Playing With Fire (3 page)

I
woke to the smell of smoke. Fire! I sat up, confused. What time was it? Why was I sleeping on the couch?

My cell read
8:30
, but it was dark outside. It was eight thirty at night. I had slept through the whole day. How could I have slept the whole day?

Then I remembered. I hadn’t got much sleep the night before. Then there was the fire at the pet store that morning. I had a vision of the firebug. Then Matt and I had chased after Devon. Crap!

I held my head in both hands. I had made a fool of myself in front of the fire chief and Trevor. What kind of reporter was I? I had been trained to make sure I got the facts of my story right before printing it. And yet I’d accused Trevor’s brother of arson without any proof whatsoever.

I stood and shook myself fully awake. Yes, I could definitely smell smoke. The wail of the alarm at the firehouse sounded. I looked out the window. Smoke billowed from the center of town. I felt that tug in my gut. Shit. The firebug had struck again. I
knew
it.

I texted my editor.
The fire. On it!
Then I threw on my winter jacket and grabbed my car keys from the kitchen table. Matt had driven me home that morning. My car was still at Tommy’s Café. I would just have to hoof it.

I ran down the steps of my apartment building. Fortunately, I didn’t live far from
the town center. I jogged quickly down the snowy street, careful not to slip on the icy sidewalk. When I reached my car, I grabbed my camera from the front seat.

I could see the smoke billowing above the town center. The post office was there. The cop shop, firehall and movie theater were all in that downtown core. The glow of a fire colored the clouds over the town red.

I turned the corner and saw the blaze. Fire Chief Wallis and his team were already at work trying to put out the flames. The lumber shed behind the hardware store was on fire. The whole building was consumed in smoke and flames. To the side of the fire, there was a jerry can of gas.

When the chief stepped back to watch his team, I moved forward to talk to him. “The arsonist struck again?” I asked Jim.

“This time the firebug didn’t try to hide the jerry can,” he told me. “He’s getting brazen, careless.”

“It seems odd, though, doesn’t it? Why would the firebug just leave the jerry can out like that?”

“Who knows? Maybe he heard someone coming and fled.”

“But you said he’s been so careful at the other fires. He didn’t leave any evidence behind.”

“He left no fingerprints on the jerry can at the pet-store fire this morning. We haven’t found fingerprints at any of the fires. But maybe he didn’t have time to wipe his fingerprints off that jerry can this time.”

One of the firefighters waved Jim over. “Got to go,” Jim told me. He went back to the fire to instruct a member of his team.

I watched Trevor handle the hose. He leaned back, using the power of his own body to direct the spray of water. Winter was on us, but he was sweating with the effort. He had never looked so good.

I took a few shots of him with my camera. Then I scanned the crowd that watched the fire, looking for Devon. If he was the firebug, I figured he’d be here. I didn’t see Devon, but I did see his girlfriend. Her dyed red hair made her stand out in the crowd. She wore a green winter coat that showed off that hair even more.

“Hey,” I called. “I need to talk to you.”

When she saw me, she looked scared. She immediately turned and pushed her way through the crowd.

“Wait!” I called out after her. “I just want to ask you some questions.” Then, to the crowd, I said, “Somebody stop her!”

A middle-aged man stood in her way. The girl stopped just long enough for me to grab her arm.

As soon as I touched the girl’s sleeve, I had a vision of the immediate past. I saw this girl here at this fire, before anyone arrived. She held that jerry can of gas.
In front of her, the fire had only just started. This girl had started the fire!

Shocked, I let go of the girl’s sleeve, and the vision dissolved. I was back in the present. The crowd milled around me. The girl, caught, turned to look at me.

“You started that fire,” I said.

“No, I—” she stuttered. “You don’t understand.”

“I understand someone could have been killed. That fire could have spread to the hardware store. You’re lucky the staff wasn’t working late in that warehouse.”

“I didn’t start the fire.”

“Then why did you run just now?”

She didn’t answer.

“What’s your name?”

She paused before answering. “Kayla. Kayla Porter.”

“You’re Devon’s girlfriend?”

“Yes.”

“Are you two starting these fires together?”

“No!”

“But I saw both of you at these fires.” I neglected to tell her I had seen her and Devon at the fires in my
visions
.

Jim Wallis strode toward us in full firefighting gear. “What’s going on?” he asked. The fire chief was clearly nervous about me causing trouble again. He must have seen me run after Kayla.

