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In our community, where secrets are abundant, Rainey's story stands as one more mystery.
Jackson exhaled heavily. “Have we gotten anywhere?” he muttered as he shot another picture.
“We need to look at the town council,” Liv sighed.
“See if you can look up the fight,” Jackson said.
Liv searched. “Here. This was written before the fire.”
In a stunning turn of events, a routine open meeting of the Waverly Junction Town Council descended into chaos as a reported fistfight erupted between prominent figures, Council Member Robert Kendrick and Christopher Waverly, heir apparent to the Waverly fortune. The altercation unfolded amidst discussions regarding Waverly’s request for permits to develop land owned by the Waverly family in the names of both the Waverly and Ashcroft families, which cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a historic moment of reconciliation.
“Christopher wanted to end the feud,” Jackson said. “Why didn’t the council want that?”
Tensions reached a boiling point as tempers flared during the meeting, culminating in a physical altercation between Kendrick and Waverly. Kendrick and the voting majority did not want to see the land developed.
“What would be lost if the land was developed in both their names?” Liv wondered aloud. “More money to the Waverlys. What was the council getting?”
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with chairs overturned and voices raised in anger as the two men exchanged blows. It was only through the intervention of David Reynolds, another council member, who stepped in to break up the fight, that further escalation was prevented.
The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from residents and officials alike. Many expressed dismay at the lack of decorum displayed by members of the town council. Requests for comment from other council members regarding the altercation have been met with silence.
Questions linger about the future of the proposed development project and the ability of the town council to effectively govern. The development project would have benefitted Waverly Junction and dissolved the Ashcroft-Waverly feud. Sources speculate that it would also eliminate power held by certain town council members.
“The development ended with the fire and Christopher Waverly’s death.” Jackson shook his head.
As they continued their research into stories of the town council, Jackson caught a whiff of garlic. “Liv, do you smell anything?”
Before she could react, a crackling sound reverberated through the basement, followed by a sudden explosion of flames from a number of light bulbs.
“Fire!” Jackson shouted, his heart pounding as smoke quickly filled the room. “Liv, get down.”
More bulbs popped. Flames crawled along the ceiling, devouring the infrastructure and sending ceiling tiles crashing down around them with a pop of each light bulb. The paper records ignited, and the flames spread at a furious pace.
Liv coughed. “Jackson, run.”
He grabbed Liv's hand, pulling her away from the growing inferno as they dashed up the wooden steps. Smoke and flame followed behind them. As they reached the main library, panic set in as the large main room filled with smoke.
“The fire alarm and sprinklers aren’t functioning.” Jackson didn't hesitate. “Livvy, call for help. I’ll clear the building.”
* * *
Liv ran for the door, dialing 911 as she went. Outside, she popped her trunk, jumped into her turnout gear and grabbed her Scott Pak. Returning inside, she found Jackson, his chest heaving for air as he helped evacuate some patrons who were frozen with fear.
Liv grabbed them and ushered them out. Assured no one was left inside, she shared her air with Jackson until they were clear of the building. The arrival of Turk and Station 3 was a welcome relief, but the fire had already gained terrible momentum.
Joining the on-duty firefighters, Jackson regained his breath and grabbed a hose to help fight the flames. But despite their best efforts, the fire raged, the books inside providing fuel.
As Turk called for the overhaul, embers fluttered up toward the sky. Amidst the charred structure’s remains, the outline of another body appeared. The town had lost their library and another life.
Liv’s jaw clenched with resolve, her mind racing through the events that had unfolded. She wondered if the fire had been set to destroy the structure and plant another body, or was it set to kill Jackson and her?
In the aftermath of the library fire, Michael and Olivia stood side by side, their eyes fixed on Molly as she carefully removed the lifeless body from the charred ruins. Liv, sensing the need for a closer examination, dropped to her hands and knees, carefully navigating through the debris. It was then that she discovered another vial, its glass etched with the intricate design of a phoenix.
Michael began a thorough inspection of the scene. As he sifted through the ashes, he uncovered the remnants of an incendiary device. Among the wreckage lay fragments of a small container, tangled wires, and the shattered remains of a cell phone. He frowned. “Liv, this was a deliberate and calculated attack.”
Concern etched on his face, Michael pulled Olivia tightly to him to share his findings. In hushed tones, he said, “It seemed timed to go off when the arsonist planned. You could have been killed.” He brushed some ash from her hair.
Michael's gaze flickered between her and Jackson. “Liv, with what we know, I think Jackson was the intended target. I think you may want to stay clear of him.”
