Chapter 2
TWO
Jesslyn had planned to leave the scene and go grab some rest before writing her report. Instead, she stayed put, reluctant to leave. She wanted answers and she didn’t have them. Not that staying here was going to make them magically appear, but still ... she stayed.
The crime scene photographer was gone, the evidence was collected and on its way to the lab, and she was the only one left—not counting the two firefighters taking first shift on watching for any residual sparks that might reignite the blaze. A chill swept through her that had nothing to do with the dropping temperatures, as her uniform kept her nice and toasty.
No, the shiver had more to do with a feeling. She swept her gaze over the area, the gold-and-orange sky tinted with pink capturing her notice only for a brief second before her attention landed on a car on the other side of the parking lot. A lone figure outlined by the streetlight right behind him sat in the driver’s seat watching the activity.
Or the lack thereof at this point. She couldn’t make out his features, thanks to the backlighting, but she could feel him watching her.
So who was he?
A reporter?
A looky-loo?
The arsonist?
While she stood there debating the wisdom of approaching, the engine rumbled to life and idled. All right then. “Let’s see what you’re doing here and what you want.” Jesslyn walked toward him. Deputy fire marshals in North Carolina didn’t generally carry weapons, but she did most of the time. Thanks to her background in law enforcement, she was authorized.
The vehicle lurched forward and headed out of the parking lot. Jesslyn pulled her phone from her pocket and aimed the camera at the disappearing vehicle. An older model Chevy Malibu. Dark blue or black. Maybe even a dark green. She snapped a few more pictures before the taillights blinked out of sight.
With nothing more to do at the scene, Jesslyn headed back to her Jeep, climbed in, and sped toward home. Her stomach growled, reminding her it had been a while since she’d eaten anything. Using voice commands, she texted Lainie Jackson.
Hey there, I’m starving. I know you’re working the late shift, but have you had dinner yet?
Three seconds later, she got a response.
Nope, wanna grab something in the cafeteria with me?
Sure. I need to change, though. I’ll hit the restroom and see you in about 20.
I’ll be in line.
The hospital was just one exit up the highway and on the way to Jesslyn’s home. Thankfully, the cafeteria food was downright awesome and people often came just to eat there whether they had someone in the hospital to visit or not. Which meant the line could get long. But at this time of night, the wait shouldn’t be too bad.
Bright headlights fell in behind her and she flipped the mirror to soften the glare. When she made it onto the interstate, she kept watch on the tailgating offender and was glad when the car finally zipped past her.
Sometimes she wished she carried a police badge. But only in instances like this.
As soon as she drove onto the off-ramp, she put the reckless driver out of her mind and made it to the hospital with ten minutes to spare. Plenty of time to get inside, change, and meet Lainie in the line. She parked near the entrance closest to the cafeteria and texted her friend.
On the way inside.
Want me to order for you?
My usual. Thx. I have cash.
She climbed out, the cold wind whipping her messy ponytail around her eyes and sending shivers down her spine despite the protection of her gear.
Her phone pinged with a text and she glanced at the screen. Her aunt Carol.
I’ll have breakfast ready if you can still make it in the morning.
Jesslyn sent her a thumbs-up just as another chill sent goose bumps pebbling beneath her heavy coat, and just like that, the sensation of being watched returned full force. The parking lot was well lit with cameras and security monitoring 24/7, but she’d feel much better inside the building.
She grabbed her bag from the back seat of the car, slung it over her shoulder, and headed for the door. She walked fast, keeping her eyes on her surroundings, but didn’t see anything that might have set her internal alarm ringing.
Shoving off the feeling, she directed herself toward the cafeteria, the delicious smells growing stronger the closer she got. She zipped inside the nearest single bathroom, changed clothes, washed her face, and brushed her hair into a fresh ponytail.
When she walked into the cafeteria, Lainie was fourth from the end. Jesslyn stepped up beside her. “Thanks for holding me a spot.”
“Sure thing.” No one minded her breaking in line.
Once they had their food, they found a table at the back. “Pot roast,” Jesslyn said. “My favorite.”
“I know. I figured that’s why you wanted to come eat.”
She laughed. “I actually forgot it was on the menu tonight.” They said grace and Jesslyn took a bite, savoring the rich, hearty flavors. The tender meat rich with herbs and seasonings exploded on her tongue. She swallowed. “Okay, I’m never cooking again.”
“What do you mean again ?” Lainie said. “Has there been a first time?”
Jesslyn waved her full fork at her friend. “I should throw this bite at you for that, but I don’t want to waste it.”
“I knew I was safe.” A full minute of silence passed before Lainie looked up. “So, are you okay?”
“I am. Or I will be. It’s Mr. Christie I’m worried about.”
“I was here when they brought him in. Nathan and Andrew are upstairs hoping he’ll wake up so they can talk to him.”
