Page 32 of Arsonist’s Match (Blaze and Badge #1)
C hief Burk’s office felt hot and stuffy as Athena met with the task force at Firehouse Eight. On her way in, Flash had waved from the break room, flashing that big grin. Just knowing she was a few rooms away gave Athena a confidence boost as the meeting began.
Fire Marshal Zapata opened the session. “We think we’ve pegged another one. Bonnie?” He nodded to the arson investigator at his left.
Adjusting her glasses over a freckled nose, Investigator Ballard handed out copies of a preliminary report.
“Thursday night, Firehouse Twenty-one responded to a fire at Lone Star Manufacturing—a midsize factory with around a hundred employees. A small night crew was onsite. Most escaped, but firefighters recovered two bodies after extinguishing the blaze: a security guard and a janitor. Twenty-one’s captain called us yesterday about suspicious contraband found at the scene.
When we checked it out, we discovered a charred sparkler wire at the point of origin.
Everything relevant was collected and sent to the lab. ”
“I suspect we’ll confirm BBQ lighter fluid again,” Captain O’Riley said, shaking his head.
“I fear our unsub is escalating,” Athena said grimly.
“Instead of every two to three weeks, he’s struck again after only one, and he no longer seems concerned with whether buildings are occupied or who might die in a blaze.
The bureau’s narrowed down a suspect list, and I’ve started interviews, but I’d like to visit Lone Star myself. ”
She turne d to Ballard. “You were focused on the fire’s origin, burn patterns, and use of accelerants. I want to look around outside, determine where the suspect entered the building, and hopefully collect fingerprints or DNA in an area not ravaged by the fire. You mentioned suspicious contraband?”
“Charred and broken,” Ballard replied. “Some items near the ignition point that didn’t belong. I’ll get you the lab report as soon as it’s ready. I can take you to the site once the structure’s deemed safe—likely tomorrow.”
“Excellent.” Athena nodded, hopeful the scene might finally yield a usable trace of the killer. They exchanged routine updates before she dismissed the group. To her disappointment, Flash had gone out on a call.
I’ll text her later , Athena thought. Right now, I’ve got to face off with the disagreeable Jolene Carver.
A sturdy woman smelling of menthol cigarettes scowled at the FBI agents from across the table. Her straight, sunflower-yellow hair skimmed her shoulders. Shoops, whom Athena had brought in for experience, looked petrified. Athena, unsurprisingly, was unmoved by Jolene’s glare.
“I was supposed to have a job interview this afternoon,” Jolene snapped. “If you cost me that position, I swear you’ll hear from my lawyers!”
“Duly noted,” Athena replied coolly, then introduced herself and Karen.
“The arson department already talked to me,” Jolene huffed, smacking her gum.
“I didn’t burn down Synergy, if that’s what you’re thinkin’.
But, sure, bring in the mouthy forklift chick who wears Walmart jeans instead of heels, and suddenly I’m a criminal.
Did I have run-ins with the boss? Yeah, who doesn’t?
Did I get along with everyone? Nobody does.
Did I stand up for myself? You bet your sweet designer ass I did—and I’ll keep doing it. ‘Cause if I don’t, who will? You?”
“Ms. Carver,” Athena said evenly, “I stand up for the truth. You’re here so I can determine whether that’s what I’m getting. So drop the macho act, and let’s talk.”
Jolene sh ifted in her seat, arms crossed. “Get on with it, then.”
Athena resisted the urge to roll her eyes. This loud, tobacco-fingered woman with dirt under her nails wasn’t going to rattle her.
“Do you know Ricky De León?”
“Yeah,” Jolene said, relaxing a little. “Thinks he’s all that, Prince Charming, or some such shit. Why?”
“Your file notes disputes with several coworkers. Was he one of them?”
“Nah,” she said with a dismissive flick of her hand. “He stuck to his business, and me to mine.”
Athena nodded, jotting a note. “You mentioned a job interview. Were you planning to leave Synergy?”
“The friggin’ place burned down, for Christ’s sake!” Jolene barked. “Of course I’m lookin’ for another job.” Then, under her breath, added, “Moron.”
“I mean, before the incident. Were you fired or did you resign?”
Jolene rubbed her jeans, avoiding Athena’s eyes. After a pause, she shrugged. “Sure, I quit. Tired of being jerked around. That don’t mean I set the fire.”
