Page 64 of Cold Vengeance

“No, you’re right,” River said.

“If there was an arsonist working in the area, the police and the fire department would know about it. Even if he’d escalated, they’d be able to connect the dots. Hey, maybe that’s why the chief said they might want to talk to me. Perhaps they’re trying to link this guy with other cases.” Tony hesitated for a moment. “But River, that wasn’t how it felt. Or looked. His body language was guarded. He wasn’t making eye contact. And he seemed uptight.”

“He’d just been dealing with a fire, Tony,” River said. “Besides, you know they always interview people. It’s standard procedure.” She wanted to reassure him, but the truth was, Tony was good at reading people. If he felt the chief was treating him like a suspect, he probably was.

“Hey, are you all right?” Tony was studying her closely.

She wanted to tell him she was fine, but her emotions were so strong, holding them back was almost impossible. She couldn’t do it. “I ... I guess what happened scared me. You know, realizing that you might have been hurt—or worse.”

“But I’m fine.”

“I know that,” River said, looking down at the cup in her hands. “I think I flashed back to that night on the riverbank.” She looked up at him, unable to keep the tears from her eyes. “Why do I still suffer from what happened? Aren’t I supposed to be healed by now?”

“Oh, River,” he said. “You’re notsupposedto be anything by now.” He reached over and took the cup of hot chocolate from her hands. She’d been holding onto it so tightly her fingers hurt. “We’ve talked about this before. About how wounds can leave scars.”

“Yeah, I know. You told me Jesus has scars too, and that He understands.”

Tony sighed. “Look, eventually you won’t remember what happened as clearly as you used to. It will fade. You’ll learn not toallow it into your head. But for now, you’re in a healing process.” He took her hands and squeezed them softly. “What happened to you—to us—was awful. We both have to deal with it. You think I don’t have flashbacks? Times when I hurt? Of course I do.” He smiled at her. “Give yourself some compassion and don’t try to hide your scars. And I’m here whenever you need to talk to me.”

“Thanks, Tony. Maybe Jesus kept his scars because they reminded Him of His victory. Maybe someday, mine will do the same.”

Tony let go of her hands. “Exactly. Hey, let’s talk about this a little more tomorrow, okay?” He looked exhausted.

“Sure. You change your clothes, and I’ll make up the couch for you.” She frowned at him. “Do you have anything to sleep in? I think Mrs. Weyland has some extra nightgowns.”

“Funny. And no thank you. I had some sweats and T-shirts in the dryer.” He shook his head. “Boy, I’m really, really glad I did that load of laundry. I don’t think I’d look good in one of Mrs. Weyland’s nightgowns.”

River laughed. “That’s an image I don’t want in my head.”

“Me neither. You know, even though I was able to save a few things, I’m still going to need to buy some new clothes.”

“We’ll have to go shopping. Maybe I can help you choose a new wardrobe.”

“Just calling my clothes awardrobetells me I need to turn down your magnanimous offer.”

“Okay, okay,” River said. “Go change. I’ll have your bed ready by the time you get back.”

“Thanks, but I can do it. I’m tired, not feeble.”

River pointed her finger at him. “Maybe not, but you are an idiot. Go. Now.”

Tony grinned. “Yes, ma’am. On my way.”

Once Tony was headed toward the bathroom, River went to the linen closet and fetched clean sheets, a blanket, and a couple ofpillows. She carried everything into the living room, moved the coffee table back, removed the couch cushions, and then pulled out the bed. She’d just finished getting it ready when her phone rang. It startled her. Who could be calling this late? She picked up the phone and saw it was a local number. She almost let it go to voice mail but decided at the last moment to answer it.

“Hello?”

“River, this is Arnie. I just heard about the fire and realized it happened at Tony’s address. I tried to call him, but it just went to voice mail. Is he okay?”

“Yeah, he’s fine. Lost a lot of his stuff, but it could have been worse. He’s staying here until his apartment is fixed. Do you want to talk to him?”

“Yeah, well, I guess I want to talk to both of you.”

River turned to see Tony walking into the living room. He gave her a questioning look.

“It’s Arnie,” she said. “He wants to talk to us.” She turned on her speaker.

“Okay.” Tony walked up next to her. “I’m here, Arnie.”

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