Chapter 37: Arson

A Biggin Hill patrol car pulled into the lot three minutes later. Officer George Downey disembarked and surveyed both men. Brad waved him over. “I suspect this fire was lit.”

“Yeah?” The cop didn’t seem impressed.

“I want the Fire Inspector to prove he was here for a purpose.”

The cop rolled his eyes. “I’m not getting in the middle of some feud you have with him, Brad.”

Brad clenched his teeth. “The fire was set. Do your job.”

“Okay, Chief. I’ll check it out.”

The officer walked to where Jake stood. Brad stayed still, hoping to be proved right and get Jake out of his life once and for all.

The officer looked over the paperwork, shook Jake’s hand and ambled back to where Brad paced. “Well?”

“Brad, he’s clean. He had an inspection here.”

Brad chewed on his lip. “You’re sure.”

“This place was on his schedule. His top sheet said, ‘Inspection Report’ on it and also sported the name of the business. He even cited them for several violations.”