“What does that mean for us?” she asked.
“Not much,” he admitted. “We have thorough notes in the case file about how the fire was set—accelerants and devices. That all goes into a national database.”
“Good?”
“It is,” he confirmed. “If the arsonist uses these tactics again, it will be easier for us to catch them.”
“Meaning the person responsible for the incident here isn’t in the database yet?” she asked.
He shook his head, the sunlight glinting off his hair. “Not so far.”
She shivered, hugging herself. “That doesn’t make me feel better.”
“I wouldn’t expect it to.” His voice was hard, but the soft sympathy in her his eyes surprised her.
“We haven’t found any other fires set using this particular accelerant and ignition in South Carolina. They went back a few years, just to be sure.”
“No offense, but if this is a pep talk, it’s failing. Miserably.”
He winced. “Sorry.”
“Thanks.” She quickly added, “I don’t expect you to manage my fears. That’s my job.”
“Celeste—”
She flicked her hand, waving off his concern. “Basically, you’re saying no one knows why the house was targeted.”
“That sums it up.” His gaze scanned the area again. “You’ve got a great spot out here, but it’s isolated,” he observed. “I’m glad to see the new cameras. That alone should be an effective deterrent.”
Should be. She couldn’t live her life on “shoulds”.
“I feel better having them too.” Especially with a successful arsonist wandering about.
“You might want to keep up the extra protection. At least for a little while,” he suggested.
“We’re evaluating week to week.” Her sisters, backed by Reed, had made the same suggestion. “We’d all feel better if we understood why they set fire to our place or if we had confirmation the danger was over.”
“Most likely we’ll eventually learn it was a prank,” Miller said. “I know that’s not much help now, but as a first-responder, I’m pleased there haven’t been any similar fires nearby.”
“Well of course you are. I wouldn’t want that either.”
She’d been edgy since the incident. The island was small enough that, for a time, she kept seeing threats where once she saw only kind neighbors and happy tourists. Fortunately, Reed and her sisters had helped her through the worst of those days, assuring her she was having a natural reaction to an unpleasant circumstance.
The combined support, including this visit from Chief Miller today, reminded her why she was so set on building a business here on Brookwell Island and creating a life she could thrive in.
“Since you’re here…” She took a few steps toward the planter box nearest the house. “Nash did me a favor.” Dropping to one knee, she pressed one end of the bottom slat and it fell open to reveal a fire extinguisher. “This gives me some extra peace of mind. If we do rebuild the outdoor kitchen, I’ll have one fire extinguisher visible, and a backup hidden. Just in case.”
She leaned back and peered up to find Brookwell’s fire chief grinning like a little kid. His expression made her smile.
“That’s incredible.” He pulled out his phone and took a picture. “Smart thinking.”
She snapped the cover back in place and stood, dusting off her hands. “Thanks for bringing me up to speed.” Though it wasn’t the complete closure she’d hoped for, she was glad for the visit. “And thanks for your service here on the island.”
“Well, um.” His ears reddened. “That’s the job.” With a half smile, he glanced around the backyard. “Take care out here.”
“Every day.”
He looked as if he’d say more, but changed his mind. With a nod, he started back down the drive.
“Be safe, Chief Miller.”
He turned on his heel and smiled. “Evan.”
“Right.” She gave a soft laugh. “Be safe out there, Evan.”
The End…for now
