Page 68 of Beck

“What reason?” Kole asked, butting in to the conversation.

“We found a petrol can in the back garden. We’ve taken it to see if we can get any prints from it.”

Kole’s stomach sank, and he glanced at Beck. “Do you think it was Andrew?”

Beck growled. “More than likely. When I get my hands on him…”

“Who is Andrew?” Kirby asked, pulling out her notebook.

“The bane of our existence, right now,” Beck murmured, staring at the building, because it wasn’t a home now. It was a shell.

Kole sighed. “He’s an ex, of sorts. I had what was supposed to be one night with him, but he wanted more. He attacked me and was arrested, but they let him go, saying there wasn’t enoughevidence. This was in Whitby. I moved to London not long ago, and I thought I was free of him, but he turned up last night as we were walking home. He is who did that.” Kole pointed at Beck’s bandaged hand.

“Okay. Can you give me as many details about him as you can, and I’ll look into him?”

Kole did as requested, keeping an eye on Beck, who stared at the remains of the house. The shell itself was still intact, but the windows were blown out, and it had black smudges all over the brickwork. The roof was half gone, smoke still rising in places.

“I can’t believe this,” Beck murmured.

“I’m sorry,” Kole said. After all, it was his fault. If he hadn’t brought Andrew into Beck’s life, his home would still be intact.

Beck pulled his gaze from the wreckage and locked gazes with Kole. “Thiswasnotyour fault. In no uncertain terms,” he said, cupping Kole’s jaw with his good hand, “you are not to blame for this. Whoever did this is.” He paused, blinked and turned back to the detective. “It could also be someone else.” His hand slid down to grip Kole’s hand, bringing a lump to his throat. “I’ve recently given evidence against someone.”

Beck briefly told the story, and once again, it struck Kole as amazing that Beck could talk about it with no qualms. Just threw it out there whenever he needed to. The strength of the man beside him astounded Kole.

“Okay, thanks for that. I’ll get looking into it.” Kirby handed Beck a card. “This is my number if you need or think of anything. I’ll let you know how things progress.”

“Is anything salvageable?” Beck asked.

Kirby sighed. “I’ll be honest. Not a lot. You can’t go in right now because the fire crews are trying to stabilise the roof, but as soon as they have and it’s safe, air-wise, for anyone, I’ll let you know. You’ll be able to walk through it and see what you can get. I’m sorry.”

Beck exhaled. “It’s fine. It’s only material stuff.”

Kirby nodded and headed back to the fire crew.

“And my phone,” Kole muttered.

Beck hissed. “Shit, yes. Damn it. Sorry.”

“It’s fine. I can get a new one. I’ll ask Ethan to let my parents know.”

“I can do that,” Dallas said, making Kole jump. He’d forgotten Dallas was there.

“Thanks.”

Beck blew out a long breath. “I guess we’re staying at yours.” His mouth quirked, but Kole could see he was upset and trying to hide it. “So much for enough bad stuff happening.”

“What’s mine is yours,” Kole murmured with a smile.

Beck squeezed his hand. “Come on. Let’s go to our other home. Dallas, are you okay taking us to Kole’s, please?”

“Absolutely.”

They climbed back into the car, and with one final lingering look from Beck, Dallas drove off.

“I can’t believe this happened,” Dallas said. “And you said something about Andrew?”

They went through it again, giving a bit more detail than what they had given to the detective.

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