Page 47 of Serial Burn

“Play it one more time and let me watch?”

“Sure.”

Jesslyn watched again, brow furrowed. “I’m not saying it is, but it could very well be the guy from the restaurant. He has on the same beanie-type hat and his height is right.”

“All right,” Andrew said, “George reported it stolen that very day, said it had to be someone who had access to his key fob—to use it or clone it. He knows he locked the vehicle. He said he’s super careful with the weapon, and this is his nightmare come true. Someone stealing his gun from his car. So while I recommend we don’t waste time investigating that all over again, we can see if we can get some help digging into who would have access to the key fob. And have someone show this video to Harlow and his coworkers to see if any of them recognize this guy.”

“That works,” Nathan said. “You take care of that, then we’ll go to the school and see what we can find.” He cleared his throat and looked at Jesslyn. “I’m assuming you’re headed back to the scene?”

Jesslyn checked her phone. “Not yet. The blaze is under control, but not ready for me yet. Do you mind if I tag along?”

“Don’t mind at all,” Nathan said. With someone targeting her, the closer he kept her, the better he felt.

He ignored the little voice that said he liked keeping her close for more personal reasons.

ELEVEN

Once in her vehicle and on the way to the school campus, Jesslyn called Chief Laramie, who was still in charge of the scene. He assured her that as soon as she could access the site, he’d let her know, but she had a few hours. Which she knew, she was just ... impatient. Anxious to compare the two scenes. She hung up and glanced at the mirrors.

A phone call had arranged the delivery of Nathan’s vehicle to the station, so he was ahead of her and Andrew behind her. Grateful for the distraction and the uneventful drive to the university, she unbuckled her seat belt and climbed out of the car.

Andrew and Nathan did the same and joined her. The imposing math and science building stood before them. If she’d gone to school here, as a chemistry major she would have spent a lot of time in those classrooms.

Andrew stepped to the side to take a call, and Nathan looked at her, forehead wrinkled in concern. “You okay?”

Were her feelings that obvious? Apparently. She forced a small smile. “I’m fine. Just thinking about what might have been had my family lived. Would I have gone to school here?” What she didn’t say was her fear all those years ago that the person who killed her family was still in town. Yeah, there was that too.

He patted her shoulder, then narrowed his eyes. “You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. God knew what was going to happen. It didn’t take him by surprise.”

“I know. What I don’t know is why he didn’t stop it.”

“I can certainly understand that.”

The quick flash of pain on his features said he understood more than most people. There was more to his story than he’d told her. Maybe one day he’d trust her enough to give her the extended version.

Andrew returned just as her phone buzzed. “Hold on a sec. It’s a text from Pastor Chuck.” They waited while she tapped the screen and read. “He said he’s asked every single member of the church, excluding us, if they knew where the piece of jewelry from the fire came from and no one recognized it.” She blew out a low breath. “Well, it doesn’t surprise me, but I was rather hoping.”

Andrew nodded. “Guess that’s that then. Ready?”

“Wait,” Nathan said. “Anyone mention recognizing the logo on the back?”

Jesslyn stilled, then texted Chuck.

Did anyone say anything about the logo on the back of the piece?

They didn’t. Should I ask specifically about that and see if anyone can tell what it is or where it came from?

If you don’t mind. I know it’s a lot of work, but it would be helpful.

I’ll see what I can do.

Thank you.

“Now I’m ready,” she said.

They walked up the steps and through the double glass doors into the building. “Dr. Byron Claymore should be waiting to talk tous in his office. He’s the head of the math department and is one of the sponsors of the math club and goes to all of the competitions.”

“Like a coach?” Jesslyn asked.

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