Page 26 of Fireline

Unavailable, but hopefully not dead. Crispin needed to know about the arsonist since he could probably find the guy before the sheriff did.

It all had to be connected.

Which was why, probably, he’d tossed the night away on the hard ground. Sleeping in a tent never got any easier, but somehow last night had been worse than normal. Maybe it was sleeping on the lumpy ground with a rock digging into his back. Maybe it was thoughts of Nova.

Mixed, of course, with seeing her in the fight and how Tank had hit her.

So yeah, he needed coffee in a serious way. As he came out of the barn, he headed for the campfire, where his bleary-eyed crew gathered around the dregs of the fire and sipped fresh coal-brewed coffee.

Sophie handed him a cup. “Morning. Sorry about the sleeping accommodations.” Her eyes flicked to Booth’s hand kneading the stubborn knot in his shoulder.

He dropped his hand and waved off her concern. “Naw, jumpers are used to roughing it. Grateful for your hospitality though.”

“Things should improve. A pal of mine has an RV lot. He’s bringing a few trailers to set up. Should have kitchens and running water by day’s end.”

Booth nearly choked midswallow. A shower would be nice right about now. Even in a cramped RV stall. “Wait, you managed full trailers? Out here?”

She shrugged. “He owed me a favor. Figure it’s the least we can do, getting you heroes settled proper.”

Hero? Booth hadn’t felt like a hero since he left Homeland. But nice to hear some people still considered what he did brave. “Still, that’s crazy generous. Opening up your place to us and now this. Do you need any help getting spaces prepped today?”

Despite the symphony of bruises he’d earned battling the arsonist, he was still up for light duty, lending his muscle whenever possible. Might keep his thoughts from drifting toward Nova again too.

“No, no.” She waved a hand. “Besides, it’s your day off. Relax. Rest your bones before the next fire call comes.”

Sophie was right. As much as his battered body craved collapsing into a deep sleep, wildfires waited for no man. Or woman, he amended, catching sight of Nova rolling her sleeping bag into a tight tube to keep the creepy-crawlies out.

“And that’s my cue to leave,” said JoJo, nodding to the sheriff cruiser pulling up the drive. “Just kidding. I planned to head into Ember to see my family. I want to hug my mom, maybe eat a homemade meal.”

“I could use a burger at the Hotline,” said Logan. “Maybe shoot some pool. Anyone want a ride?”

“Me,” Booth said.

“Hold up, I need to have a word.” Sheriff Hutchinson crooked a finger at Booth.

Booth turned to Logan. “Go on ahead. I’ll catch a ride later.”

With a thumbs-up, Logan and the rest headed out. Sophie disappeared into her house.

Booth followed Sheriff Hutchinson and stopped behind the patrol car. “What can I do for you, Sheriff?” Though, he had some guesses. “Any news on the arsonist?”

“My boys lifted some prints and we got a match.” Hutchinson pulled out a small notebook and flipped the page. “Clyde Walsh. He’d been cooling his heels in Lompoc Federal Correctional for the last fifteen months. Got out a month ago.”

“Sounds like just enough time to collect payment and start a fire.” Booth clenched then unclenched his fists.

“Well, he won’t be getting paid.” Hutchinson scratched the side of his cheek. “He’s dead.”

Booth blinked. “Dead? As in murdered?”

The sheriff nodded. “Deputies found him stabbed to death in a seedy motel in the next town over.”

Apparently, someone hadn’t liked Clyde’s work and had decided not to pay. “Any leads on who hired him?”

Hutchinson’s duty belt creaked as he shifted his weight. “Still digging. Walsh is known as someone willing to get his hands dirty, and he’s got a long rap sheet to prove it. Arson, assault, witness intimidation. My guess is it’s the same guys who’ve hired him before.”

Booth’s jaw tightened. If only the sheriff knew the kinds of people he was likely dealing with. Dangerous people with money and connections.

He happened to glance at the barn to see Nova struggling to carry an ammo can of water. Why did she insist on pushing him away and doing everything alone? Maybe after the sheriff left, Booth would insist harder.

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