Page 68 of Serial Burn

“I do. Kenny’s phone might be offline, but that doesn’t mean he’s not finding a way to communicate with his friends.”

“The officers who went to pick him up said all his friends deniedhearing from him but also said it wouldn’t surprise them if they were lying.”

“Me either.” Nathan hesitated, then glanced at his watch. “I have time to go talk to Brad before I have to head over to Jesslyn’s. Let’s go.”

It didn’t take them long to reach the campus and wind their way around to the student center. When they walked in, only a small somber crowd gathered on the sofas and chairs around the fireplace. No one played pool or any of the video games lining the wall. The café was quiet.

The door opened and Nathan turned to the young woman who’d entered. Her puffy eyes said she’d been crying. “Miss?”

She looked at him. “Yes?”

“What’s going on? Why is it so...” He waved a hand. “Quiet.”

“One of our friends died.”

Nathan exchanged a look with Andrew. He was thinking the same thing. “I hate to ask, but could you tell us who?”

“Brad Granger.”

Nathan stilled. “No. I’m so sorry. What happened?”

“He jumped off the roof of his dorm, which is completely unbelievable.” She swiped a tear. “Brad wouldn’t jump.”

“When did this happen?”

“Late last night—or early this morning.”

Nathan exchanged a stunned look with Andrew. He didn’t surprise easily, but he had to admit, he hadn’t expected this. “Did anyone see him jump?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think so.”

“Heath is his roommate, right?”

“Yes.”

“You know where he is?”

She shook her head.

“Right. Well, thanks for letting us know.”

She nodded and moved on to the group near the fireplace. Two female students made room for her on the nearest couch and she sank onto it.

“All right then,” Andrew said. “First move. Find Heath and have a chat with him? Ask him why Brad was at the fire?”

“Yes, then find out who’s investigating this and ask to be updated on anything they find out.”

“I sure would like to ask Kenny about his friend being at the scene with him.”

“And see his reaction when we tell him Brad is dead.”

“You think he doesn’t know?”

“I have no idea.” Nathan clapped his partner on the shoulder. “Let’s find Heath.”

It took them thirty minutes to track the young man to the math and science building. He was in Professor Derek Morgan’s office. When Nathan rapped his knuckles on the open door, Heath jumped to his feet. It was obvious the kid had been crying. He palmed his eyes, then shot them a glare. “What do you two want now?”

Professor Morgan rose to his feet. “Hey, Heath, don’t.”

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