Page 8 of The Smart Killer
“Four dead. A neighbor said the fire started sometime around nine.”
Ray led the way.
Rainwater mingled with the ashes, creating rivulets of soot that snaked down the curbside. The scent of wet earth and burnt wood hung heavy as they approached the remnants of the house.
He continued to talk as he led him across the wet soot. “Crash and fire investigations unit came out to the scene. After an extensive examination of the home, they couldn’t determine the source of the fire. However, it was determined that the area of origin was concentrated at the center of the structure, on the main floor. They identified several potential ignition sources, mostly based on the layout of homes in the neighborhood; however, due to the level of destruction from the blaze, one ignition source couldn’t be isolated, so they classified the cause of the fire as undetermined.”
Noah nodded, his mind still swirling with thoughts from his conversation with Savannah. “What about fire alarms?”
“Multiple sensors throughout the home. Top of the line. They were connected to the home security system with a central monitoring system that alerts the homeowner and the fire department. They’re not your run-of-the-mill sensors, Noah. They are meant to detect heat changes before smoke appears and, if needed, activate an extensive fire sprinkler system. The system is pretty complex. According to the fire marshal, they are frequently tested. The sensors should have alerted the family.”
“But they didn’t.”
Ray cocked his head. “They were destroyed in the fire, so they can’t verify it. However, based on the location of the bodies, we do believe they were awake, as they were found huddled together in one room. So, did it work? Who knows. However, no notification was sent to the fire department. So that is the assumption. What they have been able to verify is the sprinkler system didn’t turn on in any room. The fire marshal has confirmed that all the other homes along this street are functioning.” Ray sighed. “The hard part. Two of the victims were kids. Thirteen and ten.”
Noah shook his head.
“So, what was at the center of the house?”
“The kitchen.”
Ray led him cautiously through the remnants to the heart of the home, their footsteps muffled by the damp debris underfoot. A once-cozy living room was nothing more than rubble; it bore the scars of the inferno that had consumed it. What remained of the smoke-stained walls loomed overhead like ashen ghosts.
The center of the abode, once a bustling hub of activity, was now a blackened void. The appliances, once gleaming, were now twisted, charred metal. The wooden cabinets were gone, reduced to skeletal frames, a haunting reminder of a life that used to be.
Rainwater trickled down to the scorched tiles below. Puddles mixed with soot created a grimy sludge that clung to Noah’s shoes as he stepped further into the desolation. In the midst of it all, they found a dining table, its surface warped and marred by the intensity of the flames.
“Off the record, the chief thinks it may have started from the stove, but they’re unsure. They’re mostly going off the heavy fire in the kitchen area when the fire department arrived, and what the neighbors stated.”
Noah nodded as he looked around. “It’s tragic, but it’s a fire, Ray. People leave shit on the stove, forget to unplug appliances, and so on. Thousands happen every year in homes.”
“Agreed.”
“So why ask me to come here?”
“I was talking with the fire chief about this, and he mentioned how a month ago, another family died under unusual circumstances in High Peaks. It was a different neighborhood. Castlestone. However, the home used the same technology. The last deaths were by gas poisoning. The family never made it out.”
“Accidents happen. Products fail. That’s why there are class action lawsuits.”
“Maybe, except they checked the home, Noah. No signs of violence, no forced entry. There was no gas leak, but they died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Weird, right? Almost immediately after, every home received updated tech.”
Noah shrugged and sighed. “I don’t know what you want me to say, Ray. They wouldn’t have been the first family to die from gas poisoning. Unfortunately, it happens. Maybe whoever checked the home overlooked some area. What can I say? Some days it rains, other days it pours.” He lifted his hands in the air, catching the numerous droplets. “If you think there is something more to this, then investigate; contact State Police if you need additional support.”
He turned away, trudging out of the home.
“I did. That’s why I contacted you.”
“I can’t help you.”
“It’s your job.”
“Not now, it isn’t. I’ve been suspended.”
“What?” Ray spat as he sidled beside him and took him by the arm.
“Savannah has me on a temporary suspension.”
“Why?”
