Closing my eyes, I lean back and pray that I’m not right. That we don’t have a fucking firebug running loose around here. That this is just an aberration and it will get quiet again.
And no more fires will pop up. Nobody else will die.
CHAPTER 2
Mercy
Pulling into the little town, it’s hard to miss the tired, sad look to it. I’ve been all over this area and there are more towns that look like this one than look like Wildwood.
Doesn’t matter though. I’m not here for fun and games. This is work.
Parking by the mayor’s office, I open the door and stalk up to the tiny office building that looks like it used to be somebody’s very tiny cottage. It’s got a glass door that I push open and the bell tinkles over it.
“Hello?” I call, standing with my arms crossed by the little counter. I’m exhausted. I want to go to the firehouse and then find a bed to fall into. In that order.
“I’m coming! Just a minute!” The cheerful voice drags me out of the dark thoughts that have been plaguing me all day.
The woman that hustles around the corner almost makes me smile. She looks like a cross between my grandmother and an aging hippie. If that’s a thing anymore.
“Can I help you?” She asks, her dark eyes twinkling at me. I can’t help the smile that reluctantly creeps across my lips.
“Yeah. I just wanted to see what kind of bed and breakfast or hotel you’ve got around here? And check in with the mayor.”
“Well, you’ve done part of your job,” she laughs. Holding out her slim hand, she grins. “I’m the mayor of Maple Hills. Petal Franklin. As to the bed and breakfast and hotels…well, that depends on how long you’re going to be here. If it’s only a few days, I’m sure that Fern can find you a room. She’s pretty packed right now but we’ll see. What are you in town for? Work or play?”
“Work.” I hold out my id and badge. “I’m with Colorado DFPC.”
“Oh my!” Her dark eyes widen. “They said they were going to be sending someone out after the last fire. We’re sure happy that you’re here but it’s a bad time to find a room. There’s a festival going on right now.”
Nodding my head, I tuck my wallet and badge away. “That’s alright. Surely, there must be somewhere I can hole up while I’m looking into this. I’m hoping that I don’t have to send for more resources.”
The mayor smiles wryly. “You’re hoping that it’s someone local. Well, we’re a pretty small place and I hate to say it, but I can’t think of anyone that would do this that’s from around here.”
“You’d be surprised,” I mutter.
“I tell you what. I live with my son but we’ve got plenty of room. You can stay with us. Save yourself some money and time looking for a room.”
“That’s alright. It’s on the state’s dime.”
She shakes her long, silvery blond head. “Yeah. Doesn’t matter. Might as well stay somewhere where you might get a little home cookin’. It should be pretty convenient for you.”
“Why?” I cock my head and she grins.
“My son is the lieutenant of the fire department.”
Blowing out a breath, I run my hands through my hair. “If it’s not going to be an imposition, I guess that would be alright.”
“Nonsense. We haven’t had company in ages. I’m sure that my son will be excited to meet you and discuss all of those fire things.” She waves her hand negligently.
“Okay. Well. I guess I should go to the firehouse and meet with him then.”
“You can actually walk there from here. If you need to get a little exercise after that drive. He can show you where to go and answer any of your questions.”
“Where’s the chief?”
“He’s actually on his honeymoon. He’s not going to be back for at least two weeks. They went to Europe. She always wanted to go, you know.”
She laughs and I nod my head, shooting her a small smile. I have no idea what she’s talking about. It’s been ages since I did anything that wasn’t job-related.
