Monday
Ginny’s phone rang as she pulled out of the hospital parking garage.
“Ginny? It’s Hal again.”
Ginny squashed a twin surge of both fear and annoyance. “What can I do for you, Hal?”
“I need to borrow your car for the day, please.”
“Oh?”
“I’ve got to leave mine at the agency so they can figure out why it’s making that shearing metal sound. They can give me a ride to work, but they can’t give me a loaner and I’ve got four appointments this afternoon scattered all over the Metroplex. So I am throwing myself on your mercy.”
Ginny sighed. She didn’t want to, but he had done the same for her last year and she owed him. Besides, she wouldn’t be using her car. She planned to sleep all day.
“All right. Where are you?”
“At the agency.”
Ginny turned the nose of her car in the direction he indicated. “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
“Thank you.”
She pulled into the driveway on the Service side of the building and watched as he said something to the technician, then hurried over.
“God bless you, Ginny Forbes.” He planted a kiss on her cheek.
She handed him the key and let him take over the wheel. Even with his fairly aggressive style of driving, it took another twenty minutes to drive to her house, by which time she was yawning uncontrollably.
“I’m sorry to drag you out like this,” he said. “I owe you an especially nice dinner in payment.”
She smiled as she climbed out of the car, her soiled clothes in the patient belongings sack over one arm, her nursing bag and purse over the other. “Steak,” she said. “With all the trimmings.”
“It’s a deal.”
* * *
Ginny was getting tired of being waked up by the phone ringing. Didn’t anyone know she worked nights? She reached for her cell phone.
“’Lo?”
“May I please speak to Miss Virginia Forbes?”
The voice was French, cultured, and unknown to her. She sat up in bed.
“This is she.”
“Miss Forbes, my name is Pierre Michel. I am the investigator on the Craig house fire.”
“Yes, sir. What may I do for you?”
“I understand from the Craigs that there is a possible connection between the fire and the death of their uncle. I was wondering if I might ask you a few questions.”
“Of course.”
“Do you, in fact, have an informal investigation going on into this death?”
Ginny caught her breath, thinking furiously. What were the consequences if she confessed? Had she done anything wrong? Detective Tran hadn’t actually told her not to continue.
“What happens if I plead the fifth?”
The man on the other end of the line chuckled. “You’re not in trouble. I would just like to know what you’ve come up with.”
Ginny hesitated. “I’ve sort of promised to stay out of it.”
“Why is that?”
“My boyfriend seems to think I may be putting myself in danger.”
There was a slight pause. “I find that very interesting. Has anyone made threats against you?”
“No, but there was someone making threats against Professor Craig.”
“Oh?”
She described the incident with the disgruntled client.
“Where may I find this Mr. Adams?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know. Mrs. Larson is the acting head librarian at the genealogy library. She may be able to find a client contact list among Professor Craig’s materials.”
“I will follow up on that. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, and now, if you will excuse me—”
He cut her off. “Miss Forbes, please, I would very much like to talk further. Perhaps we could meet?”
Ginny felt a tiny breath of cold air on the back of her neck. Which of her favorite murder mystery detectives had said you should always call back to check on the bona fides of an official investigator?
“Perhaps later.”
“Certainly. When would be convenient?”
“Officer Michel, I’m sure I cannot help you. All I have are suspicions without proof.”
“Would it change your mind if I told you we know this was arson?”
Ginny took a slow breath. “You’re sure?”
“Yes. We located the source. The perpetrator used a chemical fire starter made of potassium permanganate and glycerin.”
“Chemical?”
“Yes. Once the ingredients are combined, it takes a few minutes to ignite, then burns with an increasing intensity until all the flammable materials have been consumed. You could set it and leave. The materials are available at the local hardware store, but you would need to know what to buy and how to mix them.”
“Oh.” Ginny considered this for a moment. “And I’ll bet there were no fingerprints or DNA left at the scene.”
“That is correct. He cut a hole in the office window. We think he deposited his incendiary device and walked away. We do not know whether he knew there were people in the house. If so, he may face attempted homicide charges. If not, it will be just arson.”
Mark and Theresa. Whoever it was either hadn’t known or didn’t care whether they were caught in the fire. Ginny pressed her lips together.
“I have an hour I can give you. Where is your office located?”
“I can meet you wherever you wish.”
“Your office will do nicely.”
She could hear the amusement in his voice. “I admire your caution.” He gave her the address.
“I can be there in twenty minutes.”
“I will look forward to it. Thank you.”
Ginny hung up and climbed out of bed. She threw on sweats, grabbed her laptop, and headed for the door.
“Mother?”
“In here, dear.”
Ginny poked her head into the den.
“May I borrow your car, please?”
“Of course. Where are you going?”
Ginny explained about the fire investigation.
“And I have to take Hal back to the car agency. If he calls here, ask him to call me on my cell phone. Thank you.” She hurried out.
* * *