Page 13 of Out of Time (Undaunted Courage #3)

SEVEN

IT WAS LIKE DéJà VU —except today he was arriving at twilight instead of in bright sunshine.

Brad cut his siren, swung into Natalie’s driveway, and took the gravel road as fast as he could safely navigate the loose stones. Spinning out or ending up with a cracked windshield from flying rock would only make his sad Sunday worse.

As the house came into sight, he gave it a quick inspection.

No indication of smoke or flames in the dusky light.

That was a positive sign.

Nor was there any activity around the fire truck.

Also encouraging.

He parked next to the other patrol car and slid from behind the wheel as Larry came out the front door of the house.

The senior deputy lifted a hand in greeting and joined him. “Sorry to call you on your day off, boss, but you said to keep you in the loop on any happenings out here.”

“Don’t apologize for following orders. What’s the story?”

“A trash can fire in the kitchen set off a smoke detector. Natalie called 911. Near as the fire crew can piece together, it appears someone threw a burned potholder that was still smoldering in the trash. They found the remnants. The chief says the condi tions would have had to be perfect for it to ignite after sitting in the trash can for a while, but stuff like that can happen.”

“Anyone hurt?”

“No. Natalie and her houseguest had the fire contained when we arrived. She apologized for calling us, but I told her it was better to be safe than sorry.”

“Amen to that. Are the ladies inside?”

“Yes. The fire crew’s wrapping up and ought to be out of here soon.”

“You get everything you need for a report?”

“Yep.” He tapped the notebook in his breast pocket. “Natalie insists she didn’t throw a potholder into the trash, but she was the only one who used the kitchen today.”

“Who else was in the house in the past few hours?”

“The professor got back late afternoon but only went in for a few minutes. Natalie’s cousin was here for the weekend.

Paul Coleman stopped by. And her housekeeper, Lydia, dropped off a couple of items Natalie forgot to get at the grocery store on Friday.

No one did any cooking in the kitchen besides Natalie, though, so.

..” He shrugged. “I’m guessing she forgot about the potholder. You want me to hang around?”

“No. Sounds like everything’s under control. I’ll talk to Natalie before I leave.”

“You could always come back in the morning, when you’re on duty.”

“As long as I’m here, I may as well have a conversation.” Plus, it gave him an excuse to delay his return to the silent, depressing house that no longer felt like home.

“Whatever works.” Larry offered a mock salute and continued to his cruiser.

The volunteer fire crew began trooping out of the house as he approached, and after a brief conversation with the chief, Brad continued to the front door.

Natalie was waiting there, Cara behind her.

“Hello, Sheriff.” The older woman’s usual composure was a tad ragged around the edges, and wisps of white hair had worked loose from her bun. “You didn’t have to come out. Everything’s under control. I’m sorry to bother you on a Sunday night.”

“It was no bother. I’m glad the outcome wasn’t any worse. Evening, Professor.” He nodded at Cara. “Ms. Boyer, would you mind if I take a look at the source of the trouble?”

“Not at all.” She pulled the door wide. “The kitchen is at the end of the hall, in the back of the house.”

A faint haze hung below the ceiling as he walked down the corridor, and the scent of smoke intensified the closer he got to the kitchen.

He paused in the doorway to survey the scene.

The wall above the trash can was scorched, as was the ceramic tile underneath—or what he could see of it beneath the residue from the fire extinguisher. But the damage appeared to be confined to that one area.

“It could have been much worse.” Natalie spoke behind him.

“Yes, it could. Opening windows will help the smoke smell dissipate.” He crossed to the back wall and raised the two closest to the location of the fire.

“Natalie, would you like me to open a few throughout the house?” Cara touched her arm.

The older woman patted her hand. “I’d appreciate that, my dear. You’ll get the job done much faster than I would, and the smell is very annoying.”

“I’ll be back in a minute.”

Cara disappeared down the hall.

Shaking her head, Natalie surveyed the kitchen. “What a mess.”

“I can get you the name of a fire remediation company if you like.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I don’t know if it will be necessary. Micah may be able to handle this. Let me ask him first.” She motioned to the kitchen table. “Do you mind if I sit?”

“Not at all.” He walked over and pulled out a chair for her.

“Thank you.” She lowered herself into it, lines of weariness etching her features. “There has been altogether too much excitement around here of late.”

“I hear you.” He took a seat at the table. “My deputy says the fire crew thinks a potholder may be the culprit in tonight’s incident.”

