Page 48 of Wildfire

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Anything.

When I get to the firehouse to write my report, Serena comes in wearing sweats with her hair tied up in a bun. Damn if I know how she heard about it so quickly, but I wasn't surprised to see her.

"Tell me no one was hurt."

"I wish I could."

"Was it Georgia? Anyone else?"

"She was the only one on-site. She has third-degree burns on her hand and arm. Smoke inhalation. They took her to the hospital in Port Stratton. I asked her if she had seen anything, and she said no. I'm relieved we got her out and the fire was contained quickly. This guy is escalating. And she might…"

"She might what?"

"I probably shouldn't tell you this because it's about the evidence."

"I think as Mayor, I have some privileges."

"Not a word to anyone."

"Not a word."

"I think Georgia is somehow connected. A target even."

"Why do you think that? What does she have to do with the other fires?"

"Well, that's what I, or rather the Sheriff, have to figure out. But I saw something at two other fires, and now I saw it at her house."

"What's that?"

"An image. It was the one I sent you a photo of that you didn’t recogize. I’ve seen the same image on two lighters and a piece of paper, and now I saw it on a shirt on Georgia's clothesline."

"An image."

"Not just any image. Her band's logo."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"So…someone must be targeting—"

"Let's leave that to the Sheriff. But I suspect you're right. It seems like too much of a coincidence."

Serena nods her head in agreement and then starts out the door before turning back.

"How did the volunteer crew do?"

"Great. Including Avery."

"First fire for the first woman on our firefighting crew. Just wanted to see how it went."

"She was great, and the guys worked well with her. I'm confident we're a capable team."

She nods and walks out the door.

Chapter Twenty-Four: Renée

When I wake up, Cole is gone. I pull my tired ass out of his bed and go looking for tea. On the counter is a short, scribbled note.

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