章 44: Chapter 44: Brad's Business

“Good idea.” Melissa pulled away from him. “They look like they need to speak to you.”

She patted Brad’s arm and left. Two men from the County Arson Squad approached him.

“Mr. James?” the younger of the two men asked.

“That’s me.”

“I’m Detective Hastings. This is Detective Welsh.”

“What’s the news?” Brad asked and braced himself.

“Do you recognize this?” Hastings held open a paper bag.

“That’s a pager.”

“Is it possible to trace the serial number to see who it belongs to?”

Brad eyed the burnt mess then looked at the two detectives. “If it’s from my fire company, yes. I can give you the name and number of our supply officer.”

Welsh scribbled the information on a pad of paper. The two men turned back to the burnt building.

“Was it set?” Brad asked and braced himself for the reply.

The detectives exchanged a glance. Hastings cleared his throat. “We believe so.”