The man clocks the move, glances between us, and clears his throat. “Beast. Uh, ma’am. Are you the owner of the house?”
I nod.
“Florine’s granddaughter. You look like her.”
“Thanks.”
He shows me his fire inspector badge. “I’ll finish typing up the official report, but need to ask a few questions. Were you doing any electrical work to the house in the turret?”
“No. Nothing had been done in months.”
He presses his lips into a flat line and makes a notation on his report. “Didn’t leave any gasoline lying around?”
“In the turret?” I ask.
He nods.
“Nope. Wasn’t gassing up my car or lawn mower in there.” I glance at Dorian to see if he’s as confused as I am, but can’t read his expression. “Are these standard questions?”
“Only when we suspect arson. Take out any big insurance policies lately?”
Arson? Insurance? Why—oh god.
The truth feels like a kick to the stomach. This wasn’t faulty wiring in an old home. Someone did this deliberately. They burned down Florine’s home just to make me sell.
A tear slips from my eye, and I hiccup more than laugh. “No. I can’t believe someone would try to force me out like this.”
The inspector pauses in his notes. “Force you out?”
“Investors,” Dorian says. “Lisette had decided not to sell.”
“When was this?”
I swallow and swipe the tears from my face. “Yesterday.”
The man slowly lowers his pen and nods thoughtfully. “Thanks for your time.”
“What does that mean?” I whisper when he’s gone.
“He’ll have the authorities look into his findings, now that we’ve given him a possible motive.”
“Who are these investors? Who would do this?”
Dorian is silent. Almost suspiciously silent. I turn to him. “Tell me.”
“You told your mom last night about not selling, and within hours, the house is in flames. Who would she contact next?”
“The realtor, Philip Weeks.”
He nods.
I march toward the truck. “I’m going to go make hisweek!”
Dorian chokes, trying to hold back a laugh. “Let’s get you fed first.”
He drives me to The Switchback Café for breakfast, including a decadent cinnamon roll. I’m feeling better after eating, and a little less bloodthirsty.
Until my mom calls.
