“You suspect arson?”
Brody nodded, and ran a hand through his hair. He felt filthy, coated in layers of grime and soot. He was used to it, a part of the job he loved, yet even the thought of somebody deliberately starting fires in his county, close to the people he cared about, made him feel dirty. And pissed off.
“Wasn’t hard to spot. I found what I believe is clear evidence of an accelerant. I’ve collected a ton of evidence at the scene, and once things cool off, and it’s not pitch dark outside, I’ll take a closer look. But with three other fires this close together, there’s a definitive pattern.”
“That’s what now, four?”
“In the last few months, yeah. Another part of the pattern I’m seeing is the fires have all been in abandoned or vacant properties. This one was at the old Summers’ barn. It’s been empty for years, it’s outside of town, the wood is old and dried out, making it a firebug’s dream spot.”
“Plus, it’s off the beaten path. Unless you know it’s there, it’s not visible from the road. Add in the use of an accelerant, you’re right, sounds suspicious.” Rafe scratched at his chin while he watched Brody closely. Brody was used to his big brother’s scrutiny. He really should have stopped and showered first, because knowing Rafe, he wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to rib him about trailing smoke into the sanctity of his office.
“Unofficially, I wanted to give you a head’s up. I’ll send you an official report once I’ve had a chance to do a more thorough investigation. Collect more samples for ILRs and send then for testing.”
“I probably know this, but I’m drawing a blank. What’s ILRs?” Chance shook his head after asking the question. “Guess Rafe’s not the only one needing some coffee.”
“ILRs is an ignitable liquid residue. Not necessarily an accelerant, but burns hot. Most likely I’ll find gasoline or kerosene. Maybe propane, but I doubt it. I’ll also check for pour patterns, if an accelerant was used. Thought I spotted some after the fire was out.”
“I’ll have my deputies keep their eyes peeled for anybody acting weird. I haven’t heard of any strangers passing through. I’ll keep you posted if I hear anything.”
Brody stood up and stretched. “Appreciate it. I’m heading to the Big House. I’ll crash there for a few hours and then head back to the scene. Call me if anything comes up.”
“Will do. Get some rest, you’ve earned it.”
Chance also stood and headed for the door. “I’m going to head out too, since you’ve got your hands full, bro. Might as well head in to the office and get some work done. I’ll update you later on a couple of cases.”
“Before you go, have you heard anything more about the Berkley case? Antonio’s swamped between moving back from Dallas, and getting situated at his new digs with the Austin FBI office. I didn’t want to bring it up with Serena; she’s been through enough already.”
Brody paused halfway to the door, because he wanted to hear the answer too, since that particular case had hit a little too close to home. Although it did have a bright side. His brother, Antonio, found the love of his life during the whole fiasco. A few weeks prior, Big Jim Berkley, homegrown terrorist and the mastermind behind several bombings across the southern United States, had been granted an appeal of his conviction. The one person who could keep him behind bars was the man’s niece, who’d been living in Shiloh Springs under an assumed identity. Fortunately, things turned out the way they should, and Antonio and Serena got their happily ever after. Brody suspected there’d be wedding bells in the near future for his brother. The thought made him smile.
“The Department of Justice quietly steamrollered him into taking an Alford plea on all the new charges. There won’t be another trial. Big Jim Berkley’s new attorneys agreed to withdraw their case for appeal. Big Jim’s never gonna see the outside of a penitentiary for the rest of his natural life.” Chance shrugged. “Couldn’t have happened to a better person. With everything he put Serena through, they should bury him beneath the jail. That’s my personal opinion. As the district attorney for the county of Shiloh Springs, I cannot quote anything on the record, since there are still charges pending against Jonathan and Corinne Drury for the auto accident and attempted kidnapping of Serena.”
“Are you prosecuting their case?”
“I can’t, Brody. I’ve recused myself, since my brothers were involved and will be called as witnesses for the prosecution. Don’t want anything smacking of nepotism or impropriety to taint the case. Off the record, they’ll probably plead it out, since both Drury and his wife have charges pending in an ongoing investigation with the Justice Department. Shiloh Springs is small potatoes in their ongoing case.”
“I’m glad Antonio’s moving back. I think Shiloh Springs is good for his soul. In the short time he’s been back, he seems, I don’t know, happier.”
Rafe chuckled. “Well, part of that might be because he’s in love. I know I’m certainly happier now I’ve got Tessa in my life.”
“And with that, I’m out of here, in case all this new love stuff is contagious. I am not ready to settle down.” With a grin, Chance walked out of Rafe’s office, whistling as he headed toward the front. Brody heard him greet Sally Anne, who must’ve come in while they’d been talking.
“I’m out too.”
As he turned to go, Rafe placed a hand on his arm. “Bro, are you alright? I don’t want to pry, but you haven’t been yourself for a while. Anything I can do to help?”
Brody drew in a deep breath. He thought they hadn’t noticed, but trust his big brother to strike right at the heart of the matter. How was he supposed to tell Rafe he’d fallen for his fiancée’s sister? The one who’d
