Page 7 of Wild Embers
It didn’t take muchfor the firefighters to extinguish the flames. They arrived quickly and had everything under control in minutes.
My boots crunch on the icy snow as I walk the scene. There isn’t a point in tracking my footsteps. The fire department was all over the place, contaminating the evidence.
The camera's shutter clicks as one of my deputies, Tessa, a hardworking woman with fiery red hair, documents what evidence we can make sense of.
Tessa McCreedy has been one of my deputies for almost as long as I’ve held this position. She’s a capable woman and a skilled interrogator.
I stare up at the charred remains in front of me. I’ve seen many dead bodies in my time, but it never gets easier. Innocent people don’t deserve to die.
A sweet yet chemical aroma invades my senses. “You smell that?”
Tessa angles her head and sniffs. “Gasoline?”
“Yeah,” I confirm. “Killer must’ve used it as an accelerant.”
“Could the killer be our arsonist who's been terrorizing the town for the last few months?” Tessa speculates.
Shaking my head, I respond, “I don’t think so. Arsonists rarely cross over into murder. They want fire, not blood.”
“When’s Levi supposed to arrive?” Tessa asks from her crouched position at the base of the cross.
“He’s on a farm call. He’ll get here when he gets here,” I answer.
Ridge Talbot, my other deputy, green as a young sprout, approaches. “The fire department is about done loading up their equipment, then they’ll be out of here. It’s taking them a little longer than usual because they’re down a man.”
That gets my attention. “Who? Everyone okay?”
Ridge nods. “They said Derek Holt didn’t show up for his shift today, but not to worry. Apparently, it’s happened a few times.”
“Let’s still do a wellness check,” I instruct.
“I’ll do that after we’re done here,” Ridge says.
Placing my hands on my hips just above my belt, I respond, “Thanks. Start a canvas. There’s got to be a witness out there.”
“Well…” Ridge trails off as his head turns in the direction of my truck, his eyes a little too eager.
I grit my teeth. “Not her.”
I know we need to question Blake, but I can’t bring myself to do it, and I sure as hell don’t want Ridge questioning her.
“Sheriff?” Tessa gives me a questioning look.
“I’ll do it.” My jaw works back and forth. “Ridge, work on ID’ing the body.”
Trudging over to my truck, I move as if I’m walking to my death, which I might as well be. Blake has always been a terror if she wanted to be, and I know she isn’t going to be happy about me cuffing and locking her in my truck.
However, I have a job to do. That needs to come first.
As I approach the passenger window, Blake looks at me with narrowed eyes. Opening the door, I’m hit with a burst of hot air. I rest my hand on the top of the cab and lean my arm on the door frame.
“Miss Jennings?—”
Blake scoffs. “Miss? Walk, you’ve known me my whole life. Just call me Blake.”
“Miss Jennings,” I repeat, “what were you doing out here?”
“I was on my way to Moose Gap Lodge,” she answers with a tight, fake smile.
