Page 76 of Priestly Sins
“No clue, but I’ll keep you posted. But, Sean, be smart. Can’t imagine this is about you, but knowing what we know, you need to stay alert just in case.”
I agree and we exchange a few more pleasantries before hanging up and going back to our respective families.
* * *
Three days later,I’m sitting in my office, staring off. I study the windows and wonder whether the stain they used inside will fade over time with the sun.
Ten minutes later, my mind wanders to the street I grew up on in Boston. I didn’t go by last year when I was in town to meet Staunchley. Google Maps to the rescue. I “drive” the street and wonder about the cars that are parked there, whose they were, who they were visiting. The map is five years old and has me curious.
I type in Ma’s old address in New Orleans and check the street view. I drove by it only once during my time assigned in NOLA. It was within the first two weeks of my arrival and while I hadn’t been in it in nearly fourteen years at that point, the ache and subsequent anger it caused forced me to forego another. Looking at it now is no different. I close the browser and channel that melancholy.
I turn back to the screen only to have my phone ding with a new text message.
Bobby:You around? Just spoke with the fire investigator and insurance company about the Charleston house.
Me:Yup. Calling you now,
“Hey. What did you find?”
“So according to the fire chief it was definitely arson. They suspected it by how quickly and how hotly it burned. Investigation confirmed it. Above my pay grade, but their report, which is in my hands, says they concluded aggravated arson—potential life-threatening risk beyond firefighter’s lives even—to those around the home. That’s a felony. I’ll work with the insurance company. You’ll definitely get your money out of it, but arson? Sean, that’s not a bunch of kids screwing around.”
“You’re right. It’s as if it’s personal.”
“Agreed.” His one-word answer sounds resigned.
“Was there anything out of the ordinary or any detail that struck you as odd?”
“Will read it and let you know. That work?”
“Of course. How’re the kids? How’s Sherrilyn?”
“We’re good. Eliza turns one next week. Sherrilyn is cleaning like the Queen herself is coming to the house and I have a honey-do list that will take me into the next decade to complete. Speaking of… better get after it. I’ll keep you posted as to what I find.”
“Thanks, Bobby. Truly appreciate it.”
I hang up and slide my phone onto the desk near my keyboard.
I go back to my computer screen and flip back to Google and map the house in Charleston. These images are newer, but nothing to write home about. I move up and down the street. Nothing seems odd. It shouldn’t though. Expensive neighbors have their own kind of protection, the kind that in-house servants and nosy old biddies provide just by their presence. Wonder if anyone saw anything out of the ordinary. If they did, would they be afraid to say anything? That was no accidental fire.
* * *
The next night,I’m on the treadmill. Rain and snow have come and gone but the trails are mud and not the packed kind that comprise trail running.
I’m in mile three and struggling. Three full months off and you’d think I was a newbie trying to get his first five.
My phone dings and I wait until mile five to answer it. I basically bribe myself since I’m struggling and I need the motivation. The screen says it’s Bobby so I slow down and slide my phone to open it.
Bobby:Read the whole report. Early morning presumed start time. No gasoline or fuel of any kind. Used fingernail polish remover. That’s their guess. Assuming you didn’t have a stock of that in your bathroom.
I turn off the treadmill and wait for it to stop before responding.
Me:That’s a negative. No polish there either, if you’re wondering.
Bobby:Blaze came hard and fast. Fire department arrived in time to contain from the neighbors’ homes. The brick infrastructure probably helped a bit. Ironic, don’t you think? A firehouse burning?
Me:Hadn’t considered it, but I guess so.
Bobby:Random, though. The fire chief said that after the fire was extinguished and they went back to investigate, there was a pink daisy where your front door would have been. Couldn’t have been there during the fire which means someone went back after. Or they watched? But they think it was after because the flower was wilted, but not charred.