“I have something,” Cade says.
Micah
“We got it covered,”the new security team leader I hired to watch over Raeann and Tab states, his tone matter of fact and filled with confidence.
“That’s what I like to hear,” I reply, then hang up the phone.
I tried giving Raeann her freedom, but after finding out that the fire may have been set deliberately, I can’t take the chance.
I peer inside the café at the man at a corner table in a cheap business suit. The barista sets his coffee before him, and he moves a manila folder off to one side. My stomach tightens.
The café door opens easily in my hand. The interior vibe is calm, nearly serene, the opposite of what’s going on in my brain at the moment.
The idea that someone tried to hurt Raeann… I want to rip their throat out. Sweet, innocent Raeann who feels bad when she swats a fly.
I sit at the table. The man across from me is about fifteen years older, a black mustache with hints of gray contouring his upper lip. “Mr. Freeman.”
“Mr. Vlekiyo.”
“Thanks for bringing me on with this.” He slides the manila folder toward me. “I’ll cut to the chase. My opinion is that the original investigator was spot on. The pictures of the crime scene indicate an accelerant was used in the kitchen to make it appearas if it was either a kitchen malfunction or faulty wiring, when in reality, the fire was set intentionally.”
My entire body locks up. I should’ve put cameras throughout the apartment. Then we would’ve already nailed the guy. Fuck me for wanting to honor Tab’s privacy. My jaw tightens, my teeth clamping together. If only… Thousands of different scenarios play through my head. If I’d put the camera there, I might’ve been able to stop it. Motion detection and all that. Or at least I’d have physical, visual proof that someone did set the fire, and maybe have a clearer picture of who did it.
No wonder why Tab was more injured. Her bedroom was right off the kitchen.
That night weighs on Raeann like a ton of bricks. If this was McNally, then it was definitely about Raeann and me. It had nothing to do with Tab, yet she was the one who received the brunt of it all. On the other hand, is it terrible that I’m happy it wasn’t my girl? It is. I know it is, but I can’t help thinking it.
“A police investigation should be opened,” Vlekiyo says.
I unclench my jaw. “Thank you.” I remove a check from my pocket and give it to him.
“I’d be happy to testify in court if need be. You have my number.” He holds out his hand, and I shake it as he grabs his to-go cup and check and then leaves.
It’s time for me to make a call to the first investigator and get this started if he hasn’t already. Whoever did this needs to pay.
My gut says it’s McNally. The timeline matches up perfectly. Sure, it could be a crazed fan. But I don’t think so. This is retaliation for the players emailing Coach with their support of me and admonishing McNally.
I bring up the text thread that shall not be named and send one word.
Me: Confirmed.
Levi
Davisand I walk into the management suite. The Wildcats symbol and history are everywhere, mixed with the modern furnishings. Sleek metal, straight lines. It says professionalism to the nth degree. This is probably the least Tennessee-looking place in Tennessee.
“There she is,” Davis says.
There’s just something about the way he says it that has me turning toward him. His stare is on Nala, all five feet nothing of her. She has stick-straight black hair, and she perpetually looks tired. Even at team parties, she’s McNally’s shadow.
Currently, though, she’s seated at her desk, her fingers flying over her keyboard.
“We should’ve come up with a plan.”
“It’s all good,” Davis says. “I know her.”
Okay, that’s interesting. He never said…
Nala hears our footsteps. She peers up, her gaze zeroing in on Davis first, then me. “Davis, Levi.” She smiles, and for a moment, it lifts the shadows from her face. “What can I help you with?”
