Page 91 of Fire and Bones

I told Deery about the Camry at both fire sites.

“Did you get a plate?”

“No.” I explained the parking decal.

No reaction.

Sudden thought.

“The house was being used as an illegal Airbnb,” I said. “What about the man who handed out the keys? Billie Norris?”

“He’s clear.”

“Burgos thought Norris was sketchy.”

“This is not my first murder investigation, Ms. Brennan.”

A tense silence crammed the small office. Choosing my words carefully, I said,

“Are you aware that both properties that burned belong to the same holding company?”

“I am.”

That surprised me. I doubted Ivy had found an opportunity to share the intel so quickly. Way to go, Deery.

“Does that seem like coincidence to you?” I asked.

Deery said nothing.

“Do you know the story behind W-C Commerce? That it’s a holding company founded back in the forties? Perhaps by Emmitt Warring and Bill Cady, members of the Foggy Bottom Gang?”

The faded denim eyes gave away nothing.

“Have you learned the names of W-C’s current owners?”

“The suits are blocking my attempts to obtain warrants.”

“Whose suits?”

“I’m not at liberty to say.”

We looked at each other across the blotter and the packet.

“Is it possible one of W-C’s current partners is being targeted?”

“My colleagues and I feel that’s highly unlikely.”

“Based on what?”

Deery ignored my question. “The doer was someone associated with Hill or el-Aman.”

“Motive?”

“To send a warning, to frighten, to intimidate.” Deery pressed down on both knees to push to his overly large feet. “Either way, the bastard killed four people and I intend to net him. Pardon my French.”

With that he was gone.

CHAPTER 21