Fire Storm

by Nancy Mehl

  “I can understand that,” Kaely said. She hesitated a moment. “What can you tell me about Marvin? He seems so alone.”

  “He is alone. His wife died a few years back. He was close with his son until Brad became a teenager. Brad had trouble at school. You know, bullying, that kind of thing. Most of it was because of Marvin’s job. Kids made fun of him because his father worked with dead people.”

  “Didn’t the school intervene?”

  “Marvin met with the principal several times but couldn’t get help for Brad. Seems some adults also had a negative view of what he did for a living.”

  “That’s ridiculous. Without good MEs, law enforcement couldn’t possibly get convictions in a lot of important criminal cases.”

  “I know that and you know that,” Josh said, “but some people aren’t that smart. Especially kids.” He gazed out the window at the snow-covered ground. “Marvin blamed the town for causing Brad to leave. Of course, that’s not the complete truth. If Marvin’s relationship with Brad had been better, they might have been able to overcome the problems at school.”

  “That’s really sad. Maybe Brad will come back someday and fix things with his dad.”

  Josh shook his head. “Unfortunately, he won’t. He’s dead.”

  Kaely stared at him in surprise. “Marvin didn’t mention that.”

  “He doesn’t talk about it, and I’d appreciate it if you’d keep it to yourself. It happened about six months ago. He was found in a cheap motel in Kansas. He’d shot himself.”

  “Oh no.”

  “Yeah. Marvin took it really badly. He still had hope, you know? He loved that kid.”

  Kaely felt tremendous sympathy for the retired medical examiner. “Why is Marvin in a wheelchair?”

  “He suffered an injury not long before he retired. He was called out on a case during the winter.” Josh grunted. “Right around this time of year. Slipped and fell on the ice. The doctor hoped he’d recover, but he didn’t. The city granted him his entire pension, even though he was a few years away from receiving it. Since the ice was on a city street, they also paid him a nice settlement.” Josh shook his head. “He may be okay financially, but it certainly doesn’t make up for his disability. ”

  “He can’t walk at all?”

  “No, not really. He told me once he can at least take care of his personal business—you know, bathroom, shower, dressing. Things like that. Not sure how much mobility that takes, but his bathroom has been remodeled to make it handicap accessible, and he has a cleaning lady who comes in once a week.” He frowned at her. “Can I ask why you’re interested?”

  Kaely shrugged. “Just curious. It’s my personality. I’m nosy.”

  Josh chuckled. “Don’t I know it.” His eyes met hers. “Look, Kaely. I’m glad you’re here. And I appreciate what you’re trying to do. But I think you need to admit that you haven’t made any progress in finding our arsonist.”

  “Don’t give up on me, Josh,” Kaely said. “I feel like we’re close.”

  “I hope so,” Josh said, “but we’re running out of time. I heard the new sheriff could be ready to take office sooner than expected, and he may not want to work with you. If that’s the case, we’ll all have to walk away and let the dead rest in peace.”

  When Kaely got back to the motel, she didn’t see Jason’s car in the parking lot. She was rather relieved. She needed to think about her visit to the Bergers’ and her discussion with Josh. He was right. They still didn’t have any evidence. Just possibilities. She needed to find this UNSUB sooner rather than later. She was frustrated. Why couldn’t she get a solid lead? What was it she wasn’t seeing?

  She wondered if she should add Marvin to her list of suspects. Although it didn’t seem likely, she had to consider him. Did he believe Darkwater was responsible for his son’s death? But there was no way a man who was paralyzed could have set these fires. One thing that stuck in Kaely’s mind was that his legs looked strong. She’d expected his limbs to be atrophied after all this time, but they weren’t.

  Ever since her visit with Josh, something else had been bothering her. Troubling her mind. She felt like she’d missed something. Something really important. She kept going over things Marvin and Mary Louise had said, but she couldn’t figure out what it was. It was driving her crazy.

