A is For Arson (Horsemen)

CHAPTER ONE

Victoria

I stood from my seat, scanning the crowd and smoothing my yellow gown. This year's gala had more attendees than in previous years, which would have made my mother proud. My heart ached at the thought. This was her doing, something she had worked on since she was young, and she wasn't here anymore to see it through.

Forcing a smile to my lips, I moved toward the stage to make my opening speech. Prudence Bristol had dedicated her life to the Sacona Youth Center. As her daughter, it was up to me to continue her work and honor her legacy. Lord knew my father couldn't be bothered. He was only in attendance because it would be bad optics for him to be anywhere else.

"Good evening, distinguished guests. I stand before you tonight to speak from the heart about an organization that is very dear to my family: the Sacona Youth Center." I looked around the room. Most of these people had been coming to the fundraising events for years. I made eye contact with several familiar faces.

"As most of you already know, my mother, Prudence, started working with the Youth Center over 30 years ago. She was a woman of extraordinary kindness, a true beacon of light in this community. Her inspiring personality and unwavering commitment to others touched the lives of so many people. Her love knew no bounds, and it was that love that inspired her to start her work with the Sacona Youth Center. She dedicated her life to helping those in need, and the Youth Center was her pride and joy. She taught me the value of giving back to the community and being there for those who need our help the most." I cleared my throat. Talking about my mom was still hard without getting emotional.

"Growing up, I was fortunate enough to help my mother with the Youth Center. I remember spending countless hours there alongside the kids who needed it most, and being around those who came from less fortunate backgrounds had such an eye-opening impact on me. It taught me the value of hard work, the importance of empathy, and the impact that even the smallest act of kindness can have. It fundamentally changed who I am as a person, and I am forever grateful for the lessons I learned there. I want to use my privilege to give back to the city I love so much."

"The center provides a safe and nurturing environment where these kids can learn, grow, and have fun. From tutoring and mentoring to sports and cultural activities, the center offers a range of programs that help kids thrive. In addition, it gives their parents the ease of mind that they have somewhere safe to spend time and socialize. She also created the Sacona Stars Scholarship Program to help those who need it most as they transition into adulthood and pursue higher education. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and giving young people the tools they need to build a better future for themselves and their families."

"Losing my mother six months ago was one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through. However, the one place that still makes me feel like she's with me is the Sacona Youth Center. This charity was a part of her, and keeping her dream alive is the best way to honor her legacy. It's a place where her spirit lives on and where her commitment to helping others continues to make a difference." I blinked away tears and took a deep breath to steady myself as I finished the speech.

"So, I urge you to give generously tonight. These services can be life-changing for the children who receive them. They are only possible thanks to the contributions of people like you. No matter how big or small, your help will allow us to continue the vital work of the Sacona Youth Center. And it will honor the memory of a remarkable woman who devoted her life to helping others."

"Thank you for your attention and your support. Let's make tonight a night to remember and make a real difference in the lives of the children in our community. Now, I am honored to introduce our next speaker, Az Casadei. Az spent a lot of time at the Youth Center and received the Sacona Star Scholarship, which helped him achieve his dreams. Today, he is an incredibly accomplished businessman, and I couldn't be prouder. Az's success is a testament to the power of the programs and services provided by the Youth Center, and I can't wait for him to share his inspiring story with you tonight." I stepped from the podium and applauded as Az strode on stage alongside the audience.

He flashed a brilliant smile and did a little wave as he approached. His blonde hair was neatly styled, and his bright blue eyes sparkled in the light. His athletic build was evident in the way his black-on-black formal suit hugged his body, and the tattoos peeking out from under his sleeves, on his neck, and even on his hands and face added a hint of edge to his otherwise polished appearance. I was impressed with how confident and at ease he seemed in the spotlight as he reached to shake my hand. He gave me a warm hug before moving to stand at the podium, and I could feel how powerful his arms were from the brief squeeze I got. I'm almost certain he gave me a little wink as I made my way to the edge of the stage.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Let's give it up once again for our hostess, Victoria! I don't think I've ever had the honor of being introduced by someone as lovely and esteemed." He beamed at the audience, and I turned back to give a small curtsy before leaving the stage. I definitely caught the once over this time and couldn't help the flush that crept up from my chest. The rest of his speech was drowned out as I noticed who awaited me at the bottom of the stairs.

My father stood at the bottom of the three steps leading down from the stage, holding his hand to help guide me. I fought the urge to recoil from his need to present himself as the perfect father to the public. He'd all but abandoned me since my mother's funeral six months ago.

"Your mother would be so proud of you, Honeybee." He smiled, slipping my arm into his and guiding me away from the stage.

