A Hope City Duet - Kris Michaels Page 0,124

kitchen that backed to the garage was charred. Moving around, he noted that the fire did not start at the level of the cabinets near the stove, but the heaviest burn was near the floor.

A man, dressed in jeans, a shirt that was not buttoned all the way, and a jacket, his hair still wild from having run his fingers through it, stepped to the door the kitchen. “I’ve called my insurance company. They said they’d send somebody out.”

Carefully observing him, Sean asked, “I’m Detective McBride. And you are…?”

“Oh, sorry, I am Brian Kotowski. This is my house.” His wide-eyed gaze moved about the charred ruins of one side of his kitchen and he shook his head slowly. “Well, was my house.”

Jonas stepped into the kitchen as well, and Sean said, “This is Detective Miller. This is the homeowner, Mr. Kotowski.”

Jonas nodded his greeting. “Mr. Kotowski, what time did you notice the fire?”

“Um... the smoke detector in the kitchen went off about four in the morning.”

“Was your family all in bed?”

Mr. Kotwoski’s eyes narrowed. “Of course. Where else would we be?”

“I’m just trying to ascertain where everyone was when a fire started in the early morning when there was no heat source nearby.”

Jamming his hands in his pockets, the homeowner scowled. “I don’t know why my house caught on fire! All I know is that my smoke detectors went off. My family could have died, and you’re talking to me like I should know what happened!”

A noise sounded in the garage, and Sean looked up to see Harper standing in the doorway, hair pulled back at the top and falling over her shoulders, a hard hat in her hand. Dark blue wool coat over navy pants. Her blue eyes met his, and a delicate blush covered her cheeks. Unable to keep the smile from his face, he stepped forward.

“I’m sorry. The homeowner called and wanted someone to come right away. I’ll come back,” she said, taking a step backward.

“No, no.” He rushed toward her. “Please, come on in.”

She stepped into the kitchen and he said, “Harper Walsh, this is my partner, Jonas Miller. Jonas, this is Harper. She’s a fire inspector for Eastern Mutual.” He lifted his hand toward the rumpled man, and added, “This is the homeowner, Brian Kotowski.”

She stepped forward, shaking his hand and said, “Mr. Kotowski, I’m from Eastern Mutual Insurance Company.”

“Thank God! I’m glad you got here so soon! When do you think we’ll be able to get our money for this? My family can’t live here in a burned house, so we’re going to need enough to have a place to stay.”

“My job is to collect fire evidence, Mr. Kotowski, after the police have finished. An adjuster and representative from Eastern Mutual will be here in just a little while to talk to you.” She glanced toward Sean who offered a slight smile and nodded.

Jonas interjected, “Mr. Kotowski, if you could take me to your family, I need to ask them some questions.” Scowling again, Brian walked out, Jonas right behind, leaving Sean in the charred room with Harper.

“I’m sorry for the reason, but it’s nice to see you again,” he said. She smiled, and he was once again reminded why she stayed on his mind. Beautiful… abso-fuckin’lutely beautiful.

“It’s nice to see you again, too.”

“I understand you met my brother last night.”

Closing her eyes, she dropped her chin to her chest and shook her head. “Oh, dear. I had such a foot-in-mouth moment.” She lifted her head and met his gaze. “I swear I didn’t say anything bad about you, and I certainly didn’t blame you for this,” she said, waving her splinted wrist.

“I’m just teasing you. My brother said that you came to my defense when he started accusing me of breaking your arm.”

“He didn’t!” she exclaimed, eyes wide. “He couldn’t have blamed you for this!”

She lifted her hand, and he glanced at her scars again, curious but hoping she would one day tell him about the burn injury.

He shook his head. “Rory was just jerking my chain. Believe me, that happens a lot with my brother.”

She smiled, the blush on her cheek visible in the early morning light. She blinked and looked away, her gaze moving over the room. “I’ll wait here while you finish your investigation.”

Hating that their conversation had to turn professional, he knew she was right. “There’s no reason to leave. We can work together. I’d like to see what your thoughts are.”

She nodded, then turned and began walking around

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