such as rags or paper. It would not take long for it to combust all on its own and start flaming.”
“So, they could actually be away from the area when the fire started?” Jonas asked.
“Yes, they could. Or, if they wanted it to go faster, they could use a heat source, such as a match, to make the chemical reaction flame quicker,” she acknowledged.
“And the phosphorus in the carbon disulfide would be masked by the use of the match,” Sean added.
She looked up as another man came out from one of the offices. Sean looked over his shoulder. “Captain James, I’d like you to meet Harper Walsh. She works for Eastern Mutual Insurance Company as a fire evidence collection technician and is soon to be certified as a fire investigator. Harper, this is my supervisor, Captain Todd James.”
Todd walked over, his hand extended, and she accepted his handshake.
“This is very interesting, Ms. Walsh,” Todd said.
“The lab technician I use is the one who explained this to me. I assure you that I’m no chemical expert.”
“Would you be willing to look at the reports from our other fires?” Sean asked.
“Of course,” she replied, excitement beginning to build.
As they pored over the other reports, they noted the presence of phosphorus along with carbon disulfide in each of their suspected arson cases. Nodding toward the warehouse photograph, she asked, “I see it’s been moved to the side.”
“It’s no longer part of our investigations. We’ve handed it over to homicide.”
Her mouth opened, but she snapped it closed quickly. So, Mr. Scheer was right… Turning her attention back to the reports in front of her, she glanced over at Sean.
He scrubbed his hand over his face, lines of fatigue radiating from his eyes. “We have great lab technicians, as well, but the problem is that our labs are overwhelmed with cases. They handle the evidence for all of Hope City, the surrounding counties, and any nearby law enforcement that has need of the facilities. Often we just receive the report and it’s up to us to discern what is and isn’t normal.”
“Honestly, I wouldn’t have understood what I was looking at if it hadn’t been for John’s explanations.”
He lifted an eyebrow, and asked, “John?”
Nodding, she said, “John Simpson. He works in a private laboratory that Eastern Mutual uses. He prides himself on being a chemistry nerd.”
Sean grunted, but she was unable to interpret what the sound meant. Wondering if perhaps he was offended about the lab, she said, “I know your laboratory and technicians are excellent—”
“Yeah, but they’re too damn overworked. It takes longer for them to get through the evidence, and I confess that I haven’t been as good about sitting down with them and talking over the results.” Shaking his head, he admitted, “That’s on me.” Before she had a chance to reply, he looked over. “Thanks for the input. I’ll take you back to your car.”
She sucked in her lips at his rather brusque tone and nodded. Tossing a small smile toward Jonas, she turned and allowed Sean to escort her back out of the building into his SUV. “Are you okay, Sean? I mean… it kinda seems like you’re not very happy with me right now.”
He jerked his head around and reached over, placing his hand on hers. “No, no, that’s not it. God, Harper, I’m sorry. I’m just... frustrated.”
“Well, if there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”
“You already have. Hell, before we left the building, I’m sure that Jonas was already starting to look at people who may have been purchasing both solid phosphorus and carbon disulfide.”
He parked near her car, and she looked over, hesitating for a moment. He alighted from the driver’s side and walked around the front to the passenger door. Offering his hand to assist her down, he continued holding her hand as they walked to her car. Once there, he hesitated. “I’d really like to take you out again. This time for a non-working meal.”
A laugh slipped out. “Non-working meal? That sounds like a...”
He shook his head and laughed along with her. “You’re right. I’d like to ask you out on a date, but obviously, my asking-out technique sucks.”
Placing her hand on his arm, she shook her head. “It’s okay. I can tell your mind is on work, and with the important work you’re doing, that’s fine. Anyway, I’d love to go out with you.”
His smile widened, and her heart stuttered at the change in his appearance from serious to gorgeous.