"I'm surprised you noticed anything about me, Father." I spat.

He stilled instantly, freeing my arm from his and pulling me around to face him. "Victoria, I know I've been a shit father since we lost your mother–"

"Shit doesn't begin to cover it." I hissed. "It's like I stopped existing at all to you."

The suave, confident mask of his public persona dropped for the briefest moment, allowing me to see the pain and grief buried under his expensive suits and styling products.

"It's my fault she's gone. If I hadn't decided a client dinner was more important than picking her up from the youth center, she wouldn't have been alone. She wouldn't have been on the street for that thug to target her. I just–I couldn't face you, not knowing I was the reason she's gone."

"Oh, Dad," I sighed, squeezing his hand. "Mom knew the dangers in that part of town. She could have called for a car, but she didn't. What happened isn't your fault. Avoiding me, acting like I don't exist, that is."

"I know, Honeybee. I wanted to put the man who killed your mother behind bars so you wouldn't blame me. It just got easier and easier to stay away, especially when you remind me so much of her. I want to make it right, to fix things between us. I know I can't fix things tonight, not with the gala, but come to dinner tomorrow. We can make pasta from scratch, the way the three of us used to. Let me fix this."

People nearest us were not so subtly eavesdropping. I decided to prevent the gawkers from gaining anything more to gossip about after the gala.

"Fine, Dad. I'll be there for dinner tomorrow. We can talk then. Right now, I need to focus on raising money for the youth center."

My father gave me a tight smile before moving away into the crowd. I smoothed my hands down my yellow gown, taking a moment to collect myself before I plastered on a fake smile and strode toward the nearest table.

Az was still giving his speech as I weaved through the tables, murmuring words of thanks to everyone as I passed. My grief over the loss of my mother had reared its head, and I needed a moment to collect myself. The gala wasn't the place to break down, and I shut everything else out as I made my way toward the doors in the back of the ballroom.

I managed to slip into the hallway without too much trouble and made my way to the bathroom. The tears I'd been fighting to hold back fell free the moment I locked myself in a stall. My hand pressed against my lips in a futile attempt to keep myself quiet as sobs tore through me. Her loss was still fresh, and the gala only poured salt into the gaping hole her death had torn open in my chest. Curled in on myself, I leaned against the stall door for support as I wept.

The sound of footsteps echoing in the otherwise empty restroom forced me to pull myself together. My shoulders trembled with the force of my near-silent gasps of air. I needed to clean myself up before anyone saw the aftermath of my breakdown. Taking gulping breaths, I waited for the sounds of my bathroom companion leaving before I slipped from the stall.

Catching my reflection in the mirror, I cringed. Mascara streaked down my cheeks. My skin was red and blotchy, and the attempts to stifle my sobs had smeared my lipstick. I regretted not grabbing my clutch on my way out of the ballroom, but that would have only invited questions I hadn't wanted to answer. With a heavy sigh, I grabbed a few of the paper towels neatly stacked on the counter and wet them. Washing my face would have to suffice until I could slip away again with my clutch to redo my makeup.

The cold water that soaked the paper towels was soothing to my skin. By the time I'd wiped away every last trace of my makeup, it had helped calm the red, puffy mess crying had made of my face. Glancing at the dainty diamond watch on my wrist, I let out a hiss of air. I'd been gone for nearly thirty minutes. People would wonder where I had gone; I didn't think claiming a vague emergency with anything to do with the gala would assuage their curiosity. The fire alarms began to blare as if in response to my thoughts.

"What now?" I groaned, striding to the bathroom door and stepping into the hall.

Black smoke crept into the hallway from the direction of the ballroom just as terrified gala attendees spilled from the room. Pandemonium broke out as they pressed forward, desperate to escape the building. Pained screams tore through the air, coming from behind the crowd. The mob surged forward, shoving me hard against the bathroom door I'd just exited. I slammed my hip into the doorknob with a force I would definitely feel for a while. I slid my hand along the wall beside me and tried to pin myself as close to it as possible while the gala guests pushed and flowed around me in their escape.

"Everyone please! Don't shove or push, move toward the exits calmly and we'll make sure everyone gets outside!" I yelled, trying to be heard above the screams and cacophony from the ballroom. I shoved and pushed against the crowd to make my way back. I needed to help make sure everyone got out. I didn't think I could live with myself if someone died during the first event I'd offered to host to honor my mother's passing… No, now wasn't the time for that.

I finally pushed my way up the hall so I could see into the ballroom. The voluminous fabrics that were artfully arranged along the ceiling and the walls with the string lights had been beautifully done. Now graceful drapes were ablaze, and the roaring inferno descended the walls. The heat was expected, but the sound was not. The closer I got to the room, the roaring as the fire ate the room's oxygen and consumed the delicate decor was nearly deafening. People were yelling as they scattered for the exits. Someone was going to die like this!

