Page 29 of Wildfire (Owl Creek #1)

Renée's been gone for three weeks, and I've never been more miserable. Even though there haven't been any fires since she left, and the town is starting to talk about other things, I can't find anything to lift my spirits.

I went to speak with Georgia and got enough information on her ex-boyfriend that the Sheriff and I decided to rule him out. It turns out Jensen left her and the band, not the other way around, like I'd heard. I'm guessing she was trying to save face when he moved out.

So we're back to square one and have no idea what ties the fires to her or the band.

She wasn't too keen on talking to me about it, which makes me wonder if there is something she knows that she is hiding.

There is obviously a connection, but where it is remains a mystery.

Maybe someone has a vendetta with the band?

I'm not sure what angle I can take that will get her to open up to me, even as she has been dealing with skin grafts and rehab since the fire. I thought the aftermath would loosen her lips, but she just wants to heal and move on.

Then there's Cody. He's got some microphones around the forest to do his bioacoustic research and is picking up some strange sounds. Maybe they're related. It's too early to know. The grad student working for him is reviewing the recordings and will flag some for me.

Today's my day off, so I decide to text Renée and see if we can schedule a call to have a real conversation.

She's rarely alone, so we don't get any private time, and it's wearing me thin.

I want her voice in my ear, talking about things we both care about, soothing my frayed nerves.

So far, all I get is updates about the loud bars, shitty food, and uncomfortable beds.

At least she's having fun singing. I think.

I slip on my flip-flops and head outside with my phone. I shoot off a text and figure I'll go for a quick swim while I wait for her to text me back. To my surprise, she responds immediately.

Me: Hey, you're up early!

Renée: Can't sleep

Me: Bad bed?

Renée: No. Just miss you

Me: ...

Me: I hate to admit it, but I'm glad you're missing me

Renée: Of course I am

Me: Any chance you can sneak away and chat privately on the phone?

Renée: Lemme slip on my boots and a sweater. It's actually chilly here!

Me: Call me when you're ready

She calls me five minutes later and tells me about last night's gig.

They're finally selling a decent amount of merchandise, and a music blogger wrote about them, so they're getting some attention online and at the shows.

I can't help but think that it's only a matter of time before the right person hears them and she signs to a label.

"How's the fire situation?"

"I feel like we're spinning our wheels. At least there haven't been any new fires since Georgia got hurt. A few people in town have already cleaned up her house and prepared it for her return. The insurance is dragging its feet, of course."

"How long has it been since the last fire?"

"A month."

"Seems like a good thing. Maybe Georgia is your culprit." She giggles.

"Nah. Women don't tend to be pyromaniacs."

"Don't tend to be. But is it possible?"

"Well, yeah, of course, it's possible, but…"

"But what?"

"You know what? You just gave me an idea."

"I did?"

"Yeah. Listen, I need to call the Sheriff. What time is your gig tonight?"

"We don't start until ten. I hope we can stay the night there instead of driving afterward. This shit is draining me."

"Life on the road."

"Yeah. Life on the road. Cole, I…"

I can hear a strain in her voice as she drops off.

"What's up?"

"Nevermind. I hope things work out with your idea. I'll text you later."

"Great to hear your voice."

"You too." Her vocals crack, and I think I can hear her suck in a breath.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. I'm okay."

"I'm here if you need me. Day or night."

"I know. Love you forever."

A wave crashes over me as I process what she's just said. Then, before I can respond, she hangs up the phone .