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She turned defensive. “Why are you all up in my love life? Can’t a sister visit another?”
Isobel burst into laughter. “You forget what I do for a living. What do you need?”
“I need your help. There's something about these fires. The bodies are connected to the old town council.”
Isobel nodded. “Okay, tell me what you've got.”
“We've had four fires, each linked to a former council member's death, including Jackson’s mom’s garage. Plus, a repeat death at the old Waverly estate.”
“Are there any specific behavioral markers or motives in the arsonist's actions?” Isobel leaned on her elbow.
“We’ve found cryptic clues about a phoenix in glass vials, and they’re targeting old council members. The first body was identified as Robert Kendrick. He handled Jackson’s adoption. But why now?” Olivia repeated the entire story that she knew.
Isobel mused, “Could be someone seeking retribution or a deep-seated vendetta against the council.”
“That's what I thought too, but the timing seems too calculated. It's like they've been waiting. But for what? And the phoenix?”
“Arsonists often have a personal connection to their targets or the area. It might be worth looking into past relationships or conflicts.” She typed into her laptop. “Have you seen the Waverly’s real estate logo?” Isobel turned the monitor.
“It’s a phoenix.” Olivia told her sister about the newspaper article describing the baby rising from the ashes.
Isobel ran her fingers through her hair. “Liv, these arsons may have a dual purpose. One, to avenge the bad deeds by the old council and punish those who committed them, but also someone who has something against Jackson.”
Liv listened intently to her sister's theory, her brow furrowing as she processed the implications. After a moment of thoughtful consideration, she replied, “Interesting perspective, sis. It's definitely plausible. The idea of avenging past wrongs committed by the council makes sense, especially given the history of contentious decisions they've made. But adding another layer involving someone with a grudge against Jackson... That's a chilling thought.” She shuddered.
“It would mean we're dealing with someone who's not only seeking justice but also has a personal vendetta against specific individuals. Maybe someone who feels wronged by Jackson or has a score to settle. We'll need to dig deeper into Jackson's past interactions, see if there's anyone with a strong enough motive to resort to arson. And, of course, keep investigating the council's history for any clues that might support this theory. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, sis.”
* * *
The fire station buzzed with the familiar sounds of equipment and camaraderie as Jackson walked in. Turk sat in the office, looking up as Jackson entered, concern etched across his face. He had been waiting for Jackson to relieve him from his shift, but there was something more pressing on Turk's mind.
“We need to talk,” Turk began, his voice low and serious. “I've been thinking about the fires, especially the one where we found the body. Our department worked every fire except that one. I can't shake the feeling that maybe the arsonist is coming after us.” He looked at the ceiling then back at Jackson. “Actually, coming after you.”
Jackson nodded. “I've been thinking about that too.”
“Do you think they're trying to send you a message?”
Jackson sighed, realizing his friend had put things together. “I should have talked to you sooner. Livvy and I were digging into my past. You know I was adopted. My mom filled in some new details.” His brows went up. “My birthmother was the young woman killed in the Waverly estate fire. Rainey Bradshaw. Her real name was Rainey Ashcroft.”
Turk's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and concern flickering across his face. “You were the baby found.” He exhaled. “If there's a chance you’re connected to these fires, we need to be careful. Hell, you need to be careful. We need to devise a plan to keep you safe.”
Jackson nodded in agreement. “That's why Livvy and I are determined to get to the bottom of this. But I need your help. I can't let fear paralyze me.”
Turk leaned forward, his concern shifting into determination. “Absolutely, brother. Let's go over the local targets, see if there's any pattern we're missing. And about your birth parents, maybe we should head into Waverly County, talk to an attorney. Figure out if there's any legal way for you to find out more about your roots without putting yourself at risk.”
Jackson appreciated Turk's support. They recognized the importance of addressing both the immediate threat and the personal questions that loomed over him.
* * *
Olivia's arrival at her office in Waverly County marked a crucial moment in the unfolding mystery. As she entered, she found Michael diligently setting up large whiteboards that displayed key information about the arson investigations. Each board painted a vivid picture of the cases, with details about the various fires, their locations, and any patterns that emerged.
The Council of Nine Board featured pictures and information about the nine council members, plus held photos of David Reynolds and her dad on the side. The Victims Board listed the names of the deceased and included notes found in the vials. All referred to a phoenix. The Family Trees Board showcased the family histories of the Waverlys and the Ashcrofts, emphasizing the twists and turns of their feud.
Olivia whispered to herself, “Jackson.”
Michael turned to Olivia, concern etched on his face. “Liv, are you okay? What's wrong?”
She tried to compose herself. “It's just... seeing Jackson's photo up there. It's unsettling. I know he’s part of the investigation, but seeing him on a police board...”
