Page 74 of Ashes of the Past
“I’m just covering all the angles,” Hastings says smoothly. “It’s part of the process, especially when a fire happens under circumstances like this.”
I step forward, keeping my voice even. “What kind of circumstances would those be?”
Hastings looks at me, his gaze assessing. “A struggling business, a sudden fire, a sizable insurance policy. You understand I have to be thorough.”
Is he serious right now?
I take a step closer to John. If I’m feeling irritated and offended by this man’s tone, then I can’t imagine how John will feel or react. I keep my eye on him.
John’s face darkens, and I can practically feel the heat of his frustration radiating off him. “You think I burned my own damn barn down?”
“I’m not accusing anyone,” Hastings says, holding up a hand. “Just doing my due diligence.”
Before John can respond, another vehicle pulls up, an unmarked truck with government plates. The door opens, and a woman steps out, wearing a dark blue windbreaker with State Fire Marshal emblazoned on the back.
The arson investigator.
He strides over, nodding at us before turning his attention to Hastings. “You must be the adjuster.”
“That’s right,” Hastings says, offering a hand. “Neil Hastings, Riverbend Insurance.”
She shakes it briefly. “I’m Jorge. I was called in to evaluate the scene. I’m sorry, I’m late to the meeting.”
Jorge turns to John. “I’d like to take another look around if that’s all right.”
“Go ahead,” John says, exhaling sharply. “Maybe you’ll find something that’ll get this guy off my back.”
He frowns but doesn’t comment. He moves toward the wreckage, his sharp gaze scanning the area. Meanwhile, Hastings clears his throat and turns back to John.
“Mr. Castings, it’s not uncommon for fires like this to be—”
“This was arson,” I interrupt, my voice firm. “And John sure as hell didn’t have anything to do with it.”
Hastings gives me a polite but unconvinced smile. “Like I said, just covering my bases.”
Jorge steps back over, her expression unreadable. “Did you get my report on the accelerant and the arson, Mr. Hastings?”
Hastings nods. “Of course.”
“Then you’ll remember that I stated in the report that Mr. Castings had just let a ranch hand go who has a history of arson.”
Say what?
I suck in a breath. That’s new information.
“I have to investigate all the details. It could also be the perfect setup to make that young man the patsy for the insurance payout.”
“I assure you that’s not the case here,” Jorge sighs. “I’ve known the majority of the people in this town for a very long time. John Castings is the least likely suspect for insurance fraud.”
“Maybe you’re too close—” Hastings starts.
Jorge holds up a hand and shakes his head. “The former employee was seen buying accelerant and was in town, drunk, talking about how he was going to make everyone at Castings Ranch pay for firing him. No ranch owner is going to set anything on their property on fire during a drought because the conditions are too uncontrollable and could cause loss of life. His daughter and granddaughter were on the property, in the line of fire, had the winds changed correctly. If you’re going to accuse someone or go against my findings in my report, as well as the sheriff’s report, make sure that you come with all the logical information and proof first.”
John exhales sharply, and I can see some of the tension ease from his shoulders. Hastings, on the other hand, just gives a tight smile. “I’ll still need to review everything carefully before we proceed with the claim.”
John’s lips press into a thin line, but he nods. “You do that.”
Hastings lingers for another moment before snapping his folio shut. “I’ll be in touch.”
