Fire Angel

by Susanne Matthews

  He continued before she could tell him he was right.

  “Did the pipe bombs start the fire? Was there another accelerant?”

  “Not sure yet. It might be that the only accelerant was the cooking oil and grease that flew all over when the bin exploded or when the bomb went off in the kitchen. If the stoves were on, the natural gas would’ve made things even worse. The firemen got it and the electricity turned off as soon as they could, but ... Cooked in old French fry oil. Not an appetizing way to go.”

  He shook his head.

  “I just realized something,” she said, frowning deeply. “These positions—it’s as if someone is acting out some perverted version of the riddle of the Sphinx. My English teacher in tenth grade made a big deal of asking us all the question on our final exam. ‘What creature walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three in the evening?’ We’re born unable to do anything but sleep. Eventually, we manage to sit, and then we crawl until we can walk on our own. When we get old or injured, we often have to rely on a cane. Those are the stages of a human being’s life. Had anyone survived the blast, they, like you, might’ve needed a cane.”

  Jake frowned. “So this guy might’ve gone to school with us and remembers grade ten English?”

  “Maybe, or maybe he’s just well-educated and well-read. Last night, I told you about my gift. What I didn’t tell you is that, as much as Fire Angel has it in for me, he hates you. If you think this is personal in any way, you’re right. Somewhere along the line you won something he wanted and took it away from him. He’s trying to prove he’s smarter than you are. He’s referred to making you look bad at least twice in my visions. I get the feeling that you and he competed for something years ago, and he’s tired of seeing you win.” Alexis grabbed his arm and turned him to face her. “These fires and killings are all personal, and they’ve been planned for a long time. His next objectives going to be somewhere where there are canes, people who need help to get around.”

  “We can have Ev increase security at all of the seniors residences and any convalescent homes. In some ways, that’s what your uncle’s place is. Would he go after Nick?”

  She shook her head. “Not on my account—I told you these killings have been planned for a long time—but if Nick offended him, it’s possible. But don’t forget the inn. Considering the way he feels about you, that would be a great objective. Didn’t you say your family would all be home for Christmas? If his vendetta extends to you the way I think it does, then the inn’s the perfect target. The two security men you’ve hired may not be enough to stop him.”

  “I’ve got one more coming, but maybe it’s time to send Min and Mia to Florida and close the inn.” Jake shook his head. “I don’t get it. I left Paradise eighteen years ago, lived in Ottawa until I was sent to Afghanistan. I’ve been back less than two years. What can I possibly have done to him? The only one I beat at anything these days is Andrew at chess. No matter what you believe, I can’t see him killing more than thirty people over a board game.”

  “It doesn’t have to make sense. The persecutions can be all in his mind, remember? You might’ve gotten to play the cymbals in the kindergarten band when he wanted them. Think about it. What could he have had against all the people he killed last night?”

  “Okay. You’ve made your point,” he said frowning, his eyes filled with concern. “Do you want to check the roofs across the way before we head back to the station?”

  “Yes, and I want to do that one first.” She indicated the apartment building directly across from the fire.

  The main stairs up to the roof didn’t leave any impression on her. Maybe she’d been wrong, and he’d been on another rooftop. The door onto the roof was unlocked since the building manager kept racing pigeons up there in a secured winter cage where they would be safe from the weather as well as from hawks looking for food in the cold winter months.

  Alexis walked over to the front of the building, to the spot near the edge of the flat roof next to the heating and air conditioning system and stared down at Providence House. That was the view she’d had.

  She pulled out a mini LED flashlight and examined the crushed stone roofing material. There, at her feet, was what appeared to be the remains of a joint. It didn’t look as if he’d had time to finish. Last night’s rain had done a number on it, but the techs might still be able to pull DNA from it. She placed it in an evidence bag.

  Jake walked over to her, holding up a plastic bag. Inside was a cheap cellphone. Someone had stomped on it. Had they removed the memory card? If it could be activated, and that was a pretty big if, would they find anything of use?

  “I was right,” she said, reaching for the bag and holding up her own. “This is where he stood when our minds joined. I startled him, and he must’ve dropped it.”

  “Let’s get it to the station. Maybe you’ll get information from the evidence they’ve removed.”

  She nodded. “Maybe. Now that you know about my talent, here’s a few things to consider. I don’t know why, but I’m sure his beef with Bandit was about a dog rather than about the drugs, but he got a big kick out of turning him into a giant joint. He does love watching the fire, but he’s a daredevil, staying as close as he can as long as he can. At the garage, he was all set to start the fire by lighting the candle—it’s a figure of some sort, all white, and it’s distorted because it came from his attic. Leroy and Jethro did a roofing job for him—didn’t you tell me the doctor had issues with those two and a roof?”

  “I did.” He shook his head. “But so do a dozen people. Andrew didn’t go to school here and other than chess games no one knows about but us, we’ve never competed for anything. Is there anything else?”

  “In the vision at the garage, I caught a glimpse of him—not enough to identify him because it was in a dark window not a mirror, but he was wearing a Blue Jays’ cap with the brim curved. I think his hair is short, but he could be bald, and he might have facial scruff but no beard. I didn’t notice any earrings. He was wearing a dark jacket.”

