She held out the photo. “Have you seen this woman?"
"Candy Jackson? Sure, she lives down the street, in seven—” He paused. “That's not Candy."
"No, it's not. So, you haven't seen this woman around?"
"Well, hard to say, because this woman and Candy sure look alike. Be hard to pick them from a distance."
Or if you'd had bad sight, like Lana did. Goose bumps ran over her skin, and in that moment she knew who had set the fires that had killed Lana. But knowing it was one thing. Proving it another.
"Did Candy ever visit Lana?"
"Yeah, twice a week. She used to clean up for the old girl—do her housework and the like. Lana said it was easier to pay someone than to do it herself."
"I'd heard the old girl was a bit tightfisted."
"Oh, she was, but over odd things. She liked a clean house, so when she couldn't do it herself, she paid someone.” He handed her back the photo. “Candy was there the day of the fire, cleaning up."
Savannah raised her eyebrows. “What time?"
He shrugged. “Wasn't really looking at the clock. But it was after lunch."
Interesting. She wondered what Manny and the fire marshal had made of this information—and if they'd interviewed Candy. “How long has she been living here?"
He frowned. “It'd have to be three or four months, at least."
"Don't suppose she said where she came from?"
"Why? Is she in trouble?"
Savannah shook her head. “No. Just curious."
He shrugged. “She never really said, but then, we don't really talk all that much. If you want to know more about her, why not ask Anni Jenkins?"
"Anni? The lady who runs the florist shop over on Main Street?"
He nodded. “Seen her visit Candy a few times. She delivers flowers, like, but always seems to stay for a chat."
Savannah smiled. While Anni delivering the flowers herself was a little unusual, her stopping to chat certainly wasn't. And if there was any dirt to dig up on Candy Jackson, Anni would have uncovered it by now. “Thanks for your help."
He nodded and glanced skyward again. “Be sure you're inside by four, ranger. This storm is going to be a doozy."
He closed the door, and she glanced up as she walked away. The clouds seemed to be getting darker by the minute, and the swirling wind was bitterly cold as it tugged at her ponytail and caressed her skin. But the shiver that ran down her spine wasn't caused by either. Something bad was going to happen. Maybe not now, not here, but soon.
She glanced across to her car, but Cade had already gone. She scanned the streets, but she couldn't see a limping brown wolf anywhere. But the curtains in Candy Jackson's house were still hitched slightly aside, meaning someone was still watching.
She pulled out her cell phone as she walked across the road to interview Candy's immediate neighbor.
"Kel,” she said, the minute the woman answered, “Has Ike reported in yet?"
"No."
Damn. Worry began to gnaw at her insides again. “If he hasn't done so within the next hour, could you let me know? We'll have to start a search."
"Will do."
She hung up and called the fire chief.
"Manny,” she said, when he finally answered. “Has the Marshall finished his investigations yet?"