a moment, and then she asked, “Is that treated as a homicide or still an arson case?”
“We won’t know until we get the report back from the autopsy. The medical examiner will let us know what she finds. It will let us know if the person was already deceased, killed in another way, or died of a result of the fire.”
Harper shifted her gaze toward Brock. “Like your case?”
He lifted his chin in agreement, not entering the conversation but appearing to study her carefully.
She blinked, shaking her head, chewing slowly. “I have no idea how you two do it. For me, I’m usually just investigating a fire to see if we can determine a cause. Obviously, arson is determined by the firefighters and then you’re called in to pursue the criminal aspects. Most of the time, I’m just clearing the way so that the owner of the property or home can get their insurance check to start over. But you? You have to consider all the various criminal aspects.”
Sean said, “It’s like a puzzle that we try to figure out, but I confess that arson cases are hard to solve if it’s not someone motivated by greed, like some of your clients who are trying to defraud the insurance company.”
“I know some people are fascinated with fire, and of course, the news is full of the fire that tried to conceal Samuel Treyson’s murder. I also remember that you mentioned vandalism, like with the gangs. What are the other motives that you look for?”
“We used to call it extremist, but now the word terrorism is used for some.” Seeing her wide-eyed jolt, Sean explained, “This could be someone who sets fire to an abortion clinic because they’re protesting abortion or a food processing plant because they are protesting the slaughter of animals. Often these are easier to solve because they want to take responsibility and be known as the terrorist.”
“That’s not what you’re looking for with the serial arsonist, is it?” Now finished with breakfast, she drew her feet up onto her chair and rested her chin on her knees.
He could not help but smile, noting her comfortable and familiar way of sitting. Love seeing her comfortable in my home… ‘cause I want her here a lot. He caught Brock’s grin and had no doubt his best friend was thinking the same thing.
Focusing on Harper’s unwavering stare, he continued his explanation. “Very often, a serial arsonist is motivated by revenge. It’s closely tied to what we know as firefighter arson.”
Lifting her head in surprise, she repeated, “Firefighter arson?”
“With revenge, fires are set in retaliation for some perceived injustice. Sometimes that’s by a person who was denied being able to become a firefighter. Firefighter arson can be tied into a hero complex. They want to rush in and save and will perhaps set a fire so that they can do that. So, it could be an active firefighter or someone who wanted to become one and was unable to pass the tests, and so their dream of being a hero is denied.”
Sucking in a deep breath, she let it out slowly, thoughts working behind her eyes. “And you think this is who you’re looking for.”
“It might be looking for a needle in a haystack, but yes, it’s a possibility for our serial arsonist.” He liked that she did not offer him empty platitudes, assuring him that he would catch the arsonist but offered quiet support instead.
Brock’s phone vibrated and he pulled it from his pocket, glancing at the screen. Sighing, he drained the last of his coffee. “I’ve got to go. Kallie’s heading back to my place.” He waved his hand toward Harper as he stood. “Don’t get up. I can see myself out.” Bending gently, he kissed her cheek and whispered, “It’s good to meet you. Thanks for taking care of my boy.”
Sean observed Harper’s eyes widening as a smile crossed her face. Standing as well, he clapped Brock on the shoulder. “I’ll walk you out.”
The two friends walked out the door and halfway down the front walk before stopping. Brock glanced back toward the house and grinned. “This looks good on you, Sean.”
He tilted his head to the side and waited to see what else Brock would say.
“Couldn’t believe it when you bought this house in the fuckin’ suburbs. But now, seeing the two of you here... it fits.”
He smiled at his friend as he thought of Harper inside, so at ease in his home, so comfortable, so natural.