Brody (Texas Boudreau Brotherhood #3) - Kathy Ivan Page 0,1
input, Mr. District Attorney. You’re gonna hear all about it anyway, might as well update you both on what we’ve found.”
Chance held the door open, and they headed back toward Rafe’s office. The rest of the office seemed empty, though it wouldn’t be for long. Soon there’d be deputies dealing with the daily grind of small-town crimes. Sally Anne covered dispatch, along with most of the clerical work, because dispatch for the Shiloh Springs sheriff’s department wasn’t a high demand occupation. Most times, folks’ problems got solved without anybody ever leaving the office.
Rafe sat behind his desk, a stack of folders hovering near the edge, a tricky balancing act. One good gust of wind and the leaning tower would topple over, spilling papers everywhere. He glanced up as Brody and Chance walked in, and tossed his pen onto the desk. “Morning. Why didn’t you bring coffee?”
“Good morning to you too, grouch. I’d planned on inviting you to breakfast at Daisy’s, but since you’re in a foul mood…”
“Sorry, Chance. I hate paperwork, and these new state requirements are making things worse. Nowadays, if somebody sneezes inside a cell, we have to write up a report and send it to half a dozen agencies. It’s beginning to look like I can’t get anything done except deal with bureaucracy. I didn’t sign up for this. But, that’s my headache. What brings you guys by this early?”
“Let Brody go first. He’s been up all night.”
Rafe’s eyes narrowed, taking in everything with that perceptive cop stare he’d perfected, and Brody rolled his eyes. Great, now big brother was going to go into protective mode, like he’d always done even when they were kids. Rafe’s protective streak was a mile wide, and he had the compassionate heart to match. There wasn’t anything wrong with him a shower and some uninterrupted sleep wouldn’t fix. At least nothing physical.
“We had another fire last night.” Brody ease onto the chair across from Rafe’s desk, and Chance slid onto the other. “I hate to say this, but I think we’ve got a problem.”
“You suspect arson?”
Brody nodded, and ran a hand through his hair. He felt filthy, coated in layers of grime and soot. He was used to it, a part of the job he loved, yet even the thought of somebody deliberately starting fires in his county, close to the people he cared about, made him feel dirty. And pissed off.
“Wasn’t hard to spot. I found what I believe is clear evidence of an accelerant. I’ve collected a ton of evidence at the scene, and once things cool off, and it’s not pitch dark outside, I’ll take a closer look. But with three other fires this close together, there’s a definitive pattern.”
“That’s what now, four?”
“In the last few months, yeah. Another part of the pattern I’m seeing is the fires have all been in abandoned or vacant properties. This one was at the old Summers’ barn. It’s been empty for years, it’s outside of town, the wood is old and dried out, making it a firebug’s dream spot.”
“Plus, it’s off the beaten path. Unless you know it’s there, it’s not visible from the road. Add in the use of an accelerant, you’re right, sounds suspicious.” Rafe scratched at his chin while he watched Brody closely. Brody was used to his big brother’s scrutiny. He really should have stopped and showered first, because knowing Rafe, he wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to rib him about trailing smoke into the sanctity of his office.
“Unofficially, I wanted to give you a head’s up. I’ll send you an official report once I’ve had a chance to do a more thorough investigation. Collect more samples for ILRs and send then for testing.”
“I probably know this, but I’m drawing a blank. What’s ILRs?” Chance shook his head after asking the question. “Guess Rafe’s not the only one needing some coffee.”
“ILRs is an ignitable liquid residue. Not necessarily an accelerant, but burns hot. Most likely I’ll find gasoline or kerosene. Maybe propane, but I doubt it. I’ll also check for pour patterns, if an accelerant was used. Thought I spotted some after the fire was out.”
“I’ll have my deputies keep their eyes peeled for anybody acting weird. I haven’t heard of any strangers passing through. I’ll keep you posted if I hear anything.”
Brody stood up and stretched. “Appreciate it. I’m heading to the Big House. I’ll crash there for a few hours and then head back to the scene. Call me if anything comes up.”