An Inner Fire Read Online Free PDF Page A

of a major hole in the ground with most of its clues destroyed.
    He assumed that N-4 had burned quickly after the explosion since the shed was built of heavy lumber with a corrugated metal shell. That not a single warehouse had burned was either the mark of a very experienced arsonist or a miracle. Since he didn’t believe in miracles, he leaned toward the notion of a pro. The close proximity of the other warehouses, the flotilla of boats and their fuel could’ve caused a disaster.
    The remains of the shed were scattered across the massive space. Misshapen chunks of pale blue metal, walls of partially burned fir, heaps of black ash, and piles of partially-burnt plastic formed a sci-fi landscape—Mars under the Ballard Bridge.
    He bent over a shard of metal, most likely part of the ceiling. He sensed a presence. Frantically sniffing and barking, Mitzi ran through the site. He had never seen her act this of out of control.
    “How the hell did you get out of the car?”
    Mitzi leaped at him from two feet away. Her hundred pounds hit him square in the chest. He staggered backward from the impact. His heel caught on a part of the metal ceiling, sending him crashing on his ass.
    “What in the hell’s wrong with you? It’s doggy daycare for you.”
    Mitzi stood over him, her dark eyes focused on his face.
    He started to stand. He felt a gush of air blow across the empty space. Before he could grab Mitzi or roll away, a section of the charred thirty foot wall fell, shattering next to his feet. Remnants of a burned plank broke off, striking the dog on the back. Mitzi gave a high pitched cry. His dog was down. “My God, Mitzi.”
    She lay very still. He scrambled over the rubble to reach her. He ran his hands down her spine and back legs looking for injuries. She whined when he touched her back leg.
    “It’s okay, it doesn’t feel broken, but we’ve got to check it out.” His voice sounded calm but seemed to echo in his head against the pounding beat of his heart. “I’m going to pick you up and take you to Dr. Herrick.”
    He carried the poodle next to his chest, trying to buffer her from the wind and rain. “How did you get out of the car?”
    She licked his face, her rough tongue brushed his cheek.
    At the truck, he wrapped her gently in his coat and laid her on the front seat. He sped toward Ballard and Dr. Herrick.
    He patted her reassuringly as he drove. Mitzi could’ve been killed. And then came the thought he didn’t want to explore: if it hadn’t been for Mitzi, he might’ve been killed.

Chapter Eight

    Grayce’s morning passed quickly—a few minor behavior problems, adjustment to a new relationship, and hairballs.
    Hollie appeared at her door. “Your new client’s here.” With her pierced eyebrow arched in contempt, Hollie emphasized new like it was infected.
    Grayce nodded, trying to decipher Hollie’s odd behavior. Always loving with the animals, Hollie kept a safe, cool distance from two-legged clients. Hollie didn’t look cool.
    Grayce scanned her schedule. “Mr. Davis with Mitzi, a standard poodle.”
    Hollie returned with the new client. Grayce stared. She blinked twice. Mr. Davis was Lieutenant Davis. Bewildered to see the fire investigator in her office after last night’s nightmare, she blurted, “Has there been another fire?”
    “No, I’m a patient. I mean my dog’s a patient.”
    Grayce rechecked her patient list. “Mitzi?”
    His face flushed when she used Mitzi’s name. Had she gotten the name wrong? She seldom did. The black poodle’s ears perked at the mention of her name.
    “Yes, Mitzi .” His face remained red as he led his dog into the room. Grayce focused on the haughty poodle, limping protectively next to her owner. There was something about the spunky dog she couldn’t grasp.
    Grayce couldn’t envision the lieutenant comfortable in the overstuffed chintz treatment chair. She gestured to the chair across from her desk. “Please be seated. How can I help you…and