“What else?”
“Jeremiah used the same means of arson to start a fire inthe wooded area surrounding the bear enclosures.”
“Lighter fluid and a lighter?”
“Correct.”
“Not easy to track. Pretty easy to find at any store… What made you suspect this wasn’t the first time Jeremiah was involved in arson?”
“Jeremiah was a trained volunteer firefighter, though his certifications had all expired. He also admitted to carrying out the dirty work for his family members. An apartment here in Lawson was set on fire two years ago. Fire Marshall Max Robbins suspected an accelerant such as lighter fluid was used.”
“Why would Jeremiah be a suspect?”
“The victims of the fire were targeted by a man that Jeremiah’s grandfather was working with.”
“You believe that Jefferson Porter commissioned his grandson, Jeremiah Porter, to commit arson?”
“Yes.”
“Objection. Speculation.” The defense attorney pipes in.
I nod to Judge Fulton. “That’s all I have, your honor.”
Chapter Forty-Three
Hayes
“If I stand up again, I’m going down for sure,” Liv utters as I pack away the papers on the table.
I could see her energy waning, but I didn’t realize how bad she was feeling. “What can I do?”
“Sit here with me and pretend that everything is fine. Let the room clear.” She grips my forearm as I sit next to her, shielding her from the remaining people in the gallery.
“You need to drink some water and eat.”
“I know.”
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
Liv nearly jumps over me to see the person who asked that. Thea is leaning over the bar, looking concerned.
“I didn’t know you were here.”
“I snuck in the back. I wanted to be here to support.”
Liv’s face relaxes like having Thea in her proximity brings her great relief. “I feel like I’m going to faint.”
“Do you need gum?”
“I already tried that,” I tell her.
“Here.” Thea pulls a fruit bar and an applesauce pouch from her gigantic purse. Clearly, snacks meant for Kate. “Get yourblood sugar going.”
“Thanks.” Liv takes a bite of the bar but ultimately guzzles down the applesauce instead. Only finishing the bar once she’s got something on her stomach.
“Any better? I also have pretzels, and…” Thea looks at Liv quickly. “Saltines.”
Liv goes still, staring at her friend. “You’re pregnant?”
