Page 23 of Ink and Ashes
“Do we, though?” Dom pipes up, and every head in the room turns in his direction. “Know she’s wrong?”
“What are you talking about?”
He shrugs. “This year has been wild. I know FI hasn’t labelled any as being man-made, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been.” He shrugs. “I’m not saying I think all the fires are arson—I don’t. But I do think it’s worth it to consider human interference. Specifically with these last two, since they’ve been labelled as ‘unknown causes.’”
My jaw tenses and I nod, but I don’t say anything more. I’m not sure whattosay. I never considered the possibility that these fires were more than what Fire Investigation has told us. They’rethe experts on the matter, so why would we? We’re good at fighting the fires; they’re good at figuring out the cause.
I never thoughtcause unknowncould translate toarsonist, and I’m not sure I want to consider the implications of what might happen if it does.
With that, the conversation topic changes, and chatter picks up again. I’ve stopped listening though, my mind continuing to race with thoughts of the absolute pain in my ass that is Holland Rhodes and the disaster she’s brought with her.
When we all say goodnight an hour later, Dad pulls me aside, out of earshot from everyone else.
“Colson, you know I trust your opinion more than anyone else’s when it comes to firefighting. If this woman is just getting in your way and causing problems, you do what you must to put a stop to it.” He pauses, placing a hand on my shoulder. “But if there’s any part of you that wonders if your sister and Dom’s opinions might be of value in this situation, then you need to hear her out. Arson suspicions aren’t something to take lightly.”
“I know, Dad.”
His brows pull tight. “Are you denying her theory because you’re sure it’s just that, or simply because of your resentment toward the press?”
My shoulders tense. I’m not sure how to answer that.
“Think about it, son.”
I jerk my head, say goodbye to him and my mom, then make my way out to my truck.
Fuck.
CHAPTER 9
Holland
The seventh—and largest—fire this year is still burning eight days later. The crew at the station has been stretched thin between working on that one and fighting the eighth fire, which popped up a few days ago. Thankfully, fire eight was caught early and easily controlled since it was near the road and in an area without much fuel. It’s been put out now and was cleared by FI, so I figured I’d come check out the scene to see what I can find.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve visited the sites of several other fires, but some are so deep in the forest that I’m hesitant to venture into them alone. I’m good with maps and I have the coordinates, but I don’t want to risk getting lost in unfamiliar forests during wildfire season. Besides, I’ve unfortunately come up empty at all of the ones I have visited, so I don’t have high hopes for the others.
Maybe this one will be different.
With each day that passes that I find no actual evidence of my theory, I wonder if coming here was a mistake. If I’m making a fool of myself by searching for something I’m not even sure is there. Even if I am right, the fire department seemsto have things under control. They don’t need my help, and I’m beginning to think my time may be better spent somewhere else.
But I’m not ready to give up quite yet. This last fire only spanned a total of 0.09 hectares by the end, but the one that’s still burning now covers over 10. I just have to cross my fingers that something at one of the scenes points to arson.
“Rhodes, what the hell are you doing here?” a rough voice calls from behind me, pulling me from my thoughts.
I spin around to find Colson marching over to me, then roll my eyes. I assumed they’d all still be out at the scene of fire seven trying to finish getting it out, but clearly that was wishful thinking.
“I’m doing my job,” I snap back, unwilling to let this grouch of a man tell me what I can and can’t do.
Colson shakes his head. “Where did you even come from?” he mutters under his breath. “You’re everywhere these days.”
I know he’s not actually asking, but that doesn’t stop me from telling him anyway. “Toronto,” I say with a smile. “And yes, I am.”
He rolls his eyes. “You’re an awfully long way from home.” Crossing his arms over his chest, he adds, “You can’t be alone out here—this area isn’t secure. The fire was only put out yesterday, and we need to do another walkthrough to make sure there are no more hotspots.”
“Shucks, Lieutenant,” I tsk. “You saying you care about my safety?”
His jaw flexes, but he doesn’t grant me a response.
“Respectfully, this is public property. The fire is out, and should another appear, I’ll call it in. I’m not going anywhere, andyou”—I poke my finger against his firm chest—“can’t make me.” I cross my arms. “Besides, isn’t there another fire that needs your attention right now?”
