Page 61 of Fighting Fire

“Dempsey, what is it about this case that’s gotten you so involved?”

“I’m concerned that Lieutenant Bryant isn’t aggressively following every lead.”

“In what way?”

“He’s ignored the evidence I brought to him about the matching of the accelerants in each case, not to mention that the MO is the same in all three cases.”

“How do you know that he’s not aggressively investigating this arson?”

“He hasn’t announced that this is a serial arson case and has repeatedly told me that I’m off base.”

“What expertise do you have to make this accusation?”

“I’ve taken numerous seminars…”

“I see that now. In fact, if you wanted to, you could apply to be an arson investigator yourself. You have the credentials.”

“Frankly, Captain Troy, I’m interested in becoming captain someday. My focus is on that. I took the arson seminars to make me a better firefighter and candidate for captain.”

“Have you taken the test?”

“Yes, sir, yesterday.”

“If I cut you some slack here regarding a reprimand in your jacket, can you promise—really promise me that you aren’t going to continue to investigate and second-guess Lieutenant Bryant?”

“With all due respect, sir, no. I can’t promise you one hundred percent. My conscience dictates to me what I must do. If I feel that lives are at risk, how can I turn my back?”

“You’re leaving me no choice, but to file a reprimand, but I’ll hold off if you can bring me definitive proof that you’re onto something.”

“Well, I do have this lead. There’s a firefighter that keeps turning up in photos and he’s supposed to be with the seventy-fifth, but no one there knows him. I’ve asked around at other stations, but no luck.”

“What makes you think he’s involved?”

“The seventy-fifth wasn’t at the first or third fires.”

“You’ve met this man?”

“Yes, after I pulled Sean out of that apartment fire and again at the wharf fire.”

“Get Bryant in here.”

Lana opened the door and gestured to Bryant.

“Dempsey tells me that the photos she received from your office show a mysterious firefighter. Have you followed up on this lead?”

“What mysterious firefighter?”

“Lana, show Bryant the photo.”

Lana pulled the photo from her purse and handed it to Bryant.

“Do you know who this is?”

“No, sir, but there are hundreds of firefighters in San Diego and transfers happen all the time. Doesn’t mean he isn’t legit,” Bryant said, but Lana thought she saw recognition in his eyes.

“Could you look into it and follow up with Dempsey’s suspicion that the fires are connected?”

“Yes, sir, but what about Dempsey’s breach of authority, Captain? She should be punished for her insubordination.”