“From what I can tell so far, it looks like the fire started in several places—what I’d expect if it were arson. Either of you have enemies who might want to kill you?”
Rob’s mouth dropped open, and he saw a similar reaction from Derrick.
“No, sir, I don’t think so. Not in the US. Judging from my military history, there are probably plenty in the Middle East, but not outside of a war zone,” he told the fire chief.
“Nobody that would try to burn me out of my apartment,” Derrick answered. He didn’t look at either the chief or at Rob when he spoke. He shifted a bit and cleared his throat.
His body language was wrong. There’s something he isn’t saying.
“We’ll be investigating the fire as a possible arson because of the pattern the fire took. I’ll also be talking to your landlady. I’m afraid you won’t be able to stay here. If you need help to find a place to stay, check with the Red Cross. Their office is in Green Oak. If you remember anything you noticed about the fire, call me. Here’s my card.” He handed business cards to both Rob and Derrick.
“Guess my trip will get postponed until I can buy a new wardrobe and replace my laptop and cell,” Derrick said to Rob as the chief left.
He was in the same boat. He’d lost everything, although he didn’t have that much with him. He’d miss his duffel, though. He’d had it since basic. Looks like he and Maverick would need to head back to the Ridgeview Motel.
He heard someone call his name and looked around to see MJ coming toward him at a dead run. She leaped toward him, and his arms outstretched automatically to catch her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and held on, hugging him tightly.
“I heard about the fire,” she gasped breathlessly. “Sheriff Daniels called my brother because he heard it on the scanner, and he knew you were living here. Nick called me. Oh, my gosh, are you okay?” Her worried eyes searched his face.
“We’re fine. Derrick, Maverick, and I all escaped relatively unscathed. Other than losing a place to live and everything we own.”
“How did the fire start?”
“The fire chief thinks it’s arson. Don’t know why someone would target us, though. There were some scary moments getting Maverick to jump out of the window and down from the porch roof with me. Don’t worry, MJ, he’s okay.” Reluctantly, he set her down on the ground, but kept an arm around her waist.
“I’m glad, but I was worried about you. I mean, besides Maverick.” It was as if she suddenly processed what he’d said. “You jumped out a window? Jumped from the porch roof? Oh, my gosh, it’s a wonder you didn’t break your leg! You didn’t, did you?” She pulled away from him to check out Maverick, who stared lovingly up at her.
She sank to her knees and threw her arms around the Malinois. “Oh, you poor baby!” He licked her face enthusiastically, and she giggled. “You’re such a lover boy, Maverick.”
Rob felt a twinge in his chest. He wasn’t jealous of a dog, was he? No, he couldn’t be—but he wasn’t able to ignore the feelings rolling around in his body.
***
She couldn’t believe how scary this situation was. The fire was nearly out, but MJ couldn’t escape thoughts about what might have happened to both men and Maverick. They’d been lucky to get out alive. Arson! Stuff like this didn’t happen in Ridgeview. Why would someone want to burn down Mrs. Boggs’ rental house? Rob couldn’t have any enemies that would do that. Derrick? She didn’t know him well. Maybe her brother would know.
“What are you going to do?” she asked both men.
Derrick shrugged. “I guess I’ll stay with my sister in Green Oak. There’s no reason I have to be in Ridgeview. I travel a lot, anyway. I’ll be okay once I replace the stuff I lost.” He pointed at the still-smoldering building with his chin.
Rob stared at what remained of the upper level of the building before answering. “For the rest of the weekend, I’ll let the Red Cross help me out until I can get to the bank on Monday. Then I’ll start replacing things. I guess Maverick and I will go back to the Ridgeview Motel.”
She shook her head. “No, you and Maverick can come stay with me. I have a guest room, and that will give Maverick a chance to get used to living there. Plus, it’ll be easier for me to get an idea of what taking care of him is like.” She was careful not to give the reasons she wanted Rob there, because she wasn’t exactly sure what those reasons were. She just knew she wanted him closer.
“Are you sure you want us as house guests? We’re not just talking about a week or two.”
Was she sure? Yes, absolutely. This decision felt right, and she always trusted her instincts. “Yes. There’s no reason for you two to stay in that seedy motel when I have a place.” There. That sounded very rational.
“What about your family? How will they feel about us staying with you?”
Her brother would probably read her the riot act. Tough. “I’m a grown woman, and I can decide who I’ll live with.” Somehow that hadn’t come out right, and she felt herself blush.
Rob was eyeing her cautiously. No doubt he’d seen the deep flush of color she always got when she blushed.
“All right. We appreciate it. Frankly, I’m looking forward to a shower.” He gestured toward his dirty clothes and the soot on his arms and chest.
A chest she’d been close up and personal with when she’d climbed him like a monkey. “I can wash your clothes while you get cleaned up.”
He looked at his