“Chief, I saw her set that fire,” I told him. “I saw her standing right there with a jerry can in her hand. The building was on fire.”

“You saw this with your own eyes?” he asked. “Or did you see this in one of your visions?”

“I saw it with my own eyes.” I paused. “In a vision.”

The chief nodded slowly, as if figuring out what to say next. He clearly didn’t believe me. “Claire, we’ve had this discussion. First you say Devon is the firebug. Now you say
Kayla is the arsonist. Making false accusations of this kind is very serious.” He glanced at the crowd around us. “You could get yourself in real trouble.”

“I know,” I said. “But I also know what I saw. We can’t let this girl start another fire. She’s targeting businesses now. Imagine if she hits a shed behind a grocery or restaurant next. People could die.”

“You don’t have to lecture me about the dangers of arson,” the chief said.

I looked down, feeling stupid.

“You’re really sure about this, aren’t you?” Jim asked me.

“Yes, I’m sure. I saw her holding that jerry can.”

He watched me for a moment. I could see him trying to make up his mind whether to believe me or not. “All right,” he said. He took Kayla by the arm. “I’ll have her taken in for questioning. If her fingerprints are on
that jerry can, then we have a case against her.”

“No, wait!” Devon called.

We all turned. Devon jogged toward us in a hoodie, not a winter coat, even though the night was cold.

So, I thought, Devon had been here at the fire all along. Had he been hiding in the alley nearby, peering around the corner?

“You’ve got it all wrong,” Devon told me. “Kayla didn’t set that fire. You can’t take her in.”

“What do you mean?” the chief asked Devon. “What’s going on?”

Devon took a deep breath to steady himself. “Claire was right this morning. I set that fire. I’m the firebug.”

T
he fire chief looked stricken. Clearly, he liked Devon and was shocked the kid had confessed. So I was right. Devon
was
the firebug.

“Oh, Devon,” Jim said. “Tell me this is some kind of sick joke.” I suddenly realized the chief had been grooming Devon. He had wanted the kid to be part of his firefighting team. No chance of that now, I thought.

“No joke,” said Devon. He lifted his chin to the fire behind us. “I set that fire.
I set all those shed fires—by myself. Just leave Kayla out of this, okay?”

“But she was here when you set that fire, wasn’t she?” I asked. “I saw her holding the jerry can,” I told him.

“In your vision,” the chief corrected me.

I looked around at the crowd. Most were watching the fire, but those closest to us were listening to our conversation. I lowered my voice, hoping they wouldn’t hear. “In my vision,” I told Jim.

“Kayla had nothing to do with this,” Devon told me. “I set those fires.”

Kayla put a hand on Devon’s arm. “Devon, no.”

“I won’t let you take the heat for this,” he told her.

At least the kid was taking responsibility, I thought.

Kayla shook her head. Her red hair swirled around her face. She looked miserable.

“But why?” the chief asked Devon. “Why did you set all those fires?”

“I don’t know.”

“You burn all these buildings and that’s all you’ve got to say? I don’t know?”

Devon looked to the ground to avoid the chief ’s angry gaze.

“I wish I knew,” he said.

“All right,” said the chief, shaking his head. “I’ll hand you over to the cops. You can explain all this to them. I don’t need to tell you how disappointed I am in you. At least you won’t set another fire. You’re lucky no one got hurt. If someone had been killed in one of these fires, you’d be facing a murder charge.”

The police arrived within minutes. I stood back, taking notes, as the cops asked their questions of both Devon and the chief. They questioned Kayla, but they didn’t talk to me. The fire chief didn’t direct the cops my way. He didn’t tell
them that my vision had led to Devon’s arrest.

I figured Jim was protecting me in his way. He knew the cops thought my mom was nuts for telling them she had visions. The chief cared about both Mom and me. He didn’t want to see my reputation damaged further.

I glanced over at Trevor. He was busy fighting the fire and had no idea his brother was being arrested for arson. What was he going to think of me when he found out? My accusation that Kayla had started those fires had led to Devon’s arrest.

The crowd watching the fire clapped as Trevor put out the last of the flames. Then the chief waved him over. Jim told him about Devon, and Trevor sprinted to the cop car, horrified. He spoke to his brother through the closed window. “Devon, no! What are you doing?

Trevor stood to face Jim. “Chief, you know Devon would never do this. He wants to be a firefighter. He’s a good kid.”

