Page 97 of Fear of Flames
“Thankfully, IMPD uncovered doorbell footage from one of Ms. Holdcraft’s neighbors showing Matt Wilcox breaking into Michelle’s home before the explosion. No doubt, she was scared for her life when she ran off the road.”
“Back in Iron Falls,” Ali said. “Matt Wilcox was one of Sheriff Perkins’s deputies. Thanks to hard work from all, he’s now awaiting trial for his part in the explosion of Ms. Holdcraft’s home.”
“Yeah,” Kenzi said, “we didn’t have time to visit him during our trip. As we said, Dennis Holdcraft’s estate was supposed to go to his daughter. His will stipulated that if for any reason it couldn’t, he wanted the money donated to Exodus Lane, an organization that focuses on rescuing victims of trafficking and on training local authorities. With the generous donation, Exodus Lane opened a new center in Massachusetts called the Holdcraft Refuge.”
“It gave me chills to see what this organization does. We often talk about human trafficking and to see the staff and volunteers who want to help victims was heartwarming.”
“I couldn’t agree more. And the best part of our weekend, we were able to meet Timothy Wells and his parents. He’s such a strong little boy.”
“This story is almost as twisted as one of D. Valentine’s books,” Ali said. “I’ve read all four, and I wish another one would come out.”
“Oh, I read the other day that she had a manuscript ready before she died. She’d sent it to her editor at Broadway Publishing. It’s set to come out after the first of the year.”
“I’m going to one-click that pre-order today. It’s on Amazon. The title is The Fire Within.”
“Check it out,” Kenzi said. “And now a word from our sponsor.”
Chapter
Forty-Eight
Sarah, Michelle’s new name, was working in the complex computer lab when the door opened. “You’re home.” She jumped up from her chair and met Fletch halfway across the room, throwing her arms around his neck.
Their lips met. Fletch pushed her back, keeping her at arm’s length as his dark stare devoured Sarah, warming her skin beneath her clothes. “I couldn’t stay away.”
“Are you going to tell me where you went?”
His sexy lips quirked. “We can work out a deal of some sort.”
Sarah grinned. “I love working out deals with you.”
“First,” Fletch said, “I brought a few guests with me. As you know, I had a meeting with Top.”
“Don’t tell me Mr. Grant is sending you away again.” She couldn’t hide the disappointment in her voice.
“No, Chell” —some habits die hard— “he wants to meet you in person—the famous Michelle Holdcraft.”
“Shh,” she hushed. “I heard she died. Tragic end. Her car caught on fire.”
“The ultimate eraser.”
“Shit.” Her blue eyes opened wide. “Top is here.” She looked down at her blue jeans.
“Stop, you’re gorgeous.”
Sarah grinned. “I’m glad you think so. Where is he?”
“He’s in Applegate’s office. He said he’d come here next.” Fletch cocked his head to the side. “I couldn’t wait to see you.”
Applegate was the new Peterson, and over the last seven months, she’d righted the ship that Peterson had almost sunk.
The door behind Fletch opened. A distinguished gentleman with white hair, reminding Sarah of Bradley Whitford, entered.
“Mr. Grant,” Sarah said, offering her hand.
His handshake was firm.
“Sarah.” He paused. “I believe that’s the name Arrow told me.”