  When she got back to her new motel room, she grabbed her tote bag and took out her files. Then she sat down at the table and began looking through them again. She felt like the truth was somewhere in front of her, and it was trying to get her attention. Georgie’s voice echoed in her head.

  “Perhaps what you’re missing is right in front of you. You’ve got to eliminate the impossible. Once you do that . . .”

  But what, exactly, was impossible? The lines between the impossible and the improbable were getting more and more blurred.

  forty-five

  It was almost six o’clock before Kaely made it back to the hospital to see Noah. He had great insight, and she could really use that right now.

  She’d called Jason, who was getting ready to leave the hospital, and told him to stay put since she was coming down.

  When she got there, she went to Noah’s room first. He was looking great. More like his old self.

  “I can’t wait to get out of here,” he grumbled. “I feel like life is passing me by.”

  Kaely laughed. “It’s been two days, Noah. I don’t think you need to worry too much about life as a whole.”

  “Well, maybe not, but I don’t like you being out there without me. I know you’re taking precautions, but I still worry.”

  Kaely sighed, trying to be patient with him. “Someone’s with me almost every minute of the day. I even called the motel manager and asked him to keep an eye out for anyone hanging around the complex who doesn’t belong. He assured me he’d call if he had any concerns. Everything’s fine. Really.”

  “I guess there’s not much I can do about it from here.”

  At that moment, Jason walked into the room and greeted them.

  “Kaely says you’re keeping an eye on her?” Noah said as soon as he saw Jason.

  Jason threw his hands up in the air. “No, ‘hello’? No, ‘I’m so glad you came to see me’?”

  “Funny.” Noah glared at him. “I’m serious about you staying close to your sister.”

  Jason walked over and gave Kaely a hug, then he looked over at Noah and sighed loudly. “I’m doing my very best. Just remember I also have to be here for my mother. And I like to stop by once in a while just to make sure you’re still breathing.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “If you two are finished, can I ask how Mom’s doing?” Kaely asked her brother.

  Jason smiled. “She’s doing better, Kaely. Her numbers are improving.” He swiped at his eyes, which were moist. “The doctor said he thinks the trial treatment is working. He said it’s too early to declare it a success, but he likes what he’s seeing, even with the minor setback.”

  Kaely fought back tears. “Oh, Jason. That’s wonderful. I’m so happy.”

  “And Mom’s insurance company found a nice condo where she can stay while they rebuild the house. They’re also giving her money for new furniture and whatever else she might need. She can move in whenever she’s ready. She’s feeling pretty good about it. You plan to see her before you leave, right?”

  “After our visit earlier? Are you sure she wants to see me?”

  “Yeah, I’m absolutely certain. She’s asked about you several times. I told her you were coming back to the hospital today.”

  Kaely wanted to see her mother, but she feared another confrontation.

  As if he knew what she was thinking, Jason took her arm. “You need to let anything hurtful she says roll off your back,” he said gently. “She’s been fighting for her life. She lost her home and her belongings. We’re the only family she has. Sometimes people going through a rough time take out their frustration on those the
y love the most. Usually, they’re the only ones still hanging around. It doesn’t mean anything. She feels awful when it happens, and that makes her feel worse physically.”

  Kaely knew he was right, but this wasn’t a temporary thing. Marcie had treated her this way for years. Still, she had no choice, especially after what God had shown her earlier. She had to ignore Marcie’s harsh comments. Even if it was hard. “I’ll try, Jason. I really will.”

  She turned her attention back to Noah. “Any news on when you get out of here?”

  “The doc’s gonna take out this chest tube sometime tomorrow. He thinks my lung is healing nicely. Then he’ll make a decision.”

  “Good. You need to relax. Take this time to catch up on your sleep. Read. Watch TV.”

  “I’m not used to doing nothing.”

  Kaely smiled. “You don’t have a choice, you know.”

  Noah pointed at a stack of books on the stand next to the bed. “One of the nurses dropped those off. Some James Patterson. Grisham. I would probably enjoy them.”