At the mention of Nathan’s name, heat flooded Jesslyn’s neck and into her cheeks. She ducked her head to focus on her food and hope the pink faded before Lainie saw it. But she was fooling herself. With her fair skin, she probably resembled a lobster.
After another bite and swallow, she glanced up and saw Lainie’s speculative look. Yep. Lobster.
“He’s a nice guy,” Lainie said after a few seconds of silence.
“Who?”
Lainie laughed. “The guy who shall remain nameless so you don’t turn red again.”
The heat flared once more. “Ugh. It doesn’t matter. Why do I do that? He’s just a guy.”
“A handsome, kind, compassionate, fiercely loyal, very protective guy. And rather mysterious.” She nodded. “Can’t leave out mysterious.”
“Accurate.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
“Who said there was a problem?”
Lainie dropped her forehead into her palm with a groan, and Jesslyn bit her lip on a smile.
“Fine. He’s great. I like him a lot.”
“But?”
“But...” She shrugged. “It’s not a good time to pursue something.”
“Will it ever be a good time?”
Lainie’s compassionate gaze made Jesslyn want to squirm. “I don’t know. I’m so committed to the job there’s nothing left for anything—or anyone—else.”
“Because your job may one day lead you to whoever it was that started the fire that killed your family.”
“Exactly.”
“Or it might not. I saw your interview.”
“Is there anyone who hasn’t seen it?”
“Not that I can think of.”
Jesslyn nodded. “They keep playing it and asking for anyone with any information about that night to come forward. I should be thankful. The more people who see it, the more awareness there is about who we’re looking for and why.” She took another bite, searching for how to express what she was feeling. She finally found the words. “I remember being seven years old and understanding that someone killed my parents and sisters with fire. On purpose. And I remember thinking someone should have stopped him. I didn’t understand why no one had. When I realized there were jobs that people did to catch murderers like that, I wanted to do that job.” She paused. “I don’t know if I know how to do anything else.”
Lainie studied her with a frown and Jesslyn returned it.
“What?” she asked.
“I’ve wanted to ask you something for a long time now, but haven’t because I’m afraid it might make you mad.”
Okay. “Since when did that stop you?”
“That’s valid.” She put her fork down and took a sip of her water. “I guess I just wonder what your family would think of you dedicating your life to finding the arsonist. To the point that you have no life of your own. In other words, sacrificing your life for their justice.”
“What? I have a life. One that I’m very happy with.”
Liar.
She shut that little voice down fast.
Lainie raised a brow. “Are you? Really? You don’t long for more?”
Okay, she did. She sure did. But admitting it out loud would break something inside her. If she put words to her thoughts, she might lose the will to keep going after the killer, and if she did that, she had no idea who she’d be. And that terrified her more than just about anything.
“I plead the fifth,” she muttered and stuffed another bite of pot roast into her mouth.
NATHAN AND ANDREW STOOD OUTSIDE Bud Christie’s room with the man’s doctor, who’d finally joined them in the hallway. It was late and Nathan was exhausted, but the best time to solve a crime was in the early hours of the investigation.
Mr. Christie’s burns were bad, but the smoke inhalation was the medical team’s biggest concern. “So, what you’re saying is,” Nathan said to the doctor, “he’s not waking up anytime soon.”
“He’s in a medically induced coma. We’ll bring him out of it when we feel he’s healed enough to do so.”
“But he’ll live?”
“I’m afraid I can’t tell you that. I’ve seen people recover from worse and I’ve seen people die from wounds not as severe. Only God knows for sure.”
“Right.” Andrew rubbed a hand down his cheek. “Will you let us know when you’re ready to bring him out of the coma?”
“Of course.” The man shook his head. “I’ve known Bud all my life. I’m friends with his daughter, Vanessa. She and I went to medical school together.” He glanced toward the waiting room. “She’s on her way home as we speak. Should be here in another hour or so.”
“Good.” Nathan tucked his thumbs into the front pockets of his pants. “His wife’s going to need the support.”
“She’ll get it. They have a lot of friends.” The doctor glanced at his phone. “I’ve got to take this. I have your card and will be in touch if anything changes.”
“Thank you.”
The man left, phone pressed to his ear, and Nathan turned to Andrew, who was looking at his phone. “Any progress on security footage around the church?”
“Nothing so far. If there’s anything, we probably won’t have it until the morning. But frankly, it’s in such a rural area, I’m not holding out much hope. Not everyone has cameras on their front doors.”
“Maybe not everyone, but they’re checking convenience stores, liquor stores, and gas stations in addition to the home cameras on all the routes to and from the church. Just need one.”
“True, but we haven’t found it yet.”
“And no one driving by saw anything.” He shook his head. “I refuse to believe we’re at a dead end. What are we missing?”
Andrew pursed his lips. “I haven’t got a clue. I’m afraid we’re going to have to wait for the evidence to be analyzed before we’re able to go much further.”
“Let’s go talk to the pastor again. He gave his statement but needs to be formally interviewed. Then we’ll just start visiting the members of the congregation one by one until we find something.”
