You’re welcome to stay—it just might be boring.”
“Watching you work? Catching every intense expression, the instant the lightbulb goes on, every gorgeous twitch of your lips? Never boring, sweetheart.” When a week might pass without seeing her, Flash wanted to soak in Athena’s company every chance she had.
Flash grinned. Athena shook her head, laughing, and they got to it.
In truth, Flashwasinvested. She’d spotted the arson signs. She’d pushed the issue. This case felt as much hers as it did the FBI’s.
Athena laid out stacks on the polished oak table. “These are the employees from the Nutty Smooth plant, Knight’s Construction, Shreveport Steel, and Synergy Warehouse.” She gestured to another pile. “Former employees, with anyone fired marked in yellow.”
