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One of the things that upset me the most was that Astra didn’t make it to her funeral. She has been on a bender lately. Dante assured me that Lucien is keeping an eye on her, but I doubt it. He couldn’t care less about her reckless behavior after she chose the drugs over him.

My father has been staying at a hotel nearby, but he told me he is retiring and moving to California. He told me it was a place my mother always wanted to live. I can’t blame him. He lost his entire world.

Dante has been very supportive of me. Making sure that I am taking care of myself and not loathing, although I have been eating my feelings this past week. After the fire, Dante had numerous questions, particularly regarding the cause of the fire.

The only people in the home were my mother and father. Sergio was away for the evening. It started around 2:30 A.M. They still haven’t determined what caused the fire, meaning that it wasn’t a simple electrical fire.

I stare down at my breakfast, lost in my thoughts.

“I have some more information from the fire.”

I glance up towards Dante, who has been standing across the island from me for who knows how long.

“There were 3 points of origin.”

I blink, feeling confused by that information.

“What does that mean?”

“That means that three separate fires were started. At the same time.”

The hairs on my arms rise, sending a shiver down my spine.

“So…. someone did this on purpose..”

“Yes.”

Who would want to burn down my family’s home? I try to think of any possible leads. I can’t possibly let someone kill my mother and get away with it.

“Do you have any ideas on who did it?”

He gives me a sad smile, glancing down at the counter between us.

“I don’t have any evidence, but I have a theory.”

I meet his eyes and take a deep breath.

His lips curve into a knowing smile.

I remain silent.

“Don’t you want to know my theory?”

I shrug my shoulders. I don’t want to think right now.

“If you tell me now, I might make a bad decision.”

His grin widens, “How bad we talking?”

I roll my eyes. He can be so infuriating sometimes.

“Listen, I’m not like you. I don’t want to kill anyone.” I don’t. I don’t think I could ever live with the guilt. Even if they did kill my mother, I don’t think I could do it.

“Once I tell you my theory, I think you’ll change your mind.” He winks at me and goes to exit the room.

“Okay, fine. Tell me.”

He turns around and takes a seat next to me.