“Charred and broken,” Ballard replied. “Some items near the ignition point that didn’t belong. I’ll get you the lab report as soon as it’s ready. I can take you to the site once the structure’s deemed safe—likely tomorrow.”
“Excellent.” Athena nodded, hopeful the scene might finally yield a usable trace of the killer. They exchanged routine updates before she dismissed the group. To her disappointment, Flash had gone out on a call.
I’ll text her later, Athena thought.Right now, I’ve got to face off with the disagreeable Jolene Carver.
A sturdy woman smelling of menthol cigarettes scowled at the FBI agents from across the table. Her straight, sunflower-yellow hair skimmed her shoulders. Shoops, whom Athena had brought in for experience, looked petrified. Athena, unsurprisingly, was unmoved by Jolene’s glare.
“I was supposed to have a job interview this afternoon,” Jolene snapped. “If you cost me that position, I swear you’ll hear from my lawyers!”
“Duly noted,” Athena replied coolly, then introduced herself and Karen.
“The arson department already talked to me,” Jolene huffed, smacking her gum. “I didn’t burn down Synergy, if that’s what you’re thinkin’. But, sure, bring in the mouthy forklift chick who wears Walmart jeans instead of heels, and suddenly I’m a criminal. Did I have run-ins with the boss? Yeah, who doesn’t? Did I get along with everyone? Nobody does. Did I stand up for myself? You bet your sweet designer ass I did—and I’ll keep doing it. ‘Cause if I don’t, who will? You?”
“Ms. Carver,” Athena said evenly, “I stand up for the truth. You’re here so I can determine whether that’s what I’m getting. So drop the macho act, and let’s talk.”
Jolene shifted in her seat, arms crossed. “Get on with it, then.”
Athena resisted the urge to roll her eyes. This loud, tobacco-fingered woman with dirt under her nails wasn’t going to rattle her.
“Do you know Ricky De León?”
“Yeah,” Jolene said, relaxing a little. “Thinks he’s all that, Prince Charming, or some such shit. Why?”
“Your file notes disputes with several coworkers. Was he one of them?”
“Nah,” she said with a dismissive flick of her hand. “He stuck to his business, and me to mine.”
Athena nodded, jotting a note. “You mentioned a job interview. Were you planning to leave Synergy?”
“The friggin’ place burned down, for Christ’s sake!” Jolene barked. “Of course I’m lookin’ for another job.” Then, under her breath, added, “Moron.”
“I mean, before the incident. Were you fired or did you resign?”
Jolene rubbed her jeans, avoiding Athena’s eyes. After a pause, she shrugged. “Sure, I quit. Tired of being jerked around. That don’t mean I set the fire.”
Athena shot a look at Shoops, prompting her to speak.
“Witnesses said they terminated your employment and sent you packing,” Karen countered.
Guilt flickered across Jolene’s face before she slumped into a glower. “Maybe it was mutual. What difference does it make?”
“In an FBI investigation, everything matters,” Athena replied. She flipped through her notes. “Your ex-husband has custody of your child. How do you feel about that?”
“What are you now, my therapist?” Jolene barked. “He had the better lawyer. I still see the kid. It’s not like I don’t care—I’m just living my life. You’re lookin’ at the best player in my bowling league.” She thumped her chest with a smug grin.
“Where were you Thursday night?”
Jolene blinked. “League match at seven. Lasted ‘til around nine.”
“And after that?”
Confusionreplaced pride on Jolene’s face. “Had a few beers. Went home. Why?”
“And where were you on July 1st?”
The suspect’s eyes widened. “How the hell should I know? What day was that?”
“Monday.” Athena cocked her head at Jolene and steepled her fingers. “Have you ever been to Little Rock?”
