On A Night Like This (Callaways #1)

paused, tilting his head, as he gazed into her eyes. "Have you considered the possibility that Sister Margaret set fire to the school?"
    She was genuinely shocked by the suggestion. "No, of course not. Why on earth would she do that?"
    "I've had enough training in fire investigation to know that arsonists, especially female arsonists, often target their homes or their places of employment."
    "That's true, but Sister Margaret is not an arsonist. She's a sixty-something-year-old nun. She teaches fourth grade and runs the choir. She organizes fundraisers for the school and the church. She's a wonderful, amazing person."
    "You don't sound very objective, Callaway."
    "I know her. She would never set fire to the school. She loves this place. It's her second home."
    "Which classroom was hers?" he asked.
    Her lips tightened. "You already know the answer to that question – the one next door, but this is the room where the fire started."
    "Her classroom was destroyed, too."
    "I thought you were trying to find her, but you sound like you're more interested in arresting her."
    "I'm just doing my job."
    "So am I," she said. "And there's no evidence pointing in Sister Margaret's direction."
    "There's no evidence pointing anywhere. You've got nothing, Callaway. But I have a missing nun, some blood evidence, and a fire at her place of employment. Her roommate also told me that the good sister had been replaced on the choir and was thinking of retiring because she didn't care for the new principal."
    "It's not unusual for someone of her age and long tenure at the school to consider retirement," Emma replied. "I understand why you're making the connection, but I don't believe there's a link between Sister Margaret's disappearance and the fire. Last month we had a similar fire at the high school. It's more likely we have a fire bug whose favorite target is a school."
    "Did you know that Sister Margaret used to work at the high school?" he asked.
    She didn't appreciate the gleam in his eyes or the fact that he had more information than she did. "I wasn't aware of that. It had to be a very long time ago."
    "Twenty-three years. She worked there for four years before transferring to St. Andrews."
    "You're on the wrong track, Harrison."
    "We'll see. So, I heard one of your brothers is playing a gig tonight for the smokejumper who died."
    "Yes," she said slowly, hoping he wasn't planning to go. It was bad enough she had to deal with him on the job. She really didn't want to spend her off time with him.
    "Are you going?"
    "Yes, of course. Kyle, the man who died, was very good friends with my brother, Aiden. They worked together for a long time."
    "So how many brothers do you have, Callaway?"
    "Five brothers and two sisters."
    "Big family. How many are in the fire department?"
    "Too many to count if you include first and second cousins."
    "Family tradition, huh?"
    "Yes. Speaking of family… She glanced at her phone a text message from Nicole flashing across the screen. "I need to make a call."
    "Maybe I'll see you tonight," he said.
    "Maybe not. I'm sure there will be a big crowd."
    His smile broadened. "Not a problem. You're a stand out, Callaway."
    Her nerves tingled at the look in his eyes. "Look, Harrison, I'm not interested in any kind of a relationship with you that isn't one hundred percent professional."
    "Did I ask you for anything else?" he countered.
    "I know when a man is interested in me. You need to stop. I am single now, and I intend to stay that way."
    With that proclamation, she left the classroom, hoping that she hadn't just made a complete fool of herself by assuming he was interested in her when he really wasn't. But she hadn't imagined the sparks between them. She knew what heat felt like. Max Harrison was one fire she was going to stay away from.

    * * *

    Emma got into her car and punched in Nicole's number on her phone. "What's up?" she asked when her sister came on the line.
    "I need a break, Em. I was wondering if you wanted to go out and get a drink or something. Ryan is actually home and I need to get out of here."
    "Sure," she said, surprised that Nicole would actually consider leaving the house without Brandon. "I'm going to the Dunne fundraiser later tonight. Sara and I are going to meet for dinner before that. Why don't we make it a threesome?"
    "Are you sure Sara won't mind?"
    "Of course not. She was asking about you yesterday. It would be fun to have some girl time. I have to stop by work. Can I get you in