chance to see the latest news.”
Crinkling her brow, she shook her head.
“The story just broke. There was a body found in the warehouse that burned. The body was Samuel Treyson.”
Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. “Oh, my God!”
“Obviously, the police will be making this case a priority, and the press will be all over it.”
“From what I saw and according to the detective, it was definitely arson. Whether or not it was by the person who has something to do with the death of Mr. Treyson, I don’t know.”
“Treyson Enterprises doesn’t own the warehouse where his body was found, but I need to tell you what has come to light since I sent you there this morning.”
She cocked her head to the side, curious at the tone of his voice.
“The warehouse had been empty for a number of years, but it had been previously purchased by the city government in hopes to revitalize some of that area. I got the call early this morning about the fire, since we had the insurance contract with the city to send someone to gather fire evidence. While you were gone, I got a call from someone else at City Hall telling me that it had been sold again.”
Eyes wide, it took a few seconds for that information to sink in. Bolting upright, she gasped. “So, I wasn’t supposed to be there at all?”
“Harper, I’m so sorry.” Anguish filled his face and he shook his head.
Slumping back in her chair, she blew out her breath in a long, slow hiss. Observing the obvious expression of concern, she offered a half-hearted smile. “Mr. Scheer, it’s not your fault. When you sent me to obtain samples, you were under the impression that the insurance contract was still ours. Plus, it still counts for my certification hours in fire investigation.”
“It’s inexcusable that we had not been informed of the change in ownership, but…” his hands drifted upward. “I’m so sorry, Harper. And now you’re injured.”
Nodding, she blew out her breath and stood. “My samples are with John right now. I also have the card for the detective in charge of the arson investigation. If nothing else, I can stay in contact with him when I get the results.”
“Do you need to take a few days off to let your wrist heal?” Martin’s face held concern. “I can assign someone else to your cases.”
“No, I’ll be fine.” She walked out of his office, wondering why she did not agree to let someone else in the office take over. The image of the broody police detective moved through her mind and she gave a mental shake. Ugh… it must be the need for pain medicine that’s making me think of tall, dark, handsome, and grumpy. Bet he’d be thrilled to learn I wasn’t supposed to be there.
“So, tell me again how gorgeous this detective is,” Sandy pleaded.
On her drive home, Harper called her best friend to fill her in on her day’s misadventures. Paired as roommates during freshman year, they had discovered that opposites attract. Sandy loved sushi and cocktails and fell for cheesy pickup lines. Harper loved fried fish and chips and wine and only had sex after dating for a while.
They had planned on meeting at The Celtic Cock Pub after work, but she had to beg off. The pub was off the beaten path, not found by tourists, a place where many first responders gathered, and Sandy had discovered it several years ago, dragging Harper along.
Not only did the first responders make it safe, but the owners, Torin and Maeve, made sure everyone had a good time. Siblings, it was their grandfather who had opened the bar many years ago, passing it on to his grandchildren when he retired. As much as she loved going to The Celtic Cock, she knew she needed to rest.
Once her friend was assured that her broken wrist was well-tended, Sandy focused on Harper's story about Sean.
“I told you, he’s way taller than me—”
“Oh, that’s impressive,” Sandy interrupted.
She rolled her eyes. “Okay, at five feet two, everyone looks tall to you, Sandy. Now, are you going to let me tell my story or not?”
“Sorry, sorry. Please go ahead. I’m dying to hear more.”
In spite of her throbbing wrist, Harper laughed. “He’s tall, broad, muscular. He has dark hair and a closely trimmed beard. His smile is friendly, but considering he hardly ever smiles, he just seems very serious most of the time. Maybe that was because he was irritated