“I think I speak for Quinn when I say I wish we weren’t.”
Quinn nodded in agreement.
“Okay. Tell me what happened.”
Reid relayed everything that had happened since the officer had dropped Quinn off. He even gave the make, model, and partial license plate number of the car that had driven by. It may be unrelated, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
He finished by telling him about going upstairs and breaking the windows before sticking sheets out the windows to draw the attackers away from the back door.
Detective Jacobs jotted notes. “Did either of you see anyone?”
Quinn shook her head.
“I didn’t see them,” Reid said, “but I think their car was parked on the street behind the house. Once the sirens got close, I heard two doors shut and tires squealing.”
“It seems these guys have graduated from attempted kidnapping to attempted murder.”
Reid watched as the color drained from Quinn’s face.
“Murder?” She sank onto the edge of the ambulance. She must be connecting everything. Going through the ordeal was one thing, but now, she’d had time to digest it. Detective Jacob’s words made it real.
“Do you know anyone that would want you dead?” Detective Jacobs looked at Quinn.
She shook her head again.
“What about you?” His attention turned to Reid. “You run across enemies in your profession, I’m sure. Anyone want you dead?”
“Not that I can think of off the top of my head.” Reid crossed his arms over his chest.
“And neither of you can think of a reason to target Ms. Matthews?”
Reid waited and watched Quinn. She closed her eyes, probably searching her memory, sighed, and opened them. “No.”
A fireman joined their group. “The fire’s out, but there’s significant damage to the front room. You’ll want to get the windows boarded up and find somewhere else to stay until you can get an insurance company out here.”
Quinn’s shoulders sank. “I’ll let my landlady know. Thank you.” She smiled weakly as the fireman walked away.
“What do you mean I can’t go in there?” A high-pitched voice broke the silence. “That’s my house smoldering.”
“Oh, that’s her now.” Quinn craned her neck.
“Let her in!” Detective Jacobs bellowed.
Quinn pushed past the officers and headed straight toward the older lady, who had her arms outstretched like a mother reaching for her baby. Quinn just walked in and all but collapsed against the woman. “I’m so sorry.”
Mrs. Stevenson patted Quinn’s back. “What’s this about, sweetheart?”
“It’s all my fault.” Quinn pulled back and looked the woman in the eyes.
“Now, dear. I’m sure it was an accident. Nothing my insurance won’t cover.” She patted Quinn’s cheek.
“No. Someone set the house on fire. They were trying to get to me and JJ.”
“Why would they do that?”
“I haven’t the foggiest idea,” Quinn mumbled.
“Ma’am,” Detective Jacobs interjected. “If I can get your information, I can get out of the way.”
