Page 63 of Serial Burn

“No reason she’d know about it.”

“It wasn’t entered into AEXIS?” The Arson and Explosive IncidentSystem was a database of information from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. It provided information about the nature of incidents, devices used, and other relevant details.

The man grimaced. “We’re backed up, so no, it hasn’t been entered yet.”

And while it was mandatory for federal agencies to do so, it wasn’t for state agencies. Most did, just sometimes not in a timely manner. Jesslyn would want to know this ASAP. “Thank you. Do you think you could get that entered since we have two other fires that seem to be connected?”

“Yes. Absolutely. I’ll do it myself before I go to sleep tonight.”

“Appreciate it. One other question. Do you know if they found any jewelry at that fire?”

“Yes, they did. It was weird because it didn’t suffer any damage. Just needed a good cleaning.”

Because it had been dropped after the fact? “Do you happen to have a picture of it?”

The man pulled up his phone and within seconds showed Nathan a picture of two beautiful black pearl swans’ necks curved into a heart. “A brooch?”

“Yes.”

“Send it to me?” Nathan gave him his number and waited until the picture showed up on his phone. “Thank you, sir. Have a good night.”

Nathan went back to his car, stashed the umbrella, and called Andrew. He briefed him on his meeting with the other fire marshal. “Any word on picking up Kenny?”

“Nope. The guy is in the wind, but we’ve got a couple of officers watching the entrances to campus and one on his dorm. If he shows, we’ll nab him.”

“Anyone check his parents’ home?”

“Yep. Nothing there either, and according to his cell records, he hasn’t called them. Could have used another phone, but the officers on his house said the parents left yesterday with overnight bagsand bicycles mounted on the back of their vehicle. There’s been no sign of the kid before or after. If he doesn’t show up in the next few hours, officers will have to talk to them, but honestly, I’d rather not tip them off that we’re looking for him.”

“Because they could tip him off.”

“Exactly.”

“Okay, just text me if you catch him. I really would like another go at him.”

“You got it.”

“In the meantime, I’m going to go back to the hospital and let Jesslyn know this latest. She’ll want to see the picture of the jewelry.”

“You could just call her, you know. And text her the picture.”

“I could.”

“So why don’t you?”

Because I want to see her.“Because she may want to talk out strategy, thoughts on capturing this guy.”

“Oh, that’s why. Riiight.”

“Shut up.”

“See you later, partner.”

When Nathan returned to the hospital, he found Jesslyn asleep and her aunt Carol had returned, occupying the chair he’d used earlier. She waved him back out the door and followed him into the hall.

“How’s she doing?” he asked.

“Not much change from the last time you were here.”

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