  “Christ, half the men in town would fit that description.” He shook his head. “What went wrong at the garage?”

  “He was excited and got sloppy.” She explained what she’d seen in her vision. “He’ll have some fairly serious burns probably on his shoulders.”

  “Serious enough to get treated?”

  “Maybe, but he wouldn’t have looked for medical care locally. Considering how fast news travels around here, someone would’ve reported him.”

  Jake’s eyes narrowed. “Not if he had a partner to help him—someone with medical or first aid training.”

  “There’s something else.” She told him about the animals on the windowsill.

  “This is going to narrow the focus for the perp,” he answered, his brows cringed together. “Dwayne Crites’s wife died in there. They’d been having trouble, and she’d moved into the shelter three weeks ago according to Maxine. That’s just moved him into first place in our suspect race, and what you said about the rodents increased his value. He wouldn’t be the first man to kill his wife rather than pay alimony. He’s a competitive bowler and was at the inn Sunday night. While he couldn’t have followed you, he could certainly have arranged for someone else to do it. He left no more than ten minutes after you arrived.”

  “Does he have a connection to the others?” she asked.

  Jake nodded. “There was no love lost between him and Jethro. The man used to be married to Dwayne’s cousin and it wasn’t a pleasant parting. As far as his relationship with Duffy went, it was on again, off again. The men supported different hockey teams. You know how that goes. Come to think of it, he’s a Jays’ fan and a damn fine shot.”

  “Was he at the fires?” Would a man really kill this many innocent people just because he wanted to get rid of his wife?

  “That I don’t know. I’ll drop over and see him to offer my condolences and see how things go from there. He never came up on my radar, Alexis. How
could I have missed this?”

  “Don’t beat yourself up. He could be innocent. I’ll go with you to see him. I’m sure there’ll be something about him that will tell me if it’s him or not.”

  Jake nodded. “How did you manage to explain knowing the stuff you know at other fires?”

  She licked her lips. “This is the strangest fire I’ve ever dealt with. Usually, the perp leaves more behind and the police have a suspect. I match what I know to what they know and nine out of ten times, they get a confession.” She shrugged. “Let’s head back to the station and see what else we can learn.”

  Frank was collecting the empty coffee urn when they arrived at the station. He and Jake spoke briefly and when Frank offered to give them a small twelve cup pot of decaf, Jake readily accepted, although he insisted on paying for it. It was kind enough of the man to offer. He couldn’t exactly be making a fortune at this job, so there was no point in taking advantage of his generosity. Alexis smiled her thanks when he threw in four of his delectable brownies.

  “I do all of my own baking,” he added. “I took some courses at the community college in London where I was living before I moved back home to look after my mother. Now, she’s looking after someone else. Funny how things go.” He shook his head. “I don’t have an exhaustive list of goodies, but date squares, brownies, and muffins are the norm. I make some mean oatmeal raisin cookies, too. Those are all gone today. I do have a couple of egg salad sandwiches left. I was going to have them for supper, but if you’d like them … do you think you’ll be here that long?”

  It was the longest speech she had heard him utter since they had been reintroduced. He didn’t make eye contact with her, that shyness she vaguely remembered still part of his character. Sam had mentioned his name as one off those who might’ve left her dead things, but she doubted it. Before she could answer, Jake interrupted.

  “We’ll be back at the inn in plenty of time for supper, Frank. This will do. Thanks. By the way, did you notice anything strange last night?”

  “Not really. “Dwayne showed up after you left with Ansel. They’d been to the Bears’ game in North Bay. Apparently his wife was inside. It took four guys to stop him from trying to go in there. Talk to Pierre. He was one of the guys who locked him inside a squad car. I thought he and his missus were done. But what do I know? Mine left years ago and never looked back. Neither did I.” He shook his head. “Don’t know if Dwayne’s wife was one of those who made it out or not. I suppose Ev isn’t in, what with Maxine and all.”

  “Dwayne’s wife didn’t make it, but Maxine’s fine. She wasn’t working last night,” Jake said, opening the door for him.

  Frank stumbled. “Sorry to hear about Dwayne’s wife, but that’s good news about Maxine. See you tomorrow.”

  Jake watched him carry the large urn to his truck, place it inside the back and then get in. He waved at him just before the man pulled out of the lot.

  “That was really kind of him,” Alexis said. “He’s a little strange, and he never really looks at me, but he does make excellent brownies. Now, let’s get to work.”

  They proceeded to the crime lab where Alexis once more turned over evidence and logged it. Part of what they had found would be sent out for DNA testing, but there was a lot the technicians could learn from what they’d been given, although the cellphone might not be too useful. They were already at work on the stuff Sam had sent from the fire scene.

  As she’d suspected, the residue in the gift box was white paraffin wax, similar to what she’d found in the cabin and in the garage, but handling the box didn’t activate her gift. She had to hope she would get something from the house because as bad as the shelter had been since he’d set it remotely, there was nothing she could learn from it.

