Yeah, kicks on Route 66 the policeman wanted to say, but held back. He noticed Cook’s hand shaking as he drew on his cigarette. “Yeah, I suppose so. I best be going. I’ll be in touch.”
“I hope you can catch those guys,” Fae said.
The policeman tried to smile. “We’ll do our best, ma’am.”
* * * *
IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE POLICEMAN AND the fire chief conferred by the police car.
“He doesn’t look that shook up by it. His wife does, though. What do you make of it?” the policeman asked, although he sensed the answer.
The fire chief chuckled. “Arson. That’s for hell sure. I’ll have some samples checked out. Either solvent or paint thinner was used. And lots of it. These guys were amateurs. And bad ones at that. They left a trail a mile long.”
“No cans around?”
“Nope. They must’ve gotten rid o
