She flinches. Her shoulders hunch in. “Okay,” she replies quietly. “Will you tell me?—”
“Of course.” I kiss her forehead. “And whatever he says, it’s going to be okay. I promise.”
As I walk into the kitchen, guilt stabs at me. I could have taken the call with Vienna beside me. But if it’s bad news… Shit. I want some time to figure out the best way to tell her.
Or you could lie,a silent voice suggests.Tell her it really was a fluke. That she didn’t do anything wrong. Then she won’t feel guilty and possibly talk about leaving again.
It’s tempting.
But I won’t start our relationship out on a lie. If it turns out the fire was because of her actions, I’ll help her through it. I’ll remind her of all the reasons it’s better to stay in Bliss until she has to believe me.
Once I reach the kitchen, I lift the phone back to my ear. “Sorry about that. Just needed to get someplace quiet. So, did the investigator find the cause of the fire?”
There’s a heavy pause that makes my chest go tight. Then a sigh. “He did.”
“And?”
He sighs again. “It wasn’t an accident, Caleb.”
“What?” My voice rises before I can grab control of it. “What do you mean?”
“The chimney was intentionally clogged. The investigator found traces of flammable debris inside it. Not creosote residue or a bird’s nest, which is what we might expect from a chimney fire, but accelerant-soaked kindling. And there were remnants of woodwith the same accelerant on it that he believes were dropped into the chimney with the intent of spreading the fire.”
I’m so stunned, I can’t speak for a second. “Arson?”
“Looks like it,” he replies. “And I hate to tell you this, but that’s not all.”
I clutch the edge of the kitchen island so hard it’s a miracle it doesn’t shatter in my hand. “What else?”
“The deadbolt was jammed with some sort of adhesive. We’ll send it to forensics, but my best guess is superglue. If someone wanted to make sure it didn’t open, that would be a quick way to do it.”
As his words sink in, shock shifts to rage.
Someone tried to burn down the cabin.Didburn down the cabin.
They glued the fucking deadbolt shut. Trapped Vienna inside.
“That’s not just arson,” I grit out. “That’s attempted murder.”
West makes an unhappy sound. “Looks like it. I sent everything over to the police. I’m sure they’ll have more questions.” He pauses. “Shit, Caleb. I wish itwerean accident.”
“Me too,” I reply. But already, my mind is whirling with possibilities.
Who could have done this?
Could it have been Vienna’s ex-roommate, still angry over her perceived betrayal? Or what about the slimy boyfriend, out for revenge after Vienna rejected him?
What about Tom, whose appearance in Bliss seemed too convenient for comfort?
What if it was some restaurant patron who’d seen Vienna and become obsessed with her? He could have tracked her down in Vermont, or maybe it’s even someone who lives here. Someone who got the idea in his head that she should be his, and when she didn’t notice or respond to him, he decided if he couldn’t have her, no one could?
“I’m sure you’re already thinking this,” West continues, “but I’d look into some extra protection. For youandVienna. Just because she was the one trapped in the cabin doesn’t mean she was the intended target.”
My jaw could crack stone. “I know. I’ll get on it. Tonight.” Blowing out a long breath, I add, “Thanks, West. I appreciate you letting me know. If you don’t mind, I need to deal with some things.”
“Of course,” he replies. “You have any questions, give me a call. And I really am sorry.”
“Me too,” I tell him. Then I end the call.
