Page 81 of Rest In Pink

“You can read shirts,” Jason said. “When do you think we can work on the burned units?”

“The investigation is ongoing,” I said.

He didn’t look happy with that. “Those units are a loss. The company isn’t collecting insurance on the fire so we don’t need to wait on an inspection. The insurance wasn’t due to start until next week.”

That was interesting. He was trying to let me know that ECOmena had nothing to do with the fire, not that I thought it had. But it also told me that the place had been flat out bought with no mortgage because no bank would ever issue a mortgage without insurance. Whoever was behind ECOmena had money. It also told me he was familiar with the law and insurance fraud.

“I don’t think the fire had anything to do with insurance,” I reassured him. “You have to admit you’re moving quickly.”

“You haven’t met Imani Coleman yet,” Jason said, half smiling.

“Tough broad?”

“Very,” Jason said. “Also very young, very smart, and very not amused if you flirt with her. Just a warning.”

“Not a problem. I have my hands full already on that front. Is she the young Black woman going around making counteroffers?”

“Does it matter?” Jason said, his tone frosty now.

“Jason, I don’t care what color she is, I’m trying to put a puzzle together. Is that who’s making counteroffers to Vermillion’s offer? Is she your boss? I like to stay up to speed on what’s happening in my town.” I put a little chill of my own in that last sentence.

“Yeah, that’s her,” Jason said. “We do quality work. No expense is being spared here. Top grade materials. But Ms. Coleman insists we hire local and I’m still getting a feel for the people.” He nodded toward Bobby. “Like him.”

“I think he does an honest day’s work,” I said. “But don’t call him or Shelly in at night.”

Jason nodded. “Got it.”

I held out my hand again and when he took it, I said, “Keep me in the loop, will you? Let me know if anything strange happens.”

He let go of my hand. “What could go wrong?”

“Famous last words.”

“Should we worry about another fire?”

Not if Thacker isn’t here, I thought. “I don’t think so.” I handed over my card. “I’ll also let you know as soon as we’re done with the crime scene.”

“Thanks.” He looked down the street. “Is there a good place to eat here?”

“Have you tried the Red Box?”

“That diner on the corner next to the bar? Not yet.”

“Try it.”

“Good to know,” he said and put my card in his pocket.

Community relations. I was becoming an expert.

But that went to hell when I spotted Cash sauntering across the parking lot. Still dressed in black and as he got closer, I could see he’d tried makeup on the busted lip, but there’s no cover-up for swollen. He was peering about as if he’d never seen the place before.

“How’s it going, Vince?” He said, offering his hand. “No hard feelings from the other night, right?”

Jason looked him over, then at me, waiting.

I didn’t put my hand out. “What do you want?”

He didn’t drop the hand, but shifted it to Jason. “Hi. I’m Cash Porter.”