Austin - Piper Stone Page 0,79

out about yesterday’s explosion?”

She hesitated, debating even whether to answer me. Seems I was bad news all the way around.

“As you are perfectly aware, there was little left of the vehicle. At this point, we’ve yet to find anything conclusive but the investigation is underway. I assure you that my department will find and prosecute the individual responsible.”

“That’s not good enough, but I’ll give you some additional help. I’m certain that C-4 explosives were used.”

She seemed exasperated, her face pinching. “Since you’re such a weapons expert, why don’t you explain when and how the perpetrator was able to secure the mechanism under her car.”

“The where is easy. Her house. The senator spent the night with me at another location, using her second vehicle.”

There was a look of surprise on her face. “All right. I’ll bite. Why are you so certain?”

“Because, Sheriff, this was found in front of her house.” I eased the Leatherman into my hand, holding the bag in the air. “A tool designed specifically for the military, one that allows the holder to work with C-4 plastics. Take note that it’s engraved with the soldier’s moniker, something the majority of servicemen and women acquire when involved with certain operations.”

“Yourself included.” She narrowed her eyes and I could almost swear there was a hint of recognition in them as she studied the piece.

“Are you trying to get at something?”

“I find it curious that you lied to me, Mr. Bridges. You didn’t fly in recently. As a matter of fact, you arrived in the country almost two months ago.” She pulled open the file she’d retrieved, selecting and tossing a piece of paper in my direction. “Now, if the recent fires hadn’t been deemed accidents, that would actually place you on the top of my list of potential perpetrators. You see, I’m well aware that very often working with fire and explosives becomes addictive. Given your recent selection of a relationship, I find that curious.”

I didn’t bother glancing at the piece of paper. She’d found the flight I’d taken to Seattle, spending weeks hiking toward Montana. I merely put the Leatherman in front of her, the initials where she could see them. “I suggest you take a good look at this, Sheriff, as well as dusting the knife for fingerprints. Now, I’ll give you a piece of advice. I’ve worked with hundreds of explosives. I know their sound, their smell, and the way they work. The arsonist obviously wanted to cover his tracks by having you believe that gas was the issue on those devastated properties, but you’d be wrong.”

She didn’t say anything for a few seconds. Huffing, I pushed the knife further across the desk. “Find the owner, Sheriff Robertson. And when you do, make certain and search his property. Where there’s one brick of C-4, there’s likely a lot more. Just be careful and hire an expert to handle them.” Turning sharply, I walked toward the door.

“Mr. Bridges. I’ve known Senator Montgomery for a long time. I made a commitment to her that I would continue to look at the evidence regarding the fires. She’s a good person and an even better representative of our state, but she does have enemies.”

“What are you trying to say to me, Sheriff?”

“Stay out of her life. If you care about her, leave her alone. She doesn’t need to have a haze of controversy shadowing her illustrious career. You’re not good for her.”

Snorting, I walked out the door.

Francesca

Anger.

I’d learned a long time ago that feeding into my anger wasn’t good for my work in the Senate or in my personal life, but right now, I was enraged. I couldn’t stand the crap the sheriff had said to Vader and I knew he hadn’t told me everything. I paced the floor, already stir crazy from remaining in Hawk’s house. While I remained grateful for the beautiful accommodations, the longer I stayed holed up pretending that my life wasn’t falling apart, the worse I knew the situation was going to get.

Plus, there was an arsonist out there prepared to take out another building, a family’s life and livelihood. It was only a matter of time. With the sheriff buying into the accident bullshit as well as the debacle with the press, I felt cornered, like a caged rat. Hours had passed. Hours of worrying, fear keeping a knot in my stomach.

“Stop worrying,” Vader said from behind me.

“I’m not certain how you can even say that. That’s all I’m doing is worrying.” I stood staring