Page 64 of Tactical Revival

They continue driving, and I start toward the trees as soon as they’ve passed, though I know without a doubt the person I was chasing got away.

This time.

“Accelerant was used,” Fire Chief Peter Paulson says as he crosses over to where Margot and I are standing just outside the B&B. Pastor Redding came a few hours ago and picked up all of the guests, and he, Doc, Lance, and Mrs. McGinley took in all four couples, allowing them to stay in their spare bedrooms.

Thankfully, no one was hurt.

“So it was arson.” I cross my arms. Since I shared that someone ran from the scene with Margot, she’s not surprised either.

“That’s what I’m leaning toward. Any idea who could have done it?”

“I don’t have cameras inside the B&B for the privacy of my guests, and no one was staying in that room.” She looks about one bad news delivery from falling over, so I wrap an arm around her shoulders to steady her.

I do it without thinking, and I’m grateful when she leans into me rather than pulling away.

“The window was open, and since you said you just opened the door—” Paulson trails off.

“I didn’t touch the window,” I reply.

“It was closed,” Margot confirms. “When I went in there and cleaned this afternoon after checkout, I made sure it was closed and locked. I always do.”

"Someone must have gotten in, then climbed out that way after starting the fire. Any idea who it could be?”

“Chad is the first one who comes to mind,” she growls. “But I’d be surprised if he were that stupid.”

“You’d be surprised what people will do when they feel cornered.” Peter writes something on his notepad. “We all went to school together, and I remember what a hothead he was.”

“But burning down the B&B?” She shakes her head. “That seems like a lot.”

“You were run off the road by a strange car, and now your B&B is hit? Chad has the most to gain over hurting you. We’ll look into him, and I’ll be sure to pass this information on to Sherriff Vick.” He looks at me. “Can you give me a description of the person you saw running away?”

“Sure. It was dark, though, so I didn’t get as good of a look as I would have hoped. They were fast, managed to jump over the fence without hesitation. Whoever it was wore a black hoodie, a mask, and dark pants. But that’s all I’ve got. I’m sorry. Elijah is checking security footage now, seeing if we caught him on the exterior cameras.”

“Great. You’ll let me know?” he asks.

“Sure thing.”

“Awesome. Give it a couple more hours before you go inside,” he tells Margot. “There’s substantial damage to the upstairs, and we need to make sure it’s sound before you go in.”

“Substantial damage?” Margot chokes on the words. “How substantial? Will I be able to reopen soon?”

Peter hesitates. Just long enough that I can imagine he’s trying to pull the punch as much as he can. “It’s bad, Margot. But we’ll get it figured out, okay?” Peter gently taps her on the shoulder, then turns and leaves.

“Substantial damage,” she chokes out. “Jaxson, I was barely making it before. I owe you money. What am I going to do? This is my only income.”

I turn her to face me. “We’ll get it figured out, okay? Don’t worry about me. I’m okay. I don’t need the money.”

“It’s your money.”

She’s spiraling. I run my thumbs over her cheeks. “Why don’t we head over to Michael and Reyna’s? They said to come over when we’re done here, and they’ll have some food ready. Let’s get you something to eat, then we can start figuring out the rest.”

She begins to cry and covers her face with both hands as her shoulders shake. “I’m so sorry, Jaxson. I?—”

“Don’t apologize.” Wrapping both arms around her, I draw her in against my chest and hold her tightly as she cries.

My cell rings, and I ignore it. But then it rings a second time, and Margot pulls away. “Answer it, please. I’ll be okay.” She forces a smile, her eyes red.

I withdraw my cell, and not recognizing the number, press it to my ear. “Payne.”

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