  “I think you would too,” Kaely said. “Give them a try, okay?”

  Although he didn’t look happy about it, Noah nodded. “Okay.” He frowned at Kaely. “When are you bringing me a cheeseburger?”

  “Take it slow. Your body’s been through a lot.”

  “So has my stomach,” he growled. “And it wants cheeseburgers.”

  “I think we need to talk to your doctor first and see if he has any instructions about food.”

  “When you get out,” Jason said, “we’ll go to Bucky’s. Best burgers in Nebraska, am I right?”

  “I’ve been dreaming about those cheeseburgers,” Noah said with a sigh.

  Kaely’s phone buzzed, and she took it out of her pocket. She didn’t recognize the number. She walked a few feet away from Noah and Jason and answered. She was surprised to find it was Sam Lucas.

  “How’s Noah doing?” Sam asked once she answered.

  “Great,” she said. “Except for an incessant craving for cheeseburgers.”

  Sam laughed. “I was thinking you might need a break from all your sleuthing.” She could hear a note of nervousness in his voice.

  “Uh, maybe. Not sure I have much time for a break.”

  “Can you find a couple of hours tonight?”

  “For what?” Kaely asked, thinking it had something to do with the investigation. She’d just let the words out of her mouth when she realized what he was suggesting. She felt herself flush. “I mean, did you have something in mind?”

  “Dinner? With me?”

  Kaely turned her back to Noah and Jason so they couldn’t see her smile. “I think I could work that out. What time?”

  “How about I pick you up at your motel at eight?”

  “Sounds good. I’ll see you then.”

  “Great. Bye.”

  The relief in his voice was evident. It tickled her to know that asking her to dinner made him nervous. Sam was still on her suspect list, but her gut told her he wasn’t their UNSUB. Besides, maybe she could pick his brain about Jack. He might be more willing to talk if they were relaxed, having dinner. Be less defensive. She didn’t want to use his request for a date as a chance to work the case, but she could really use his help.

  When she walked back over to Noah’s bed, he was complaining to Jason about the hospital food again.

  Noah lowered his voice. “All I’m asking for is a double cheeseburger and fries. I’ll even agree to a single burger, if it helps. You could just sneak it in.”

  “Don’t you like our food, Mr. Hunter?” A rather severe-looking nurse walked into the room. She stared at Kaely and Jason over her bifocals. “The doctor is coming by to check on your friend. I’ll need you both to wait outside.”

  “I’m going to see Mom anyway,” Jason said. “Are you coming, Kaely?”

  She nodded, but she tensed at the thought of seeing Marcie again. Kaely took Noah’s hand. “I’ll be back in the morning. Don’t cause your nurses any more trouble, you hear me?”

  “Now that would be a miracle,” the nurse said. Clearly Noah’s charm was lost on her. Kaely found it funny.

  He made a face at the nurse, who chuckled as she left the room. “Who called?” he asked Kaely.

  “It was nothing important.”

  Noah’s eyes narrowed. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m certain.” She let go of his hand. “You rest, mind the doctor, and eat all the watery gelatin they serve you.”

  Kaely heard Jason laugh from behind them. She said good-bye and followed Jason out the door. As they headed upstairs, Kaely felt a little guilty about not telling Noah that she was going out with Sam tonight. She felt it would upset him, and she didn’t want to think of him lying in bed worrying the whole time she was having dinner.

  He smiles as he assembles everything he’ll need for his final act. It feels so good to make fools of the authorities. The police, the fire department, and those idiots from out of town. No one is close to finding him. No one knows who he is. He’s got them right where he wants them. His next move will leave them breathless—literally, in at least one case. He laughs at his cleverness.

  The beast is getting ready to rise one more time. The last fire.

  The most important one of all.

  forty-six

  Kaely’s visit with her mother was tense but polite. She was relieved when the nurse brought Marcie’s supper in and used that as an excuse to leave.

