Page 80 of Serial Burn

“I’m not either.” She sighed. “I need to make another phone call. You mind?”

“Not at all.”

Jesslyn looked up the number for the beauty salon and dialed it. A woman answered identifying the salon. “Hi,” Jesslyn said. “Is Pam Silver available by any chance?”

“Sure, sugar, hold on.”

Sugar?Jesslyn laughed and Nathan shot her a questioning look, but before she could explain, a woman’s low voice said, “Pam speaking.”

Laughter fled and a rock lodged itself in her throat. “Hello, Pam. I was wondering if you’d have a few minutes to chat in person.”

“What’s this about?”

“I believe you were friends with Linda McCormick years ago.”

The woman gasped. “Yes, I was. Who is this?”

“Her daughter, Jesslyn.”

Another gasp. “Oh, my word, are you for real?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Well, I’ll be. I knew you went to live with Linda’s sister, but always wondered what happened to you after that.”

“I’m back in Lake City and would love to ask you some questions about my parents. Would you have time to meet with me today?”

“I got a full schedule this afternoon but could talk to you first thing in the morning.”

“Well, see, here’s the thing, I’m now a state deputy fire marshal, so I’m helping investigate the recent fires. I really need to connect with you fairly quickly.”

“Oh my ... those fires. It’s just terrible. And you think I can help?”

“I’m not sure. That’s why I want to talk to you.”

“Hold on a sec.” Jesslyn did. Seconds later, Pam returned. “All right. We close early on Mondays. If you can get here in about forty-five minutes, we’ll have time after my last client. Will that work?”

“Can you hold a second to make sure?” Jesslyn muted the phone.“Pam can see us in forty-five minutes. Should we head to see her first, then Mr. Christie, then your brother?”

Nathan glanced at the clock on the dash. “I think I need to head over to talk to my brother first. Get it over with. It’s only a few minutes from that salon, and this will keep it quick.”

Jesslyn unmuted her phone and confirmed their meeting. As she hung up, a wave of fatigue hit her, but she did her best to push it aside. Her hands were itching and her leg was throbbing. She ignored those too.

“Okay. I’m just going to close my eyes for a few minutes.” She was tired. Very tired. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back to think.

Her next moment of awareness was Nathan’s hand on her shoulder. “Hey. Jess. We’re here.”

She blinked up at him and her heart stuttered at the gentle look in his eyes and slight frown of concern on his face. “Oh, man. I must have passed out.”

“Sort of.” He smiled and she let her gaze drop to his lips. What would it be like if she—

She rubbed her eyes to break the moment and cleared her throat. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine. You needed to.”

“Should I stay out here?”

“No. I want you close by. Inside is safer. Besides, Mom will enjoy talking to you.”

---