Page 17 of Inferno

Why was that? “Coda should be released tonight,” Samantha said. “The other guy is getting his ankle looked at. There aren’t any serious injuries among the firefighters.”

The white-shirt guy said, “That’s good.”

“Except for the victims in critical condition.”

It might’ve been overshadowed by “the kiss”—as she’d decided to think about it—but Julio had been worried the fire was set on purpose. He’d been insistent that Greyson answer the questions he’d been asking while not even able to talk.

She wanted to speak with Julio about it, but if there was something going on—like an arsonist in Benson—she didn’t have the jurisdiction to investigate.

“Is it okay if I email over a file?” Greyson pulled out his phone. “We had a fire two weeks ago. There was a body found in the basement, during cleanup. We believe the victim was killed on purpose during the burn.”

“And you need my help? Or the assistance of BPD?” She needed to clarify the request, or she wouldn’t know what the expectations were.

“Yours, maybe the whole BPD.” Greyson glanced at his colleague. “If you can ID the deceased, it would be a great help toward figuring out who is setting fires.”

Samantha caught the seriousness in his tone and nodded. “Of course, I’ll take a look.”

After she ran it by her sergeant and got the official sign-off, she would be all over helping to protect firefighters. There was only so much they were equipped to protect themselves against, but being a firefighter was arguably more dangerous than being a cop.

Not that she’d tell that fact to any cop she knew.

“We appreciate it.” The white shirt seemed to have to force the words out.

Chief Frayer said, “So far there have been two fires. Tonight might be the third. With one deceased, we’re looking at patterns. No one wants another death on our hands.”

Romeo shifted, his stance what she’d come to recognize as his cop mode. “Where were the other two fires?”

“Both were residences.”

“So tonight would be a break in pattern.”

The white shirt said, “Or an escalation.”

“Captain Tennet works in Arson Investigation.” Chief Frayer motioned to the white-shirted older man beside him.

Samantha figured a guy with a little seniority in years might resent someone like Julio who had risen in the ranks quickly. Especially when he was the one the guys on trucks rallied around. They respected their captain—or so she assumed. Back when she and Julio had been together, they’d loved him as their lieutenant.

She wondered if their breakup had to do with the reason he’d focused so heavily on his career. It certainly was why she’d become a detective and worked her way to major crimes.

Though, calling it a breakup didn’t quite fit the immensity of what had happened.

Felt more like a giant fissure had spread open between them, sweeping them apart so hard and so fast she hadn’t been able to reach out. Let alone grab his hand and allow Julio to tuck her against him. The way he’d done at the scene just a short while ago.

Claiming her in front of her new partner.

What on earth had possessed him to do that?

She couldn’t even imagine what he was thinking. And right now talking it over would be far too volatile. She needed space to process it all. About five years would probably suffice.

“Is it okay if we go back to the scene tonight?” she asked, snapping back to reality. “Take a look around?”

Chief Frayer lifted his chin. “If your sergeant signs off on it, let’s meet there tomorrow. The fire should’ve cooled by then enough for us to walk through and assess the damage. Does that sound okay?”

She glanced at Romeo, trying to get a read on what he thought about it. He nodded, so she said, “Sounds good.”

Romeo turned to Frayer. “Are you assuming you’re likely to find another body in this warehouse, if it was the same guy?”

“I sincerely hope not.” The fire chief nodded. “Thank you both for your time.”

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