"Working as a private building consultant." Lena pulled up Ashford's business registration. "He has a home office in the foothills outside Phoenix Ridge. That's likely where he's been planning."
"Do we have enough for a warrant?" Julia asked.
Erin glanced at Lena, who nodded for her to answer. "Cross's testimony establishes the information chain. Morrison's statement confirms he shared current intel with Cross. The technical specifications in Cross's instructions demonstrate professional fire science knowledge. Combined with Ashford's career history, his documented opposition to LGBTQ+ policies, and the timing correlation between his forced resignation and the first fire…yes. We have enough."
"I'll call Judge Meltzer," Julia said, already reaching for her phone. "She's been following this case. If we can get her the full documentation within the hour, we should have a warrant by the end of the day."
"We move tomorrow morning," McKenna said. "We need a coordinated approach with the police and fire departments. If he's planning another fire, he’s likely got accelerants stored at his property and we'll need hazmat protocols."
"I'll coordinate tactical support," Julia added. "This won't be a simple knock and announce. He's dangerous, he's desperate, and he knows we're closing in."
Erin felt Lena's hand brush against hers under the table, brief and warm, a reminder that the work they'd done this morning together had led them here.
"Fire Marshal Vance," McKenna said, turning to Erin. "I'll need you on scene for evidence assessment. Any accelerants we find need to be documented properly for prosecution."
"I'll be there," Erin said.
"Detective Soto will lead the arrest," Julia said. "But this is a joint operation. Both departments worked this case from the beginning, and we'll close it together."
Lena's fingers found Erin's again under the table and squeezed once. Erin squeezed back.
"Let's get that warrant," Julia said, standing. "I want everything documented and filed within the hour. Tomorrow morning, we end this."
Erin gathered her files while Lena copied the digital records onto a USB drive for the warrant application.
"Good work, you two," Hallie said quietly as she passed, heading for the door. "Really good work."
After she left, Julia lingered while McKenna made calls in the hallway.
"I meant what I said," Julia told them. "Joint operation from start to finish. You both earned this."
"Thank you, Captain," Lena said.
Julia's expression softened slightly. "Also, for what it's worth, I'm glad you figured out how to work together. It’s made all the difference."
She left before either of them could respond, but Erin caught the knowing look in her eyes. Julia had suspected about them for weeks, maybe longer. The fact that she approved, professionally and personally, meant more than Erin had expected.
"She knows," Lena said once they were alone.
"She's known for a while," Erin agreed. "But she's right. We did figure it out."
Lena looked at her across the conference room table, evidence spread between them like a map of everything they'd survived to get here. "We make a good team."
"We do." Erin continued organizing the documents for the warrant application. "Tomorrow's going to be dangerous."
"I know." Lena's voice was steady. "But we'll handle it. Together."
There was that word again. Together. It had meant different things to Erin throughout this case: forced collaboration, grudging partnership, secret relationship, broken trust. Now it meant something simpler and more solid: a promise they'd both keep.
"Come on," Erin said, shouldering her bag. "Let's get this documentation filed. The sooner we have that warrant, the sooner we can put an end to this case."
They walked out of the conference room side by side, and Erin felt the satisfaction of a case about to close mixing with anticipation for what came next. Tomorrow, they'd face Ashford and finish what they started.
But first, they had evidence to document and a warrant to secure.
By the time they left the station, the warrant had been signed and the tactical briefing scheduled for five-thirty the next morning. Erin's apartment was closer, and neither of them wanted to be alone tonight.
"I'm starving," Erin said, dropping her bag by the door. "And I'm tired of takeout."
