Page 56 of Flash and Bang

“Have a seat,” Beth said, pointing to a kitchen table that was piled high with newspapers.

“Thank you,” Sarah said, “but I prefer to stand.”

Thayne also remained standing, noting that Anthony wasn’t going to sit either. He went to stand behind the chair Beth claimed.

“We heard that Greg Mason died from his injuries,” Beth said. She appeared to be genuinelyupset.

“Yes he did,” Thayne said, cautiously.

“Sad that. He were a true American,” Revilla said.

“What do you mean by that?” Thayne asked, genuinely curious.

“A hero,” Anthony said, raising his chin to look into Thayne’s face. He appeared defiant as if Thayne were going to try to argue the point. “Our country needs more men like him. He were a good Marine too. Him and his wife.”

Sarah nodded. “Yes, I’m certain he was, but that’s not why we’re here actually. We wanted to ask you what you remember about the accident when it happened.”

“Already told the Naval investigator all about that,” Beth drawled. She appeared to be closed off.

“Well, we’d like you to go through it again, please,” Thayne said, “If that’s not too much trouble.”

“No problem,” Anthony said. “Beth and I were goin’ over the manifest with the truck driver when it happened. We were standin’ at least a hundred feet away and we both had to hit the ground when the blast happened. Fortunately, we both dovebehind a wheel or we would ‘a probably been hurt.”

“Weren’t nowhere near the blast or would have been killed like Greg,” Beth added.

“When you were going over the manifest, did you see anything on it that didn’t belong?” Thayne asked.

“Like what?” Anthony sounded genuinely perplexed.

“Do you know whether the Masons ever used bootleg fireworks?” Sarah asked.

Beth shot out of her chair. “Greg would’na done that. Everything he used was as legal as can be and anyone who says different is a goddamned liar. Ya can’t prove any different.”

“Actually, we have proven different. We did a trace analysis on the explosives that caused the accident and found compounds that weren’t in the legally obtained fireworks. So, yes, bootleg fireworks were a possible cause of the explosion,” Sarah said.

Anthony put his arm around Beth’s shoulder. They both appeared to be surprised. “I asked Greg if he ever put anything in the show that he bought from bootleggers and he told me no way. I believe him,” Anthony insisted.

“That’s true. They’s honest folks,” Bethadded.

“Did you attend the Chinese New Year celebration in February of this year?” Thayne asked.

Anthony and Beth exchanged a glance and then looked over to them. “No,” Anthony answered.

Thayne could read the lie in his face instantly. He set his hands on his hips and glared at both of them. “Are you certain? There was an explosion of a Chinese lantern during the parade and several people were hurt. We found field strips similar to those at the scene,” he said, inclining his head toward the overflowing ashtray.

“Lots a’ people field strip their smokes,” Beth said, “It’s mandatory in the field.”

“You were in the Marine Corps, correct, Ms. Quinn?”

“Yeah, but I never saw no action in the field. Quit before I got that far,” she replied, sounding defensive. “Weren’t my choice.” She put her hand on her belly and looked down. “Were in a family way but my baby died.”

“I’m sorry,” Thayne said.

“I saw action in the Army,” Revilla said. “Them field strips are mine. Just got used to doin’ them that way is all.” Revilla nodded at the ashtray. “Lots of military does it.”

“I see. Thank you for your time then,” Sarah said.

Thayne and Sarah moved toward the door. He stopped short and turned around. “That’s quite a flag you have there,” he said.