Athena shot a look at Shoops, prompting her to speak.
“Witnesses said they terminated your employment and sent you packing,” Karen countered.
Guilt flickered across Jolene’s face before she slumped into a glower. “Maybe it was mutual. What difference does it make?”
“In an FBI investigation, everything matters,” Athena replied. She flipped through her notes. “Your ex-husband has custody of your child. How do you feel about that?”
“What are you now, my therapist?” Jolene barked. “He had the better lawyer. I still see the kid. It’s not like I don’t care—I’m just living my life. You’re lookin’ at the best player in my bowling league.” She thumped her chest with a smug grin.
“Where were you Thursday night?”
Jolene blinked. “League match at seven. Lasted ‘til around nine.”
“And after that?”
Confusion replaced pride on Jolene’s face. “Had a few beers. Went home. Why?”
“And where were you on July 1st?”
The suspect’s eyes widened. “How the hell should I know? What day was that?”
“Monday.” Athena cocked her head at Jolene and steepled her fingers. “Have you ever been to Little Rock?”
“I went to Hot Springs once,” she replied sarcastically. “New Orleans and Destin, Florida. Want to hear about all my stunning vacation spots?”
With a nod from Athena, Shoops slid a card across the table. “We’ll need an alibi for each date listed,” Shoops said. “Location, contact info for any witnesses, and anything that can corroborate—photos, receipts, work schedules.”
Jolene stared at the card, color draining from her face. “Were there other fires on those dates? You think I’m a pyromaniac? That’s crazy.”
“Just provide us with the information,” Athena said. “If it checks out, you’re off the suspect list.”
“Suspect list?” Jolene’s eyes widened. “Look, maybe I didn’t get along with everyone at Synergy, but I have no reason to burn down a bunch of random buildings. It wasn’t me.”
“Then refresh your memory and get back to us with the information,” Shoops reiterated.
“And don’t leave town,” added Athena.
They escorted Jolene Carver to the lobby, where a small crowd formed a line near the elevators.
“Next!” called Agent Howard. A skinny, scruffy-haired man stepped forward.
The peanut butter cannery employees , Athena recalled.
In a blink, a red-faced man bolted out of line, aiming his wrath at Jolene. “ You! ”
As he stomped across the tiles, Carver squared off with him. “Where do you get off yelling at me?”
“Settle down, now.” Agent Ice stepped from the sidelines to intervene. “What’s this about?”
Athena listened with interest as she sized up the man—mid-twenties, scruffy reddish-brown hair and stubble, average height and weight. If a fight broke out, she’d bet on Jolene to take him down.
“She’s my stupid ex-girlfriend,” he growled, fists clenched.
“ Girlfriend ?” Jolene laughed. “We went on a few dates. You weren’t my type. Get over it.”
“I’m way over you, bitch!” he shot back. But seeing the room’s attention, he dropped his shoulders and his volume. “What are you doing here?”
“The Synergy Warehouse fire. You?”
“Peanut butter cannery.” He nibbled at his nails.
“Did you set yours?” Jolene asked sharply.
“No.” He glared at her. “You torch yours?”
She snorted. “Of course not.”
The man’s anger faltered, replaced by hurt. “Why’d you dump me?”
“I just wanted a quick lay,” she said, almost apologetic. “Didn’t know you’d get all mushy on me. Sorry if I hurt your feelings.”
“Yeah,” he muttered, eyes on the floor. “Sorry I yelled at you. Good luck not getting arrested.”
“Innocent people don’t need luck,” she replied, in a tone bordering on cheerful.
Athena raised an eyebrow as Jolene retreated toward the elevator, and the man returned to his place in line. “Who’s that guy?”
“Simon Neel. He worked at the peanut butter place. We dated a few times months ago.” Suddenly, her blue eyes rounded, shock stealing her breath. “Wait! Both of our workplaces burned down. You don’t think someone’s targeting us?”
Athena didn’t—but the coincidence was worth noting. “This is an ongoing investigation, and we’re considering all angles. Let us know right away if you believe someone is stalking you or has burglarized your home. But it’s unlikely either of you was targeted.”
Jolene stepped inside the elevator, her expression guarded. “I hope not.”
As the do ors closed, Athena turned to Karen and opened her mouth.
“I know,” Shoops said before Athena could speak. “I’m on my way to dig up everything on Simon Neel.”