Page 47 of Scorched Secrets

“Not happening.” Colin’s tone was firm.

“She has a point about the danger to the chief’s wife and daughter,” Mitch said. “We can keep her someplace else, like another motel.”

“I’d rather her dad be the one to watch over her.” Colin sighed and rubbed the blond stubble on his jaw. Normally, he was clean-shaven, but they’d been in various motels now, without a razor. “I could see if Rhy can get someone from his team to watch her for us rather than her dad.”

“I’m not helpless.” The words came out sharper than she had intended. She tried to soften them. “I know I’m not a cop, but with you guys watching the motel, I think it’s best if I stay inside the room with my phone. If the arsonist doesn’t see me going inside, he may view it as a trap. Especially if he knows Gary is a retired firefighter. That alone may cause him to be suspicious.”

There was a long moment of silence as Colin stared at her. She could tell he didn’t like it, but he was considering the possibility of failure if they didn’t include her.

“Please, Colin.” She rested her hand on his arm. “Let me do my part to help catch this guy.”

“She’s right about the possibility of the arsonist knowing Gary,” Mitch said. “If he’s at all associated with the fire department, he’ll know Gary would support us in a time of need. Yet, that could work in our favor too. Especially if we make it clear Faye is inside the room and make a show of leaving her behind. That may be enough to draw him out of hiding, goading him into trying again.”

Colin remained silent, sipping his coffee. Finally, he sighed and glanced pointedly at Faye. “Fine. We’ll do it your way. But I’m staying in the room with you.”

“Okay, whatever you think is best.” She wasn’t going to argue.

“It would make the setup more believable,” Mitch agreed. “You still have my backup piece?”

“Yes.” Colin’s expression was grim. “And I won’t hesitate to use it.”

“Okay, then give me some time to get in touch with Gary.” Mitch wiped his face with his napkin. “As you said, he may not have a room until tomorrow night or Monday.”

“I have to work on Monday,” Faye reminded Colin. “You’re on duty too.”

“I know. We’ll see how it goes.” He didn’t smile, clearly still not happy with her. “I would like to find this guy sooner rather than later.”

She looked away, shrugging off his annoyance. She was the one in danger. For whatever reason, the arsonist had fixated on her. Better her than her sister, Annie. At sixteen, her sister wouldn’t be able to protect herself.

Making a mental note to follow up with her father later, to ensure her sister was still safe, she finished her coffee. Colin and Mitch were ready to leave too.

“You’ll let us know what Gary says?” Colin asked as they stood.

“Of course. Where are you spending the day?” Mitch glanced between her and Colin. “Another motel?”

She wrinkled her nose at the thought. “We need to replace my phone first. After that, maybe we can head to a park. Or hang out at the lakefront for a bit. I’m kinda sick of motel rooms.”

“We’ll see.” Colin’s expression was noncommittal. “Take care, Mitch. I hope Gary can make this work.”

“And if not?” Faye asked. “Can’t we just choose another motel?”

“Maybe.” Colin grimaced. “I hate the idea of putting anyone else in danger, though. Gary’s place would be perfect.”

“It’ll work out, you’ll see.” Mitch clapped him on the back as they walked outside. “Have faith, cousin.”

That made Colin smile. “You know I do.”

“Good. Later, Colin. Faye.” Mitch nodded at each of them and headed for his vehicle, leaving them alone.

Colin wordlessly turned toward their borrowed vehicle. She followed, swallowing the urge to apologize. Especially since she wasn’t sorry for sticking up for herself. She only regretted making him angry.

Not that she controlled his emotions. He wanted to protect her just as much as she wanted to protect her family.

She jumped into the passenger seat, keenly aware of Colin beside her. He started the car, then turned to face her. “I promised your father I’d keep you safe. You’re making that incredibly difficult.”

“I know, but you have kept that promise.” She took his hand. “I will assure my dad that this is my decision.”

“Yeah.” He sighed heavily, staring down at their entwined fingers. “That only works if we make it out of this unscathed.”

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