Page 93 of Ink and Ashes
“Who do you suspect?”
Until now, Ollie hasn’t asked many questions regarding the case, so the fact that I suspected him hasn’t come up. I technically still can’t clear him until the next fire, but after this last one, I know in my gut that it’s not him.
I huff a laugh. “You really wanna know?”
Ollie nods.
“Well, until last Thursday, I suspected you.”
Ollie’s eyes widen. “Seriously?” Just as quick, his brows pull together. “Wait…do you think it’s a firefighter?”
Clearly, knowing I suspected him was enough to clue him into that theory, so I nod hesitantly.
“Well, fuck,” Ollie says simply.
I let out a sigh. “Fuck is right. And I have no idea who it could be.”
What’s worse is that I’m not sure how I’m going to figure it out either. But I don’t share that part with Ollie. This whole thing is getting the best of me, andthe last thing I need is for people to start doubting me when I’m already doubting myself.
CHAPTER 33
Holland
Brian Finnegan’s funeral was devastatingly beautiful. I’ve always heard about the service provided to firefighters who die in the line-of-duty, but it was even more heartbreaking than I expected it would be. Chief Whitlock did a tribute to him while Colson laid Finn’s helmet atop the casket, and all together, the town called Finnegan home for the last time.
As the service finishes up, Ollie is given the honour of ringing the bell three times, tears streaming down his face while he does. Finnegan’s widow lets out a sob from somewhere within the crowd, and Beau and Colson move to escort her out, the rest of the crowd silent while the service concludes.
I take that as an opportunity to scan the faces of everyone in the crowd, searching for anything unusual. There’s no doubt in my mind that the arsonist is here for this. But given that we know it’s a firefighter and all of them are here, lined up in their dress uniform to say goodbye to their fallen brother, that isn’t particularly helpful. I watch them all for any sign of guilt, but no one’s expression raises an alarm for me. They all look like the rest of the crowd—distraught, heartbroken, and confused.
I’ve gotten to know the team over the past few weeks, and despite my suspicions toward a few of them, I find myself questioning everything I know. Some of them are assholes and others are loners, but none of them seem like the type to set fires—especially not fires that kill one of their closest friends.
I’d thought by now things would be getting easier. We have evidence, we know someone is doing this, but the question of who only seems to be getting harder to answer. There has to be something I’m missing but fuck if I don’t know how I’m going to figure it out.
The service ends, and everyone makes their way into the station for the reception. Marydale’s Diner catered food for everyone, and there are tables and chairs set up all throughout the bay for people to mingle and reminisce about all the good times they had with Finn.
Colson and Beau are still gone with Finn’s wife and children, so I grab some food, then make my way over to where Cass, Ollie, Dom, and a few of the others on the crew are sitting.
“Hey,” I say as I approach.
Cass tosses a sad smile my way as I take the seat next to her. “Hey.”
No one says much of anything while we eat, all of them trying to cope with the loss of Finn. Now isn’t the time or place to discuss the case, so I keep my mouth shut too, studying all the faces in the room.
The place is packed. I don’t think there’s anyone who isn’t here, and that thought makes my heart crack. I wonder if Finn knew just how loved he was.
I’m pulled from my thoughts when I feel a hand on my shoulder. But when I look up, it isn’t Colson like I expected it would be. It’s Chief Whitlock.
I immediately stand from my chair. “Hi, sir.”
“Hi, Miss Rhodes. Do you mind if I talk to you for a moment?”
My brows pull together as I look over my shoulder at Dom and Cass. Their expressions mimic mine, as if they’re wondering what their fire chief could want with me. But when Dom jerks his head, I take that as my cue to go with him.
“Sure,” I say, then the two of us move off to the side, out of earshot from the rest of the room.
Whitlock’s jaw is tight, his voice kept low as he speaks. “I haven’t had a chance to talk with Caldwell given the events of the past week, but you’re here now, so I figured I’d just ask you.” He pauses momentarily. “Have you found anything new in the investigation?”
I roll my lips together. “What all has Colson told you?”
