Page 63 of Scorched Secrets

Colin nodded as he cooked bacon in one pan, using the other for the eggs. “Aiden and I discussed that issue too. We’ll talk to Rhy about having some of the guys from his tactical team stationed nearby as backup.”

She envisioned several guys hidden around the property, waiting for the arsonist to show up. It was a good idea except for the part where the arsonist would have accelerants or other flammable material with him. “Maybe you need a fire truck nearby too.”

“I thought of that, but a rig would be too noticeable.” He shrugged, glancing at her over his shoulder. “I figure notifying the fire station the minute this guy shows is our best option.”

“That may not be fast enough to prevent anyone from being burned.” The more she heard about this so-called plan, the less she liked it. “There has to be another way.”

“We’ll discuss it more with Rhy. If he has other options, we’re open to hearing them.” Colin flipped the eggs, then turned to face her. “But we need to stop this guy today. Once and for all.”

“I know.” She wanted that too. More than anything. Letting the issue drop, she rose. “Do you want me to make toast?”

“Sure.”

They sat down to eat five minutes later. As before, Colin led the before-meal prayer. “Lord Jesus, we thank You for this food and for keeping us safe in Your loving care. We ask for Your continued wisdom and guidance as we strive to prevent this man from hurting anyone else. In Jesus’s name. Amen.”

“Amen.” She lifted her head to look at Colin. “That was nice.”

“We’ll need all of God’s support to get through this.” He picked up his fork and scooped up some eggs. “And we can’t do anything on an empty stomach.”

“Truth, brother.” Aiden took a bite of bacon. “Thanks for cooking breakfast.”

“Any time.”

Faye savored the meal, instinctively dreading what the rest of the day may bring. When they were finished, she stacked the dishes on the counter and offered to clean up. “It’s the least I can do.”

“Thanks, Faye.” Colin filled his cup with coffee and turned to Aiden. “How much longer should we wait to contact Rhy?”

“It’s almost ten.” Aiden shrugged. “Rhy and Devon usually attend church services at this time.”

“I forgot it’s Sunday.” Colin groaned. “Normally, we’d join them if we weren’t working.”

“I’m sure we’ll be forgiven for skipping out.” Aiden set his empty cup on the sink. She dropped it into the sudsy water. “I need walk around outside, check the layout of the area more closely. You should stay here with Faye.”

“Okay.” She was a little surprised Colin didn’t argue. “You’re the soldier, Aiden. I’m just a firefighter.”

“A very good one too. Lock up after me.” Aiden moved toward the door. Colin did so, then returned to the kitchen.

“You still attend church with your family?” Having been exposed to their deep faith, she shouldn’t have been surprised.

“When we’re not working.” He grinned. “The family church is in Brookland, not exactly close to where I live, but we generally have Sunday dinner together, so we make it an all-day affair. Of course, that’s much more fun in the fall when we can watch football too.”

She had no interest in sports but sensed the Finnegan gatherings were more about spending family time together than the games themselves. An entire day of togetherness was something she hadn’t experienced since her mother had died. “Sounds really nice.”

“You’re welcome to join us anytime,” he offered. “We’d love to have you.”

“Maybe when this is over.” She was secretly thrilled by his offer but tried not to read too much into it. Colin was being his usual nice and friendly self. She had no doubt Aiden would have made the same offer, even though there was absolutely no chemistry between them.

No, the constant sense of awareness she felt was just with Colin. She turned her attention to finishing the dishes. If Colin and Aiden could make this plan of theirs work, today could very well be their last time together.

By tomorrow morning, they’d go their separate ways.

Colin tore his gaze from Faye, forcing himself to concentrate on the mission ahead. He’d have to look around outside, too, when Aiden was finished. They all needed to be familiar with the barriers that may crop up as they executed this plan.

And that all depended on Rhy and his guys lending a hand. Two men, one who wasn’t a cop, couldn’t keep a close enough eye on the place. He was especially concerned with the houses on either side of them. They didn’t seem too close, but he knew how easily the dancing dragon could spin out of control. Tarin would be in enough trouble by loaning them the safe house. If they caused damage to the homes around them, his brother could lose his job.

He’d racked his brain last night, trying to come up with another place that might work. He’d considered using his personal condo, but the shared wall with another residence and the lack of bullet-resistant glass made that a less optimal option.

It troubled him to put Tarin’s job on the line, so he decided to call his brother Brady. In his role within the FBI, there may be another safe house option. When the call went to voice mail, he belatedly realized Brady, Grace, and their son, Caleb, may be in church too.

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