“Have they arrested her yet?”
“Not yet, but according to Detective Elliot, they exhumed the body. They’re waiting for the autopsy report, but they’re pretty sure what the ME is going to find.”
“Let’s see if we can find a link between her and the fire at the Star.”
“Any idea who might be the inside man?”
“My guess would be Troy Layton, the bartender.” He looked at Jenny. “I know you trust him, honey, but—”
“Troy loves money,” she said. “He also loves beautiful women. If Anna was willing to go far enough, Troy would be putty in her hands.”
Cain agreed. “After what we just learned about her husband’s murder, I think we can safely assume Anna would have no trouble doing whatever was necessary to get what she wanted.”
“I haven’t trusted Troy for a while,” Jenny said. “I think he might have been skimming the till. I’ve been watching him, but I didn’t want to accuse him without any proof.”
“I think it’s time we talk to Police Chief Nolan,” Cain said. “As well as the head of the arson squad.”
“Let me know how it goes,” Nick said. “Call me if you come up with anything new.”
“Will do.” As soon as Cain hung up, a call came in on the landline from the front desk.
“Mr. Barrett? Sorry to bother you, but Police Chief Nolan is here to see you.”
“Thanks, Debbie. I’ve been expecting to hear from him. Send him up.”
“I’ll make a fresh pot of coffee,” Jenny said.
“Good idea. Maybe we should put a shot of whiskey in our cups before he gets here.”
Jenny laughed. It was the first time Cain had heard the sound since the fire.
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
JENNY CROSSED THE LIVING ROOM NEXT TOCAIN, AND HE OPENED THEdoor in the entry. In his police uniform, Chief Nolan walked into the suite, but he wasn’t alone. The man with him, in a slightly different uniform, was shorter, lean, with weathered olive skin and sun wrinkles at the corners of his dark eyes.
“Come on in.” Cain stuck out a hand, which both men shook.
“Good morning,” the chief said. He turned to Jenny. “I was hoping I’d find you here. I’m glad Cain is with you.”
“We’ve been expecting to hear from you,” Jenny said, her worry beginning to build.
The chief nodded. “This is Captain Dean Kendall. He’s with the Yavapai County Fire Investigation Task Force.”
“Hello,” Jenny said. At the serious looks on their faces, she didn’t mention the coffee.
“I’m afraid we’ve brought bad news,” Captain Kendall said. “We were hoping there were no casualties involved in the fire last night, but unfortunately, not everyone got out of the building.”
Jenny’s heart jerked. She felt Cain’s big hand settle at her waist.
“Why don’t we sit down?” Cain suggested. The men moved over to the sofa, and everyone took seats around the coffee table. Jenny sat down next to Cain.
“Please go on,” she urged.
“As soon as the debris was cool enough for the team to go in this morning,” the captain said, “we made an inspection of the premises. One of the team members found human remains up on the second floor.”
Nausea rolled in her stomach, and Jenny fought not to tremble.
“Has the body been identified?” Cain asked.