“I can’t believe it either,” said the chief. “But he just admitted he started those fires. He gave me a full confession.”

Trevor put a hand to the window separating them. “We’ll figure this out,” he told his brother. “You’re not in this alone.”

But Devon wouldn’t look at his brother. His face reddened in shame.

Trevor and I watched as the cops drove him away.

I took Trevor’s sooty hand. “Trevor, I’m so sorry,” I told him. “I saw Kayla with the jerry can in another vision. I told the chief. Devon confessed then.”

“Why would he do that? This is so messed up.”

Trevor was understandably upset, but something about his reaction didn’t feel
right. “Trevor, is there something you’re not telling me?” I asked him. “Did you know Devon was setting fires?”

Trevor let go of my hand. “No, of course not. I had no idea he started those fires. I don’t believe he really did.” He took off his helmet and ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry you found yourself in the middle of this. I hope what happened doesn’t change things between us.”

“No, of course not,” I said. “How could it? Your brother’s actions aren’t your responsibility.”

Trevor watched the cop car turn the corner, heading to the station. “Maybe. Maybe they are.”

“You can’t take this on yourself,” the chief told Trevor. “Devon is nineteen. He’s an adult now. He knew what he was doing.”

Trevor looked so deflated standing there with his helmet in his hand. I thought
he might cry. I didn’t want to see a firefighter cry. That just wouldn’t be right. It would be like seeing Superman having a meltdown.

“Listen, you were terrific today,” I said. “Just now and this morning. Putting out those fires. I love watching you work.”

Trevor turned to me and tried to put on a brave face. “More than you like watching Matt work?”

“I have to say you put on more of a show,” I said. I returned his smile. “Listen, I’m a little embarrassed by Matt’s behavior,” I confessed. “It seems he’s jealous of you.”

“He should be.” Trevor pushed my hair from my face. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I can handle Matt. I like a challenge. Let the better man win. What say we have dinner Thursday night?”

I glanced at the chief, wondering what he thought of us at this moment. It felt strange to have Trevor asking me
out on a date under these circumstances. His brother had just been arrested for arson. But then, maybe Trevor felt he needed to talk to someone about it.

“Sure,” I said. “I’d like that. Dinner. Thursday.”

“It’s a date,” he said.

M
att opened the door for me as we entered the Lakeshore Bar and Grill. The restaurant was a favorite date spot for couples. Tonight the place was packed.

The hostess led us to our table and left menus with us. Matt held my chair for me as I sat down. “Well, aren’t you the gentleman?” I asked him. “I like this side of you.”

Matt sat down across from me. “You sound like you haven’t seen this side of me before.”

“I’m not sure I have,” I said. “You’ve been cranky with me in the past.”

Matt’s cheeks reddened. I had embarrassed him. I didn’t think that was possible.

“I’m sorry about that,” he said. “I always found you attractive. I just—”

“You don’t like reporters. I know.”

“I don’t like anyone who pries into other people’s lives.”

“Speaking of prying,” I said, “I’m surprised you still wanted to go out with me tonight.”

“What do you mean?”

“I made such a fool of myself at Tommy’s Café. I accused Devon of arson. Everyone thought I was nuts.”

“I’m sure they feel differently now,” Matt told me. “You were right. Devon admitted he set those fires.”

“Yes, he did.”

“You sound doubtful. Is something else going on?”

I shook my head. “It’s probably nothing.”

“I still can’t believe Devon set those fires,” Matt said. “I know that kid. He’s volunteered
on a few searches for lost hikers. He’s honest, and he really looks out for people, you know? He’s mature for his age.” Matt paused, looking at the menu. “More mature than his older brother,” he added.

I let that last comment pass. “I can’t say Devon seems mature, not if he’s setting fires. Someone could have been hurt.” I put down my menu. “Still, you’re right. Something about his confession feels off.”

“I take it you had one of your hunches?”

I shook my head, uncertain. “I don’t know. It’s like he was covering for someone else.”

“His girlfriend?”

“That would be my first guess.”

“Well, let’s put work aside for tonight, okay? I’ve been looking forward to this evening all day.”

I smiled at Matt. “Me too.”

Matt glanced around. “I hope you don’t think it’s weird that I took you here.”

“Weird? How is it weird?”

“You were on your way to a date with Trevor at this restaurant the other night. Then you got that hunch of yours.”

“That gut feeling that led me to find Amber Miller.”

