“Get me the report for today,” he said, a bit more gently this time. “We’ll bring in the police and get everything documented. We need to keep our eyes open and share that picture around as a person of interest. Hell, share it with the local businesses. This has already turned into a whole town-wide thing.”
“Speaking of town things, the last fire was at that farmer’s field on the edge of town. His barn is completely ruined, there’s no saving it, but that means his livestock have nowhere to get out of the elements. I said we’d put out the word and see if anyone can help out.”
“That sounds like the perfect job for your team,” he said. “Let the rookies handle the fires. You stay close to town in case we need you. To start, go talk to my buddy Jim over at the hardware store. I bet he can help you out with some materials.”
He broke down the details before sending me on my way. I was relieved to finally explain what was happening, to know that it wasn’t just us looking out for a girl, but this town as well.
“Thanks, Chief,” I said before heading for my desk and knocking out the report. With my mind focused, it didn’t take long before I was seeking out my packmates.
“How’d it go?” Ezra asked the moment I found them.
They were both scrubbing down the kitchen. I grabbed the plate that was left from lunch for me and tucked in while I explained everything, finally finishing with us helping out that farmer.
“Oh, good,” Apollo said. “I hated the idea of leaving him high and dry.”
“I hate leaving her alone,” Ezra admitted.
“That’s why we love Willow Lake so much,” I said. “The chief’s right. The farm isn’t too far from the town center, which gives us time to keep an eye on her without us hovering.”
“She would kick our asses for hovering,” Ezra let out a sigh. “We already checked in and Ash is hanging out for the afternoon.”
“Perfect. Let’s pack it up. We have plans. I just need to stop at the printer, first.”
They gathered their things while I quickly washed my plate and snagged the pictures off the printer.
We took one of the fire department's pick-up trucks so we’d have room for the materials. It wasn’t flashy, but at least it was reliable.
“We’re heading for the hardware store, first. Jim is already expecting us.”
Jim stood out front when we pulled in, waving us over to a pile of waiting lumber and materials.
“I already talked to the chief,” he said. A few locals were in here and rallied up some money for materials. It will get you started, but we’ll work on getting more while you work,” he said.
“Thanks, we appreciate it,” I said, shaking his hand before handing over the paper. “This is the guy we’re keeping an eye out for. If you see him, contact the police or the chief.”
He glanced down at the image, his eyes widening. “Wait! I recognize him.”
“Really?” I asked, stunned. I hadn’t expected any hits so soon.
“What did he buy?” Ezra demanded. I had to give him a look, telling him without words to cool it. The last thing we needed was this guy to get offended and clam up.
“Let me pull the invoice. It might have his name on it,” he said, ignoring Ezra and rushing through the door.
We wordlessly followed him over to the counter inside. He glared at his computer as he sorted through his files.
“Got it,” he said, before hitting a key. The printer whirred to life and he snagged it, eyes barely scanning over it before he went pale.
That wasn’t good.
“I remember the order now.” Even his voice was subdued now. “He grabbed a few gas cans, some rope, and some of those long matches. Said he was doing some work on some properties on the edge of town, had a bunch of brush to handle.”
“He even used his real name,” Apollo said, shaking his head. “Should make it easier, right?”
“I’m not sure,” I said, feeling sick. “He’s the type of guy to leave breadcrumbs, and this feels a little too convenient. He probably didn’t even use his real name for whatever property he’s renting out there. Nobody would sell to him knowing his past.”
“This is a small town, boys. If he didn’t use an agency, there’d be plenty who’d take cash out here.”
It wasn’t said in a mean way. He was simply being realistic.
