Murder Checks Inn - Tim Myers [62]
Amy shook her head. “We’re both out.”
Weston said, “Thank heaven for small favors. Okay men, let’s hose down the perimeter and keep that fire from the house.”
Amy tried to stand, and Alex had to help her climb to her feet. “You’re not going to try to save my studio?”
Alex looked at the inferno and watched as the chief tried to explain. “Ma’am, it’s too far gone. I can’t afford to risk any of my men when there’s no one inside. I’m sorry.”
“But my life is in there,” Amy cried. She tried to run to the flames, but Alex held her tightly in his arms.
“Amy, it’s gone.”
“It’s just not fair,” Amy cried as she melted into Alex’s arms. “Who would do such an awful thing?”
That was something Alex wanted to know himself. He looked over to see the EMTs load Julie into the ambulance, strapped firmly to a gurney.
As they started to close the doors, Amy said, “Wait. I’m going with you.”
“Sorry, there’s no room,” one of the techs said.
Amy said, “Then make room, I’m coming along,” as she forced her way aboard.
Alex said, “She was in the fire, too. You’ve got to take her with you.” There wasn’t time to argue, and Amy’s singed presence surely added to the urgency of her demand, so the attendants acquiesced.
After they pulled out, Elise joined Alex. They watched the barn burn in on itself, the flames leveling everything within reach. Alex looked over at Elise and saw tears tracking down the soot on her face. For the first time since he’d known her, there was no light in her eyes.
“What is it?” Alex asked her gently.
Elise could barely mumble out her next words, “Alex, I didn’t get any response the entire time I worked on her. I don’t think she’s going to make it.”
Chapter 18
Alex put an arm around her. “Elise, you were the only chance she had, and you did the very best you could. The rescue squad was still working on her when they pulled out. There’s still hope.”
Elise whimpered, “Oh Alex, what I did just wasn’t good enough. I know it.”
Alex wrapped her in his arms, and she started to cry. In all the times he dreamed of holding her, he never thought it would be because of anything like what had just happened, After a few minutes, Elise pulled back. “You smell like smoke,” she said as she crinkled her nose.
“I know. Are you okay?”
She wiped a few errant tears from her cheek. “I will be now. Thanks, Alex.”
“No thanks necessary. If you’ll wait for me in the truck, I’ll just be a minute. I need to talk to the chief.”
“Take your time. I’ll be okay now.”
Alex walked over to Chief Weston and said, “I thought you should know, it was arson. Amy said someone slammed the barn door, then torched the place with them inside.”
“I don’t suppose she got a look at who did it, did she?”
Alex shook his head. “They were working on something inside and were distracted.”
Mor trotted up to them, his face smudged from the fire. He was holding a scorched gas can gingerly by its handle. “They didn’t even try to hide it. We found this right out in the open.”
Weston said, “Leave it for the fire marshal; this is a case for him.”
Mor nodded. “How are the women, Alex?”
“Julie was still unconscious when the ambulance left. I think Amy’s going to be all right.”
Mor asked, “How’s Elise doing?”
Alex said, “She was a little shaken up, but both women would be dead if she hadn’t done some quick thinking.”
Weston said, “I understand you get some of the credit yourself. Amy said you were the one who carried Julie out of the burning building.”
“Anybody would have done the same thing if they’d been here,” Alex said.
Weston replied, “Don’t be so sure. You did good, Alex.”
“Let’s just hope she makes it.”
Weston nodded his agreement, and Alex asked, “Can you let me know what happens here after the fire marshal leaves?”
“I’d say you’re an interested party. Sure, I’ll give you a call.”
Alex joined Elise in the truck.
“What did they say?” she asked.
“They agree that it’s arson, but nobody has the slightest idea who did it.”
“No one but us,” Elise said.
Alex nodded. “So you think it was