Page 43 of Built of Flames

“If we’re right, he—at least I assume it’s a he—knows enough about patterns to change his up. I’m hoping to get an impartial eye on the data I’ve collected. It’s a lot, probably too much.”

Tess laughed. “No such thing as too much data.”

Bella grinned. “I don’t know about that, but there’s a lot. Are you interested in taking a look?”

“Sure. I’m actually planning to head to Midnight Lake tomorrow. Can it wait until then?”

“That would be terrific. I’m looking forward to meeting you.”

“Same here.”

They chatted for a few minutes, and when Bella hung up; she felt more hopeful. An impartial woman who wasn’t intimidated by an overwhelming amount of data was exactly what she needed.

“Have you found any evidence to support the serial arsonist theory?” The Chief’s voice from the doorway had her flinching. Not the Chief. Her father. And she had no reason to flinch.

“Sorry. Lost in thought. I didn’t hear you come in.”

He nodded and approached to stand near her with his attention turned to the board.

She gestured at the magnets. “Nothing concrete, but there are patterns. I’ve just spoken with a data analyst who is willing to take a look. There’s so much information here, I’m worried I’m missing something. Or making something out of nothing.”

For a long minute, her father studied the data. “You always were good at solving mysteries.”

Bella’s mouth dropped open, but she slammed it shut. That was a huge compliment from Juan Martinez, and she wasn’t sure how to respond.

His cell phone rang, giving her the chance to think before she responded to the comment. If she responded at all.

“Tell everyone to get the hell out of there. I’m on my way.”

When he hung up the phone, he was already moving to the door. He hesitated, then turned to her. “Do you have your arson kit with you?”

Bella nodded, and when he waved for her to follow, she did. She grabbed her kit from Mitch’s car and then jumped into her father’s truck.

“You always travel with your kit?”

Bella smiled. Mitch had asked her the same thing. “I do. I like being ready to go.”

Her father frowned and nodded. He shot her a glance. “Is that so you’re ready to leave if things go sideways?”

His comment had Bella frowning as well. Was he right? She’d thought of it as being prepared, but once she’d finished her schooling, she didn’t think she’d ever got into her car without it. She also always had a go bag in her car with a couple of changes of clothes and shoes. “Maybe. Never thought about it before.”

Her father grunted and nodded again.

They drove in silence while she thought about his question. She hadn’t realized that day had impacted her in this way as well. So much of her life had changed that day.

Partially because of the man sitting beside her and partially because she hadn’t been brave enough to stay. She was still ready to run. Her kit and go bag were always in the car. She was still a coward.

But this time, she was ready to stay. Not here in Kelsor, but at Midnight Lake. With Tansy and the team she was building. Hopefully with Mitch. Even if he didn’t change jobs, the towns weren’t far apart. They could make it work. She wouldn’t run this time.

The scent of smoke broke her from her musings and she looked up as her father turned into the warehouse district. A shiver ran through her. The last time she’d been here was during the fire that had changed her life. Another coincidence?

Her father pulled up as close to the yellow barriers as possible and they jumped out. She followed him through the barricade and over to a small cluster of firefighters.

No Mitch or Christo or Roberto.

Bella’s heart rate picked up, and she edged closer to the group to hear the situation.

“Report.” The Chief’s voice was terse.