Page 45 of Her Ohio Old Flame

Latoya’s hands trembled violently as the silence enveloped the room. Then, with a deep, shuddering breath, she broke. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her composure shattering as she began to speak.

“It was the day after finals,” she choked out hoarsely. “He said… he wanted to talk about my future. About how proud he was of me. How I was going to do great things.” Her words came faster, tumbling over each other in a torrent of emotion. “I thought… I thought he was just being kind, you know? Encouraging me, like he always did.”

Asha’s stomach twisted painfully, and she reached across the desk to place a steadying hand on Latoya’s trembling arm. Maddy, her expression calm but laced with anger, nodded for her to continue.

“But then—” Latoya’s body shook as sobs wracked her frame. “He locked the door. He said… he said I owed him. That I wouldn’t be where I was without him.”

Asha’s own tears welled up, her grip on Latoya tightening. She didn’t need Latoya to finish the story; the horror in her voice said it all.

“He forced himself on me,” Latoya whispered, her face buried in her hands. “I couldn’t stop him. I tried, but…” Her story dissolved into broken sobs.

Maddy slid her chair closer, her tone gentle but firm. “Latoya, I’m so sorry this happened to you. What he did was wrong, and it’s not your fault, but there’s something else you need to know.”

Latoya lifted her head, her red-rimmed eyes filled with confusion. “What do you mean?”

Maddy exchanged a glance with Asha before continuing. “There has been a series of fires in town. One of them was a wildfire, and the others were at the high school and Mr. MacCready’s car. We’re investigating because it seems like these might be connected.”

Latoya’s face crumpled as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. Her voice cracked as she whispered, “No… no, no, no…”

Maddy’s expression softened, but she pressed gently. “Latoya, do you know anything about the fires?”

Chapter Twenty-One

Zane leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed as he fought the impatience bubbling under his skin. The interviews had been dragging on, each student parroting the same answers—MacCready was great, the fires were a mystery, and nobody knew anything. He glanced at Lou, who sat calmly next to him, his expression unreadable as he jotted down notes.

Saxon Wetherby strolled into the room, his lanky frame and casual stride giving off an air of ease. At nineteen, he was older than most of the other students, and the way he carried himself reflected that maturity. Zane noted the faint grease stains on his jeans and the callused hands that spoke of hard work. He had the look of someone who wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.

“Morning, Saxon.” Lou gestured toward the chair across from them.

Saxon nodded, his ready smile lighting up his face as he settled into the chair. “Morning.”

“We appreciate you coming in.” Lou leaned back and stretched out his legs, his tone friendly but firm. “We just want to ask you a few questions, get a sense of things. Nothing to worry about.”

Zane leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. “Why don’t we start with you? Tell us a bit about yourself.”

Saxon’s shrug was loose and casual. “Not much to tell. My family moved here a couple of years ago. Dad’s work has us bouncing around a lot, so it took me a little longer to finish school.”

“Nothing wrong with that.” Zane offered an encouraging nod. “Moving around can’t be easy. Made any friends here?”

“A few,” Saxon replied warmly. “People in Peaceful are nice. Feels like a real community. And I’ve got my girlfriend, Latoya. She’s amazing. Smart as hell. Got a scholarship to Columbus University.”

“Sounds like a catch,” Lou said with a smile. “What about you? What’s next?”

“Got lucky there, too.” Saxon’s grin widened. “Mark Quinn took me on as an apprentice at his shop. Best mechanic I’ve ever met.”

Lou chuckled, shaking his head. “Mark’s my brother-in-law. I’d say you’re in good hands.”

Saxon’s chest puffed out in evident pride. “Yeah, he’s been great. I’m learning a lot.”

Zane couldn’t help but smile at the kid’s enthusiasm. “Long-distance relationships can be tough,” he said. “You and Latoya got a plan for that?”

Saxon nodded, but the brightness of his grin waned. “We’re working on it. It’s gonna be hard, but we’re willing to try. She’s worth it.”

Lou shifted forward in his chair and leaned his elbows on his knees. “How’d you feel about school overall? Teachers, classes—what’d you think?” Even as the topic shifted, Lou’s tone was casual.

Saxon snorted, shaking his head. “School’s school, you know? Some teachers are great, some are assholes. They’re just like people.”

Zane’s laugh broke through his frustration. “You’ve got that one right. So, who’s the best, and who’s the worst?”

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