Page 21 of No Going Back
But she didn’t have time to think about that as the man’s voice reached her. “The police are saying Branna is a person of interest in connection with the fire.”
What?
They thought she’d set the fire.
Her universe wobbled, and then Jabba started to bark.
CHAPTER 7
We're Going To Phail
Sean watched Troy’s eyes widen as he finished his sentence and realized his buddy was looking behind him. Which could only mean that Branna had walked in and heard that the police considered her a person of interest.
He dropped the phone and whirled to find her leaning on the doorjamb and Jabba. The dog stopped barking as soon as Sean moved to them. He lifted Branna into his arms and set her on a kitchen chair at the small table. When he squatted in front of her, he saw she was pale, but aware. Not in shock and not ready to faint. In fact, she tried a smile that wobbled. “Sorry. I overreacted. I’m fine.”
He framed her face. “You’re okay?”
She nodded. “I’m okay, but I guess I need to hear what Troy has to say.”
When he nodded, and started to stand, she grabbed his hand and tugged him down for a kiss. “Thanks.”
Sean grabbed his phone off the counter and pulled up a chair beside Branna. He tucked her under his arm, and Jabba came over to set his head in her lap.
Troy grimaced. “Sorry about the abrupt delivery, Branna. I should have been more careful.”
She managed to smile. “Nothing to apologize for. The shock nearly knocked my knees out from under me, but I’m fine.”
Sean doubted she was fine, but she was definitely strong.
“Do they seriously think I burned down the pub? While I was inside?”
Troy shrugged. “There’s been nothing about anyone inside. And from what you guys have told me, I’m going to guess that Prince Hawley is the one telling the police you caused the arson.”
Branna’s spine stiffened. “That creep. And there should be a person inside. Prince shot one of his friends. I thought he killed him. He told the others to leave him.”
Sean snorted. “I have several slightly stronger words for the bastard, but Troy is probably right. Branna has a list of things she wants to do, including calling the police, her insurance company, the funeral home, and getting new cards and ID. Do you think she’s okay to do all of that remotely?”
Troy shrugged and put his phone into a holder on the desk. “Not to overwhelm you, Branna, but I’ve got Marcus Ramirez here as well. He’s our deputy here in Phail, and he was our team leader back in the Army.”
Introductions were made, and had Sean smiling. “Good to see you, Arrow. Still can’t believe you moved to a town called Phail.”
Marcus grinned. “Epic can be persuasive, as you’re about to hear.”
Sean shook his head with a smile. “It’s not me you have to convince. I already think it’s a good idea. But we’re going to need to talk Branna into it.”
Her head swiveled between him and his phone. “What are you talking about? You didn’t even hear his plan. How can you know it’s what you’re thinking?”
Sean squeezed her shoulder. “We spent a decade moving from one hell hole to the next. We know how each other thinks. Plus, Epic’s been on my case for years to visit his town.”
Troy laughed. “He’s right. So, here’s my pitch. You guys come to Phail, and we’ll deal with everything from here. Or as much as we can. Marcus can get in touch with the local FBI office. It’s a couple of hours away, but the lead agent there is Shanice Williams. She’s been helpful with a few other situations we’ve been involved with.”
“FBI? Why would the FBI be involved in this?”
Sean nodded and squeezed her shoulder. “That would be great. It sounds like this Hawley asshole is running a gang that’s growing. That’s something the FBI keeps tabs on, especially if they deal with drugs or trafficking or any number of things. I’m guessing this guy might already be on their radar.”
Marcus, wearing his deputy uniform, nodded. “I think it’s a good idea for us to contact the FBI before you contact anyone. We’ll let them know you are traveling under the radar because there is a threat to your life. That way, we can get around the asshole cop you had contact with after your father’s death.”
Marcus’ eyes hardened, and Sean knew his friend wanted to take down the man. Anyone wearing a uniform should be on the side of justice and right. The cop Branna had dealt with was either an incompetent asshole or he was dirty.