“Got it.” He flashed her a smile as he retook his seat, his pulse ticking up as she tucked her hair behind her ear.
Man, she was a pretty woman. Those large hazel eyes were striking—and were her lush lashes natural or mascara-enhanced? As for her full, slightly parted lips...
His mouth went dry.
Why wasn’t a smart, attractive woman like Cara married?
Or was she?
But there was no ring on her left hand, and what were the odds she’d be spending weeks in this remote spot if she had a husband?
So, assuming she was single, why hadn’t some guyputa ring on her finger? Were all the men in Cape—
“...but I don’t see how that could be related, do you?”
As the end of Natalie’s question registered, he yanked his gaze away from Cara and willed the heat creeping up his neck to stay below his collar. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“I said Lydia singed a potholder last week, but I don’t see how that could be related to what happened tonight. Do you?”
“No.” He spoke to Cara again. “Tell me your version of this evening’s events.”
“I was walking down the path from the cottage to get my laptop and overnight bag out of my car, and I heard the alarm on the smoke detector going off. I ran up to the back door, unlocked it, and rushed in. I found Natalie struggling to pullthe fire extinguisher from the closet. I took over that job while she called 911.”
“Did you see anyone else around the house while you were outside?”
“No.”
“Who has keys to your house, Ms. Boyer?”
“Other than me, only Lydia, Steven, Cara, and Micah. Not that Micah’s ever used his, but he could let someone in the house in case of an emergency.”
“Speaking of emergencies.” Brad linked his fingers on the table. “Have you ever considered installing a home security system? Those also have a fire alarm component.”
“No. Papa always said if anyone came out here and was up to no good, they’d be done and gone long before the police arrived. He thought it would be a waste of money. Same with a fire. He assumed by the time a truck arrived, the house would be too far gone to save.”
“While there’s a certain amount of truth to that, the emergency coverage in the area is more sophisticated and faster than it used to be. You may want to rethink that decision, especially after tonight’s experience.”
She exhaled. “You could be right. My father was a clear thinker and always logical, but times change.” She lifted a hand to stifle a yawn. “Sheriff, if you don’t have any more questions for me, I believe I’ll call it a night.”
“No more questions. But I’ll work on the puzzle about the potholder.”
“I’d appreciate it.” She stood. “Cara, leave the windows open tonight. It’s cooled off quite a bit now that the sun’s set, and I’d like to get rid of this smell as soon as possible. We’ll keep the kitchen door closed to confine the odor and mess until that’s dealt with.” She waved a hand toward the charred section of wall and tile.
“Do you want me to see if I can find Micah, let him knowyou’d like to talk with him about the repairs?” Brad rose too. It wouldn’t hurt to ask the man a few questions, despite the fact Natalie seemed to trust him implicitly.
“No need. We have a system. I leave notes on the back door if there are chores to be done. I’ll put one out there before I retire for the night.”
“In that case, I’ll head out.” He could always track down Micah later if necessary.
“And I’ll get my bag and laptop from my car.” Cara rose too.
“Why don’t I walk you to the cottage after that?” Brad pushed in his chair.
“An excellent idea, with a potholder pyromaniac on the loose.” Natalie limped over to the counter. “I’ll lock up behind you once I write my note to Micah. You two enjoy what’s left of the evening.”
Brad motioned to the back door. “Shall we?”
“Thanks.” Cara started across the room. “Natalie, I’ll see you in the morning.”
