Page 59 of Fire and Bones
I shared the fact that the four upstairs vics had been IDed, pending verification by DNA. Jawaad el-Aman. Johnnie Lamar Star. Danny Green. Skylar Reese Hill.
Then the conversation ambled off into other twisty hypotheses.
Was el-Aman targeted because he was Syrian? Because of his accent? His hat? His Middle Eastern appearance? Because of his father’s state department connections?
According to background intel provided by Billie Norris, Star and Green were gay. Had the couple been in someone’s crosshairs because of their lifestyle? Had some homophobic nutjob been incensed by DC’s hosting of WorldPride 2025 and chosen two random victims to vent his rage? Had the fire been a solo act of terrorism? Had it been set by a group?
Did some aggrieved psycho want Skylar Reese Hill dead? Had she offended someone? Seemed unlikely, the kid was Canadian. And only nineteen. Still.
And for each speculative theory the same unanswered questions.
Who?
Why?
We’d been at it far too long when Zanetti’s large form framed up in the doorway.
We both turned toward him.
Crossing the deck, Zanetti proffered an object to Doyle, another to me.
“Sweets for two sweet ladies.”
The word “cornball” popped into my forebrain. I shoved it back down, and, smiling, accepted the cornball offering. A chocolate lollipop in the shape of a rose.
Doyle and I thanked him for the candy.
“Did you close the deal?” she asked.
“Tomorrow is another day,” he said.
I assumed that meant no.
As did Doyle. “Sorry, babe.”
Zanetti shrugged, bright Hollywood smile never faltering.
Doyle was pushing to her feet when her mobile sounded.
Raising an apologetic “just a moment finger” she answered.
“Ivy Doyle.”
As the caller spoke, a shadow slipped across the perfectly maquillaged face.
“No way. You’re solid on this?”
Zanetti and I exchanged puzzled glances.
“Hold on,” Doyle said to the person on the other end of the line. “Dr. Brennan needs to hear this. I’m putting you on speaker.”
I listened.
Felt the expression on Doyle’s face take over mine.
CHAPTER 14
Doyle’s informant was calling with a tip about another fire.