Feeling desperate, Charlie re-entered the pub and tried the number. She listened to it ring on her handset. Strained to hear an echo somewhere in the room. Considered faces for shock or guilt. Expected the call to ring out and nothing to come from the experiment. Very surprised when the phone was answered.
Sammi’s tinkling laughter came through the open line and into Charlie’s uncovered ear.
The arsonist was here.
She scoped the room. Gavin and Dylan stood with their backs to her. Sammi and her staff virtually danced behind the bar, serving and entertaining regulars. Other patrons filled tables and stools, played pool, leaned on pillars or walls.
The majority were men and too many held mobile phones.
Charlie skimmed again. Both Gavin and Dylan had disappeared. A couple of guys had pho