"Everyone! Please!" I tried, but my voice was swallowed by the panic and the noise. I was pushing through the crowd, trying to get into the ballroom.

"Honeybee!" My father called! I looked up to see him as he was making his way toward me. There was an earsplitting metallic cracking sound from somewhere above the flames in the ceiling. A moment later, a heavy light with part of the scaffolding attached was plummeting toward the ground toward him.

"Dad! Look out!" I screamed, stretching out my hand as if I could reach him through the crowd. He looked up, and it felt like everything slowed down. I watched as the hunk of glass and metal fell toward him. He strafed to the right as he turned in an attempt to avoid it. " DAD! NO! " He hadn't been fast enough! I had lost them both!

Suddenly, heavy arms were around my waist, pulling me away from the ballroom. Away from my dad! He needed me! He needed help! I punched at the arms and screamed for my dad.

"Shut up would'ya! Already gonna hav'ta ask for hazard pay for all da trouble to grab ya fine ass from dis fancy party." A gruff voice, like crunching gravel, said in my ear.

"Excuse me?!" I said, stunned.

"Now, don'tcha start figh'in. It'll only be worse for ya if ya do." I could almost hear the sneer as this unknown man pulled me through the crowd and away from the exit everyone was running toward. Panic gripped me as realization struck. I wasn't going to go missing like this. Someone would have seen something. I'd make damn sure of it! I started kicking and screaming, flailing my arms.

"No! I'm not going with you! You'll have to kill me if you want to take me anywhere willingly! PUT ME DOWN! " I flailed with everything I had. My blows on his arms felt like they were landing against steel. He barely seemed to notice until I threw my head back and smashed it against his nose. It allowed me to wiggle, and I brought my heel up to connect with his crotch. It wasn't a great hit, but the stilettos were hard, and it was enough to cause him to loosen his grip.

I thrashed around until he dropped me and started crawling away. The throngs of escaping people made it difficult for him to simply pick me back up. And then I felt it, a shoe on my back. And one on my arm. Someone else stepped on my hand. Fuck. Something was really determined that tonight would be my end in one way or another.

"Please, I'm down here… Someone–" I tried to grab onto people's legs as they ran or pull myself up. But I couldn't get the stability to do either. I would be crushed to death while a fire burned the building around me. I tried to look up, and someone kicked me in the back of the head hard enough for me to see stars. I couldn't blame them.

"Come on, this is no time to take a breather." A new voice, masculine but warmer and more urgent than the last. A pair of arms circled around my waist for the second time, and I was being pulled onto my feet. "Can't just leave you here. It'd be easier if you'd work with me, but I don't mind the fight either, Love."

I was still dizzy and stunned from the kick to my head, and I could feel my mind wanting to run, but it was like my limbs weren't getting the signals. I looked down at the hands that were clasped around my waist. A moth tattoo struck my attention. Remember it! If you make it out alive, you might need it! I started to feel myself come back around, my arms and legs responding to my thoughts. Yes!

"Not without a fight, you bastard!" I struck behind me with my elbow, and as I raised my leg to slam my heel into his knee, he dropped me. I fell onto one knee on the ground, but there was a break in the crowd. I needed to right myself and start running. I made my way around people as I ran; tears began flowing down my face as I broke into the night air. The sirens and approaching emergency lights were a welcome sight. I collapsed onto my knees as a policewoman draped an emergency blanket around my shoulders.

"You're alright now, honey. You're safe." She said, trying to soothe me.

"My dad! He's still in there! You have to send someone back for him!" I turned around, and she made a move to stop me.

"Honey, we're gonna get him. But you can't go back in there. We'll get him out." Her voice was calm and understanding but firm. "Now, can you tell me who you are?"

"I'm Victoria Bristol. I'm the hostess for the charity event."

"Are you hurt anywhere?" She asked gently.

"I… I don't know. I feel okay, but I got kicked in the head while I was getting away from someone who was trying to kidnap me."

"Wait. Excuse me? Did you say someone tried to kidnap you during the fire?" She looked stunned as she pulled a notepad from her pocket. "Rewind that back and tell me what you remember."

I started recounting the details of the night, telling her about how I'd been in the bathroom crying when the alarm bells began and about the man who'd grabbed me and what he said. I looked past her into the crowd that had gathered around the ambulances and the police as statements were given by people who'd gotten out largely unscathed. Movement by one of the nearby ambulances caught my attention. A tall blonde man rubbed the back of his neck, and I saw it… that moth tattoo.

"Him! He was the one who grabbed me!"