“And drew us together,” he said. He took my hand and held my gaze for a moment. “I tried making a reservation at the Boardwalk Café, but they were booked. This was the only place that still had a table open.”

“I like this place,” I said. “I’m glad you brought me here.”

“Things
are
over between you and Trevor, right?”

I let go of Matt’s hand. I took a long drink of water as I thought about how to answer.

“Well?” said Matt. When I paused a moment longer, he said, “You’re still seeing him, aren’t you?”

I put my glass down. “We’re having dinner at the Boardwalk Café tomorrow night.”

Matt sat back, clearly pissed. “You’re two-timing me?”

“No! It’s not like that.”

“You’re on a date with me tonight and out with Trevor tomorrow night. You’re dating two men. I think that’s the definition of two-timing.”

The guests at the next table turned to watch us. The couple at another table pointed and whispered. I didn’t know them, but they likely knew me from my work at the paper. My picture was on the editorial page every week.

“Look, I’ve only just started dating you,” I said. “It’s not like we’re a couple or anything.”

“And you and Trevor are?

I lowered my voice. “No…”

“Not yet.”

“What kind of girl do you take me for?”

“You tell me.”

We stared each other down for a moment. Then Matt sniffed. He turned toward the window. “What is that?”

“What?”

“I smell smoke.”

“Smoke?” All at once I could smell it too. “Maybe they’ve burned something in the kitchen.”

“I don’t think so. That’s a garbage fire.”

Matt stood and strode out the back exit. I followed. Sure enough, the large garbage bin behind the restaurant was on fire. The bin was butted up against the back wall of the restaurant. The flames had already started to spread to the building.

Matt pulled out his cell. “I’ll phone 9-1-1.”

“I’ll get everyone out of the restaurant.”

I went back inside and whistled for everyone’s attention. The waitresses and
the patrons at their tables looked at me like I was a crazy woman. “We’ve got a fire at the back of the building,” I informed them. “Everyone out through the front entrance. Stay calm, people. Move slowly.”

The manager cleared his staff from the kitchen. Once I had walked everyone out of the restaurant, I joined Matt back at the fire. It was larger now, and part of the wall of the restaurant was on fire. I heard the fire alarm at the station go off. The chief and the fire trucks would be here within minutes.

A crowd of onlookers gathered. Then I saw Trevor. He walked down the alley toward us dressed casually, in a winter jacket over jeans and a T-shirt.

“Trevor, what are you doing here? Why aren’t you in your firefighting gear?”

“I just happened to be driving by,” he said. “I saw the smoke and flames.”

He went back into the restaurant and retrieved a couple of fire extinguishers.
As I snapped photos with my cell phone, Trevor quickly used the extinguisher to douse the flames on the building itself. The fire continued to smolder in the metal garbage bin but was no longer a threat to the restaurant. I posted a photo on Twitter with the tweet,
Trevor saves the day!
The fire trucks arrived, and Trevor helped his team hook up the hoses. They had the fire in the bin completely out within minutes.

Trevor stood back with his arms crossed, looking pretty proud of himself.

“You handled that well,” I said.

“It’s my job,” he told me. “Well, it’s my volunteer work. But you know what I mean. I can’t let all this training go to waste.”

“You say you just happened to be driving by?” Matt asked him. “You weren’t checking up on Claire, were you?”

“Why would I do that?”

“You knew she had a date with me tonight.”

“Sure, I knew. You told me.”

“Matt, this is ridiculous,” I said. “Trevor just stopped that fire from spreading to the restaurant. Now you’re giving him hell for being here. You’re just jealous.”

Matt shook his head like he couldn’t believe I’d just said that. Then he waved me off, dismissing me. “I’m sure Trevor will be happy to give you a ride home,” he said. He turned to leave.

“Matt, wait!” I took his arm. He stopped for a moment but wouldn’t look at me.

I glanced at the crowd around us. I knew I would once again be the topic of gossip at Tommy’s Café the next day. “I didn’t want our time together to end like this,” I said.

“Tell that to Trevor.”

“Please, Matt. I really like you. I’d like the chance to get to know you better.”

He paused. “I’d like that too, Claire. But you’ve got a choice to make.” He lifted
his chin at Trevor, watching us from the smoking bin. “It’s either him or me.”

Matt turned on his heel and marched to his truck. I followed him for a few steps, then gave up. He drove off without looking back.