Officer Reynolds nods. “We do. That’s why we’re here.”
He speaks slowly, each word carrying weight. “We reviewed the security and traffic cameras on your street. We can clearly see a man entering your building three minutes before the fire and exiting as the flames start spreading. We couldn’t see his face, but we got the license plate. It’s registered to Victor Pike.”
“Did you arrest him?” Baptiste asks, his voice tight.
“Yes,” Officer Reynolds says. “We obtained an expedited warrant last night and arrested him at his house. His phone was seized, and it pinged off the cell tower near your apartment.”
“And this morning,” Detective Harris adds, “our team discovered video footage from a camera he had placed in your living room, which he’d been monitoring over the past few weeks.”
“What?” Baptiste nearly shouts.
“Have you noticed anything unusual in your home lately?” Officer Reynolds continues, eyes fixed on me. “Things out of place that would indicate a break-in?”
I start shaking my head, then stop. It all makes sense now. That time when my reading glasses weren’t where they were supposed to be. Where I always put them. A shiver crawls down my spine as I realize Victor sneaked into my apartment when I wasn’t there. And he was filming me all this time without me knowing.
I fold my arms tight, rubbing my forearm in a self-soothing gesture. “Yes, I noticed my glasses weren’t in their usual spot. I just thought I’d misplaced them.”
“What a maniac,” Grandma mutters.
“We found the footage from that camera on the computer we seized,” the detective says calmly. “Which means this is no longer just about the fire. Mr. Pike is being charged with felony arson, unlawful surveillance, aggravated stalking, and burglary. The prior threats and restraining order also factor heavily into the case.”
Baptiste’s jaw tightens. “So, he was watching her.”
“That’s what the evidence leads us to believe,” the detective confirms. “And that also establishes premeditation.”
Officer Reynolds adds, “The district attorney is reviewing the case for additional charges, including attempted murder and possibly reckless endangerment. We’ll know more soon, but we wanted to keep you in the loop.”
“So, he’s in a prison cell right now?” I ask, my voice trembling.
“Yes,” Detective Harris says. “And he’ll likely stay there for a very long time.”
“He’s running a scheme,” I add. “That’s why he tried to silence me. His offshore holding, Topaz, bought several retirement homes, including Golden Age, where my grandmother lives. The articlewas supposed to run tomorrow. I have all the proof.” My gaze falls. “At least, I did. My apartment is probably toast. But I’ll gather all the evidence and build the case again.”
Officer Reynolds exhales. “There’s nothing left of the apartments on your floor, I’m afraid.”
My chest tightens as my mind drifts to all the people in my building who suffered and lost so much because of this. Thank goodness no one got seriously hurt, or worse, but still… Photos, letters, keepsakes, memories that can never be replaced. Gone forever. All because of him.
“The entire structure is unstable for now,” Detective Harris says, jotting down notes. “But don’t worry. We’ll look into your claims right away. Victor Pike is our top priority.” He closes his notebook. “We’ll let you rest, but we’ll be in touch.”
We thank them for everything, and a few seconds after the door closes behind them, Grandma stands up.
“I think I need some fresh air,” she announces, fanning herself.
“Are you okay?” Baptiste and I ask at the same time.
She rolls her eyes. “I’m not dyin’. I just need a breather. And a coffee.”
“I’ll take you,” Baptiste says.
They step out together, and for the first time in my life, loneliness creeps in. I used to love solitude. Being in my head. Now I hate it. I can’t stand not having him beside me.
As if summoned, Baptiste opens the door and steps back in.
“The others are taking her to grab a coffee,” he says with a weak smile, settling back at my side. “Are you okay? That was a lot.”
I nod. “Honestly, I’m just glad they got him. That he won’t hurt or steal from anyone ever again.”
He shakes his head slowly, eyes blazing. “I can’t believe what he did. If I had lost you…” His voice breaks, and I stroke his hand.