“Sounds like a lot of work. We’d better get busy.”
“Busy with what?” Jesslyn asked, walking up to them.
“Talking about visiting members of the congregation,” Nathan said. “See if anyone knows anything that might help us figure out a motive for burning the church down. What brings you here?”
“Food. And Lainie. I was getting ready to head home to grab some sleep but wanted to check on Mr. Christie first.”
Nathan filled her in on what the doctor said, then told her his and Andrew’s rough investigative plan. “What do you think about that?”
“I think that’s a logical next step.” She glanced at her phone. “Chuck’s probably sound asleep, but he won’t mind you waking him if you need to.”
Nathan glanced at Andrew. “What do you think?”
“It can wait until morning. He’ll be at the church first thing, right?”
Nathan attended as much as he could but didn’t keep up with the man’s schedule other than to know he was usually there in the mornings.
Jesslyn nodded. “He’ll be there by eight o’clock unless there’s an emergency or something.” She nodded to Mr. Christie’s room. “Like visiting Bud’s family.” She hesitated. “You have his number, just text him and let him know you’re going to stop by. He’ll be there if you do that.”
“Good idea. I think I need some sleep so my brain will start working again.” Fatigue gripped Nathan. He needed rest if he was going to be of any use to anyone. He looked at Andrew. “Meet you there around seven forty-five?”
“Meet you there.” The man yawned. “I’m going home to grab a bite to eat and some sleep. Or maybe just sleep. See you in the morning.”
When he left, Nathan turned to Jesslyn. “You think you can use your influence to put a rush on the evidence analysis?”
“I’ve already put in the request.”
He smiled. “Thanks. Any more thoughts on the fire?”
“No. Sorry. I’m like you. I need the evidence processed.” She nodded to Mr. Christie’s room. “He didn’t deserve that. No one deserves that, but he’s just the kindest soul you’ll ever come across.”
“I’ve never met him, but I’m really sorry.” Nathan was there on Sundays. Mr. Christie was there during the week.
“Me too.” She sighed. “On a positive note, though, did the doc tell you his face was protected? Most of his burns are on his back below his shoulders. The firefighters got to him before the flames reached his face, so that’s a huge blessing.”
“For sure.”
“We’ll just have to pray for him. But for now, I guess it’s time to call it a day.” She patted his arm. “Go home, Nathan. I’ll let you know when I hear something.”
“That seems to be the theme tonight. All right. Walk you out?”
“Sure. That’d be nice.”
He led the way to the elevator, very aware of the woman beside him. He could still feel that innocent pat and almost put his hand over the spot like a lovesick teenager.
Good grief. He was losing it. He definitely needed some sleep.
She led the way outside and paused for a moment, scanning the parking lot. The night was quiet, but for the distant hum of cars on the nearby highway. The hospital’s exterior lights cast long shadows between the parked cars, creating a scene that was both serene and eerie.
She shivered and Nathan placed a hand on her back. “What is it?”
“That car,” Jesslyn said, squinting toward a dark sedan parked a little distance away. “I believe that’s the same car that was at the church fire scene tonight. I can’t say that I’m a hundred percent sure, but it looks awfully similar.”
“Car at the church fire scene?”
“Oh, I didn’t mention it.” While she told him about the car that had been there and driven away as she approached, his gaze followed hers.
A dark car, engine running, with a solitary figure in the driver’s seat. “Is he watching us?” he asked.
“I can’t tell. He’s positioned himself so he’s backlit. The guy at the church did the same thing. Like I said, when I started walking toward him, he drove away.”
“Let’s see what he does this time.” Hand on his weapon, Nathan started toward the car and Jesslyn followed.
As they approached, the car’s headlights blinked to life, momentarily blinding them. Nathan shielded his eyes and quickened his pace, but before he could reach the car or see the driver, the vehicle backed up, then sped away, tires screeching against the asphalt.
Nathan stopped and Jesslyn caught up with him. “I’d kind of like to know who that was,” he said.
Jesslyn nodded. “I didn’t get the license plate. You?”
Nathan’s former fatigue returned tenfold. “No.”
She pulled out her phone, tapped the screen, and turned it around so he could see it. “This was the car from the church. I was hoping to get the plate. Unfortunately, it’s too blurry, but do you think that could be the same car?”
He squinted. “Sure looks like it could be. Same make and model, same dark color. Same suspicious activity...”
“Okay.” She tucked her phone away. “Is it just me or do you find that weird?”
“Definitely weird.” He rubbed a hand down his face while fatigue dragged at him. “We’ll figure it out. Tomorrow is going to be another long day.”
They stood in silence for a few more seconds, the echoes of the car’s departure still hanging in the air, before reluctantly making their way to their respective vehicles.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” He glanced in the direction the car had disappeared. “Be careful, okay? Watch your back?”
“Of course. You do the same.”