  When she got back to the motel, she immediately went to her closet to see what she had to wear. She looked through the new clothes she’d picked up at the department store. Eventually, she chose the black slacks that had been in her Go Bag and a green sweater with gold threads she’d bought. With her black jacket, she felt she’d fit in anywhere. She carefully checked the pants and jacket. No signs of being rolled up tightly to fit into her bag.

  She put on some makeup and brushed her hair. Once she was ready, she made a cup of coffee in the one-cup coffee dispenser in the room. She heard Jason moving around next door. She’d told him about her date with Sam and promised to check in at least once during dinner.

  “You’re still not seeing it,” a voice said.

  Kaely jumped. She turned to see Georgie sitting on the bed. “You frightened me.”

  Georgie looked at her with raised eyebrows. “How could I frighten you? I am you.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Kaely sat down at the small table near the window. She pulled the heavy curtain back. It was still snowing. Even though she was in a motel room, sitting here with a cup of coffee while it snowed outside felt really cozy. “What do you want?”

  “I said you’re still not seeing it.”

  “I know that. Trust me, I’m as frustrated as you are.” Kaely chuckled at her joke. “There’s something I saw. I can’t figure out what it was, but it’s important. And I still can’t figure out who our UNSUB is. It’s like the answer is close, but a piece of the puzzle is missing.”

  “It will all come to you,” Georgie said. “Just relax. You’re so tense. It’s making it harder for you.”

  “I need facts,” Kaely said. “Hard evidence. Without it, all I have are a lot of these stupid puzzle pieces that don’t seem to fit together.”

  “But they do.” Georgie’s gaze was piercing. “It’s time to try it again.”

  Kaely looked at the empty chair across from her. “I . . . can’t do it. Last time . . .”

  “It will be okay. Try it again. Trust me.”

  Kaely shook her head. “You want me to trust myself?”

  “That’s exactly it. You have to remember that you’re in control.” She frowned. “Use your authority. You know where that comes from.”

  Kaely got up from her chair. She just couldn’t use the table this time. She grabbed her files and spread everything out in front of her. Then she grabbed a chair and pulled it up near the bed. She sat down on the edge of the bed with the chair in front of her. She took a deep breath and began.

  �
�You’re a white male in your twenties or thirties. You’re organized and you know what you’re doing. You’re exacting some kind of revenge. But revenge for what? You go after families. What is it about families that you hate? Is it because you didn’t have one?” As she continued to shift through the information on the table, Raymond’s school picture appeared in front of her. He’d had a terrible childhood, but why destroy a family that cared about him? It didn’t make sense.

  “Keep trying. Don’t give up,” Georgie whispered.

  Kaely squared her shoulders and started again. As she stared at the information next to her on the bed, a figure began to form in the chair in front of her. Although she wasn’t completely surprised, she was still unsure. Was this really the person she was looking for?

  He looked like Sam but instead of kindness in his eyes, malevolence poured out in waves. Kaely felt sick.

  She took a deep breath. “Hello, Jack,” she said quietly.

  “Hello,” he said, his voice as smooth as silk.

  Kaely leaned toward him. “It all fits,” she said. “Except . . .” She struggled to find the reason why she kept going back and forth about him. This had never happened before.

  “Except you can’t figure out why. What is so important that it would bring me back here? Why am I so angry?” His malicious eyes bore into hers. “When you figure that out, you’ll understand everything.”

  As she stared at him, she suddenly realized what she’d forgotten. She should have seen it before. A chill ran through her. “Blue,” she said. “They were blue.”

  As Jack disappeared, Kaely picked up the phone and made a call.

  By the time Sam arrived to pick her up, Kaely was ready. She looked at herself one more time in the mirror. The green sweater was a good choice. She pulled on her black coat. Then she checked her sweater and jacket, making sure everything was in place. She looked out the window as Sam pulled into the parking lot. She stepped outside the room and started toward Sam’s car. Before she got far, he got out and walked slowly toward her. Although the motel had put ice melt on the parking lot, there were still slick spots.