Her brow crinkled. “They told me that too, and it doesn’t make sense. I didn’t burn a potholder, and I certainly didn’t throw one in the trash.”

“Is there anyone else who could have done that?”

“I can’t imagine who. No one other than me had any reason to use a potholder today.” She sighed. “This is most bizarre.”

“Yes, it is.”

She lasered him with a shrewd look. “You’re thinking I did it and don’t remember. Like everyone else here tonight, you’re assuming I’m forgetful because I’m in my eighties.”

That was true—and it wasn’t fair. From what he could tell, Natalie’s mental acuity hadn’t dimmed with age.

He shifted in his seat and backtracked. “I’m sorry if I implied that. The truth is, anyone can have an occasional lapse in memory.”

“Admirable attempt at a save.” Her mouth curved into a wry twist. “But I know what everyone is thinking. And I’m telling you I did not burn a potholder, and I didn’t put one in the trash.”

“Then how do you explain the fire?”

“I can’t. I’m not a detective. Solving puzzles is your job.”

Cara reappeared in the doorway but stopped on the threshold. “I opened the windows in the living room and study, Natalie. That should be enough to create cross ventilation and move the smell and lingering smoke out.”

“Thank you.”

“Why don’t you join us, Professor Tucker?” Brad stood and motioned to the chair beside Natalie.

After a tiny hesitation, she complied. “Cara is fine. I only use my title on campus, with students.”

“Got it.” He flashed her a smile as he retook his seat, his pulse ticking up as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

Man, she was a pretty woman. Those large hazel eyes were striking—and were her lush lashes natural or mascara-enhanced? As for her full, slightly parted lips...

His mouth went dry.

Why wasn’t a smart, attractive woman like Cara married?

Or was she?

But there was no ring on her left hand, and what were the odds she’d be spending weeks in this remote spot if she had a husband?

So, assuming she was single, why hadn’t some guy put a ring on her finger? Were all the men in Cape—

“...but I don’t see how that could be related, do you?”

As the end of Natalie’s question registered, he yanked his gaze away from Cara and willed the heat creeping up his neck to stay below his collar. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

“I said Lydia singed a potholder last week, but I don’t see how that could be related to what happened tonight. Do you?”

“No.” He spoke to Cara again. “Tell me your version of this evening’s events.”

“I was walking down the path from the cottage to get my laptop and overnight bag out of my car, and I heard the alarm on the smoke detector going off. I ran up to the back door, unlocked it, and rushed in. I found Natalie struggling to pull the fire extinguisher from the closet. I took over that job while she called 911.”

“Did you see anyone else around the house while you were outside?”

“No.”

“Who has keys to your house, Ms. Boyer?”

“Other than me, only Lydia, Steven, Cara, and Micah. Not that Micah’s ever used his, but he could let someone in the house in case of an emergency.”

“Speaking of emergencies.” Brad linked his fingers on the table. “Have you ever considered installing a home security system? Those also have a fire alarm component.”

“No. Papa always said if anyone came out here and was up to no good, they’d be done and gone long before the police arrived. He thought it would be a waste of money. Same with a fire. He assumed by the time a truck arrived, the house would be too far gone to save.”

“While there’s a certain amount of truth to that, the emergency coverage in the area is more sophisticated and faster than it used to be. You may want to rethink that decision, especially after tonight’s experience.”

She exhaled. “You could be right. My father was a clear thinker and always logical, but times change.” She lifted a hand to stifle a yawn. “Sheriff, if you don’t have any more questions for me, I believe I’ll call it a night.”

“No more questions. But I’ll work on the puzzle about the potholder.”

“I’d appreciate it.” She stood. “Cara, leave the windows open tonight. It’s cooled off quite a bit now that the sun’s set, and I’d like to get rid of this smell as soon as possible.

We’ll keep the kitchen door closed to confine the odor and mess until that’s dealt with.

” She waved a hand toward the charred section of wall and tile.

“Do you want me to see if I can find Micah, let him know you’d like to talk with him about the repairs?” Brad rose too. It wouldn’t hurt to ask the man a few questions, despite the fact Natalie seemed to trust him implicitly.

“No need. We have a system. I leave notes on the back door if there are chores to be done. I’ll put one out there before I retire for the night.”

“In that case, I’ll head out.” He could always track down Micah later if necessary.

“And I’ll get my bag and laptop from my car.” Cara rose too.

“Why don’t I walk you to the cottage after that?” Brad pushed in his chair.