Page 13 of Scorched Secrets

“We did.” She sat on the bench. “How did you know this was my favorite spot?”

“I remember how you enjoyed sitting here, reading a book.” He dropped down beside her. “Although I think those were romance novels, not science books.”

She chuckled and leaned back to look up at the green leaves overhead. “They were. Too bad my marriage did not work out the same way.”

“What happened?”

She shook her head. “Same old story. He cheated with his yoga instructor. Tried to blame me because I worked long hours. Not that Rory didn’t enjoy spending my money, because he certainly did.”

“Scumbag.”

That made her laugh again. It occurred to Colin that she hadn’t laughed like this back in high school that he could remember. Then again, they’d been friendly acquaintances but not especially close. “Yeah, he was. But he’s not my problem anymore.”

“Unless he’s the one behind the fires.”

“Maybe. But I still can’t see Rory doing that kind of thing. Wouldn’t someone have to investigate how to start a fire in a way that they didn’t risk being burned?”

“Yes, that would be a key component to being an arsonist,” he said in a dry tone. “Which is why thirty-five percent of arsonists are either current or former firefighters.”

“Rory wouldn’t bother to do that much work. Ambition wasn’t his strong suit.” She shrugged. “Hopefully, Mitch finds that guy my father fired very soon.”

“He will. Mitch is not happy about either of these fires targeting you. His wife, Dana, works in the ER, or rather the ED. It makes him especially mad when healthcare providers are in harm’s way.”

“I know Dana and your sister Alanna very well. They’re both excellent nurses.” She nodded thoughtfully. “I’m sure he won’t stop until he finds the person responsible.”

“Let me know when you want to head back for lunch.” He grinned. “I can grill a couple of burgers if you’re interested.”

“That sounds nice.” She glanced over to the restrooms located roughly fifty yards away. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to use the restroom before we head back.”

“No problem. I’ll stay here to watch our bikes.” There was a chain lock wrapped around the seat of one of them, but he couldn’t remember the combination.

His phone rang again. Not Mitch, but his brother Rhy. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Where are you and Faye?” Rhy asked. “We were worried when we saw your car was still here.”

“You know we’re both adults, right?” He couldn’t help teasing his oldest brother.

“You know the rule is to leave a note on the white board,” Rhy shot back. “It’s the only way to keep track of what’s going on around here.”

“Okay, okay. Sorry about that.” He knew his brother was a bit of a control freak, which was laughable considering nine kids coming and going was the antithesis of being in control. The homestead often resembled Grand Central station. “Honestly, I didn’t expect you and Devon until later this afternoon, figured you stop for a bite to eat. Faye and I rode your bikes to Brookland Park. We’ll be back shortly.”

“I should have noticed the bikes were gone,” Rhy groused. “Did you get any updates on the arson investigation?”

“Not yet.” He filled Rhy in on the new suspect in the case. “Callahan said he wasn’t home, and the neighbors haven’t seen him.”

“Maybe he knows Callahan is on to him.”

“That’s possible. He must know we’d talk to Chief Kimble about the threat against his daughter.” He watched as Faye disappeared inside the restrooms. “Did you and Devon buy out the store?”

“Pretty much. The furniture will be delivered early next week. By the way, I could use your help in painting the nursery.”

“Sure.” He injected enthusiasm he didn’t feel into his tone. He didn’t mind pitching in to help the family, but he was not fond of painting. Yet he also knew that summer was Quinn’s busiest time as the Coast Guard patrolled the Great Lakes region. And Aiden was often shipped out for deployments with the National Guard. Tarin and Brady were both married and busy with their respective wives and careers, which meant he was the one with the easiest schedule to manage. “We’ll coordinate on my next couple of days off.”

“Thanks, Colin. We appreciate your help. Now that I know you and Faye are fine, I will take my lovely wife out to lunch as you suggested. Later, bro.”

“Later, Rhy.” He frowned when he noticed a figure in black moving away from the restroom structure. Was it his imagination or did that individual resemble the guy on the video taken in the parking garage?

Ditching the bikes was asking for trouble, but Colin didn’t hesitate to break into a jog heading toward the spot where he’d seen the figure. The person in black had ducked through the trees, which in and of itself wasn’t suspicious. Yet he couldn’t deny the sense of urgency he felt in needing to get a better look at the guy.

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