Crashing into Fate (Maple Grove #25) - Lynn Hagen Page 0,4

backed away, wishing he hadn’t messed with a crime scene. But if he hadn’t, the body would’ve burned and evidence would have been lost.

Not that he was a cop, but he knew the basics of law. “We’re going to go into the office and let the firemen do their job,” he said to the short stranger standing next to him. “I also need to call the police.” He waved toward the office door. “By the way, my name is Lewis.”

“Arlan.” The guy was shivering like crazy, and Lewis suspected it all wasn’t from the cold.

“Let’s get you warmed up, Arlan.” Lewis wasn’t sure if the human had anything to do with the crime, but until he knew, he wasn't letting Arlan out of his sight.

“Okay. That’ll be g-good.” Arlan rubbed his arms as he hurried away. He kept looking back over his shoulder, as if the dead body would get up and say hello.

Lewis was good friends with the owner and had been waiting for him to return from the tavern when Arlan had rushed in. He doubted Mike would be upset if Lewis went into the backroom and made Arlan some hot coffee.

He just hoped he wasn't making coffee for a killer. Arlan didn’t look as though he could fight his way out of a paper bag, but looks could be deceiving.

“Have a seat and I’ll have you warmed up in no time.”

Arlan shook his head. “I heard them arguing, but I had no idea one would kill the other.”

He seemed visibly shaken as he stood by the window and watched while the fire truck pulled into the parking lot and got to work putting the fire out in the room.

Lewis could see the activity beyond the window, the strobing lights, the chaotic noise that woke other guests and had them venturing outside their room.

Lewis knew Chef Sal Monroe and was certain the polar bear shifter would be in to question them once the fire was contained.

He walked away from the window and into the backroom, finding where the coffeepot was and started a fresh pot.

“I saw the guy.”

Lewis looked up at the sound of Arlan’s voice. He stood right inside the door, twisting his hands in front of him.

“You saw who killed that guy?” It could still be a ploy to distract anyone from looking too closely at Arlan, but Lewis’s gut told him the slim human hadn’t killed anyone.

“Mostly,” Arlan said. “When I heard the commotion I looked out the window. I saw someone hurrying away, but the security light was out and I didn’t get a good look at him.”

“So you didn’t really see him.” Lewis pulled the carafe from the burner and poured some coffee for Arlan. “Just shadows.”

He offered the cup, and Arlan curled his hands around it. “Thanks and, yeah, just shadows. But I heard his voice through the walls. I would recognize his voice anywhere. He told the dead guy that he should have minded his own damn business.”

Lewis had no idea what was going on but would leave the investigation up to the sheriff. He was just glad that Arlan was okay and that the fire hadn’t spread to the rest of the motel. Mike had just renovated not too long ago, and it would’ve been a shame for his motel to burn down.

His mate, Keller, absolutely loved the motel and had been a big part of the renovations.

“Would someone please tell me why there is a fire truck in my parking lot?”

Arlan jumped at Mike’s booming voice while Lewis simply looked to his left. Mike stood there looking as if he wanted to strangle someone.

Lewis repeated what Arlan had told him since the human seemed too afraid to talk.

“Arlan?” Mike’s brows creased. “Is that true?”

“It all happened so fast.” The cup in Arlan’s hand shook. “I swear I didn’t have anything to do with this. The arguing woke me up, and then I heard scuffling, things being knocked around. Next, the door opened and closed, so I ran to the window to see what was going on.”

Lewis felt a strange need to curl Arlan into his arms. He looked terrified.

“No one said you had anything to do with this.” Mike scrubbed a hand over his head as he cursed. “I’m going to talk with Sal. Has anyone called the sheriff yet?”

“I was about to,” Lewis said. “I just wanted to get Arlan warmed up.”

“I’ll make the call.” Mike walked out of the backroom, leaving Lewis with Arlan.

“I’ve never seen a