Page 6 of Hargrave Flame Out
He rested his hands on his hips. “You did a good job keeping that fire off the house. Do you feel up to answering a couple questions?”
“She’s pretty out of it,” Veronica declared firmly. “Maybe this could wait?”
Miller’s gaze lifted to her sister. “You own the property together, right?”
“We do,” Veronica confirmed. “Along with Natalie. The business is in our names together.”
“Business is good, right?”
“Yes.”
Celeste didn’t need to see her face to know Veronica was getting testy.
“No problems or complaints?”
“None.” Celeste answered this time, drawing the chief’s attention.
He scowled at her, his gaze roaming over her face, down to her hands.
“Maybe this isn’t the best place for this discussion, Chief,” Reed suggested. “The girls have had quite a scare today.”
The chair lurched as Veronica started to guide her around the chief. “Hang on,” Celeste said. “I was pretty upset when I had to use the garden hose. The fire extinguisher wasn’t in the bracket.”
“That is troubling,” Miller allowed.
“Have you found other signs of arson?” Celeste queried. She wanted him looking for the real culprit. All she’d done was try and save the property. Her sisters would never attack the Hideaway. Despite the pain of their mom’s hospice and ignoringthat it was now their primary income source, they all shared too many good memories to burn it down.
Miller glanced around the lobby. “We did, yes.”
“Come on, Chief.” Reed tipped his head toward the doors. “The girls need to get home. Celeste needs rest.”
“In a minute.” A gentle calm flowed through her. And though her head had been muddled earlier, she was thinking clearly right now. “It wasn’t me. Or any of us. Veronica was at home. Natalie’s teaching in Charleston today. I was working at the Hideaway alone, yes, but the fire started while I was taking a walk down at the beach.” She was sure she’d explained herself at the scene.
“Go on,” Miller urged.
“When I smelled smoke, I came back and saw the blaze in the outdoor kitchen. I immediately went for the fire extinguisher but it was gone.”
“My guys found it in the woods,” Miller said. “Not far from your place.”
Celeste glanced up, exchanging a look with Veronica. “So, what does that mean?” Veronica asked.
Miller sighed. “Technically, you’d be the prime suspect,” he said to Celeste. “But it doesn’t fit,” he allowed. “My guys told me how determined you were, fighting the blaze with a broken wrist.” He dropped his hand to his leg, where everyone who had been on the island for more than a year knew he’d been torn up during a water rescue years ago. “Have you seen anyone hanging around the Hideaway lately? Any exes or disgruntled guests?”
Veronica cackled. “Disgruntled? Are you kidding, our guests get addicted to Celeste’s brand of customer service. It’s a wonder they ever check-out on time.”
Celeste felt heat climbing into her cheeks.
“Okay.” This time the smile reached Miller’s eyes, brightening his face. “Thanks for giving me a better picture. We’ll keep you in the loop as we investigate.”
“Thanks,” Celeste murmured. Somehow, she didn’t feel as if the chief had completely removed her from the suspect list. “You know, Chief, you should check with Jess at the Guardian Agency office,” Celeste said. “She installed extra security cameras around the property when she rented the entire Hideaway for a special security job.”
“I forgot all about those,” Veronica said.
Chief Miller’s frown returned. “No one mentioned seeing cameras beyond the doorbell cams at the front door and near the driveway.”
“They’re well-disguised,” Celeste said. “And I’m not sure if they’re still up or even operational, but it’s worth asking.”
“I’ll look into it,” Miller promised. “Take care and feel better soon.” With a flicker of a smile, he walked out, already reaching for his radio.