  The house was a different matter. Like the cabin, that crime scene was untouched for the most part and she was chomping at the bit to get there. Maybe, since it had been cleared to enter, they could go there now.

  Jake came into the office where she was examining the photos Sam had sent from the shelter. Setting them aside, she smiled.

  “Is there any chance we can go over to the house now?”

  He shook his head, his face grim.

  “There’s been an accident out on the highway, and even if we could, there’s no one here to accompany you. The call just came in. Frank’s truck claims a dark SUV tried to run him off the road. He hit a patch of black ice.”

  “Was he hurt?”

  “I don’t know, but the canteen went off the road and with Duffy’s gone, they need to get a tow truck from North Bay.” He frowned. “We’ve got to get going and get back. I know he doesn’t usually strike more than once a full moon, but I won’t leave Min and Mia alone there. The freezing rain’s coming down again, harder and sooner than expected. We can’t risk it. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. You may be in charge of a lot of things, but the weather isn’t one of them. Neither the house nor the shelter will be any worse the wear after an ice storm, but you’re right. We need to get back.”

  The last thing she wanted was Minette and Mia worrying about him.

  “It’s not going to be a fun ride back, is it?”

  “Probably not,” he agreed, his face grim, the muscle in his jaw twitching. “Your ride the night you met Bullwinkle may have been a walk in the park compared to this.”

  “Great.” She stood. “Then, let’s get the show on the road.” She grabbed the files off his desk and her coat.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “Enough!” Alexis growled at the window in her room, as if by doing so she could make the climate accede to her demand.

  She shoved her loose hair behind her ears. Why would any sane individual choose to live here during the winter? The incessant tapping of ice pellets hitting the window was the only sound in the room, and it was grating on her nerves. How could this miserable weather last so long? This was the second evening and she was fairly certain she wasn’t the only one going stir-crazy. Mia had been fractious all day. Maybe it was a good thing she wasn’t a mother because there was no way she could’ve dealt with the moody child. She could scarcely contain her own frustration.

  Sam had emailed her the rest of the photographs and details on the interior of Providence House and she’d spent most of the day closeted in her room looking at the gory pictures. The kitchen and dining room looked like scenes from a war zone. Seeing them upset Jake, so she’d chosen to do this on her own. She was convinced only seven of the dead had been the targets—Maxine would’ve been the eighth, which would’ve kept his pattern intact. Having one bomb go off in the room where the seminar was pointed to the possibility that Hester Rollins, the woman who’d motivated Maxine to start the shelter and had been delivering the lecture, had been a target, too, although she couldn’t figure out why. There would have to be a special connection because everything the Fire Angel did was personal.

  Closing the document on which she’d been working, she walked over to the window and pulled open the drapes. The only thing she could see between the grids of the grillwork was her image mirrored in the blacked pane reminding her of the glimpse she’d had of Fire Angel.

  “Damn.” The curtain snagged on the rod when she tried to close it once more. Did everything have to go wrong today?

  Pulling the desk chair over, she stood on it, released the curtain and sighed, grateful that she hadn’t torn it or broken anything. She was angry with herself and Mother Nature, and taking her frustration out on her computer or the drapes wouldn’t help. Never before had she found it so hard to make any progress on a case. Munching a potato chip from the bag she’d taken out of her closet stash, she returned to the desk. Between the meals and the junk food she’d consumed, she would go home to California with nothing to wear.

  As much as she hated to admit it, she needed to talk to Jake. She’d done her best to avoid being alone with him, especially here with his wife and daughter looking on, but like it or not, she needed his input. It was onl
y a little after eight, and while he’d been busy again all day keeping unhappy guests as satisfied as they could be, he would still be up. These last days had been taxing. Thank goodness she’d been able to access her notes yesterday because once the Internet and the power went down this morning, she hadn’t been able to get any new information. Thankfully, the inn had a generator to keep things working.

  For the first time in her career, she needed help and resented the fact that she did.

  She picked up the folder that had been exasperating her, opened the door, and walked down the hall towards the main room. Jake was sitting at the computer, a headset on, listening to something.

  Drawn to him against her will, like a moth to a flame, despite knowing he was as unavailable as the stars, Alexis walked up to stand close behind him. Expecting to see an open document, she was surprised to see a familiar man’s face on the main screen and her image and Jake’s in the lower corner. He sat up straighter when he noticed her image beside his, and when he turned around the welcoming smile on his face was genuine. Her heart ached. How could she miss that smile so much? She had no right to.

  “David, this is Alexis, I told you about her.” He laughed at something the man said. “Down boy! You’re married, remember? How do you think your wife would act if she heard you say that?” He paused and chuckled. “Yes, she does look a little different, but it’s all good. Listen, I’ll let you go. Send me the details as soon as you have them and keep your head down.”

  Alexis looked at the blurry image of the man on the screen. He was dressed in scrubs, a surgical mask hanging around his neck. The connection was a poor one with the image digitalizing repeatedly. She knew David was three or four years older than Jake, but she didn’t remember him at all. He only looked familiar because she’d just seen his picture.