By sunrise, the Fairland fire had become a folder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not a solved folder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not even a confident folder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just a folder thick enough to prove the night had not been imagining things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark did not like folders that could not decide what they were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He sat at the briefing table at 06:32 with his tablet, two printed maps, Fire Marshal Valdez\u2019s preliminary scene notes, Patrol\u2019s canvass sheet, three witness summaries, and the old Lowell incident report from two weeks earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel sat beside him with coffee and the expression of a wolf who had already regretted being awake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stood near the board, arms folded, smoke still faint in his fur despite a station washdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crowe leaned against the wall with a fresh cup of coffee and the dry patience of a night commander who had not ordered the fire but still resented it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss and Rusk arrived exactly on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss took one look at the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is not a minor fire folder.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked down at the documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rusk sat and slid his coffee into position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCopper theft?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel said, \u201cThe copper theft equivalent of a child putting one sock in the laundry and calling the room clean.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rusk blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStill early for metaphor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe had coffee,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRegrettable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss pulled the Fairland scene photo closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStart clean.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFairland. Vacant single-family residence under renovation. Fire reported at 22:02 by neighbor across the street. Fire contained to utility room and adjacent hallway. No injuries. Power disconnected at meter. Gas locked out. Side entry showed forced access. Small visible section of copper pipe removed near origin point.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark tapped the Lowell report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLowell. Two weeks prior. Vacant single-family residence, also under renovation. Minor fire in utility area. Neighbor extinguished it with garden hose before full fire response. Power also disconnected. Gas inactive. Side entry forced. Small section of copper removed. Initially categorized as attempted copper theft with incidental fire damage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t like incidental.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rusk leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCopper thieves usually steal copper. It\u2019s one of their defining traits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what I said, but Mark made it less charming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark ignored him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt Fairland, multiple accessible copper runs were left untouched. The removed section was short, visible, and close to the fire origin. At Lowell, according to photos, same issue. A visible section was removed while more valuable material remained.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss looked at the photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo staged.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLikely staged,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss nodded once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Likely is an honest word.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crowe said, \u201cDoorbell footage?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel took over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMrs. Hanley saw a white panel van parked two houses down around 21:40. Patrol contacted the doorbell-camera owner. We got footage at 03:10. Van passes eastbound at 21:34, parks just outside the camera\u2019s best angle, leaves westbound at 21:57. Fire reported five minutes later.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rusk looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlate?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo full plate. Rear passenger brake light out. No visible logo. Possible magnetic sign outline on the driver\u2019s door. Mark has been emotionally bonding with pixels.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark turned his tablet around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The image showed a white panel van at night, headlights blown bright, body partly washed out by the camera\u2019s porch light. It was not useless. It was also not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark zoomed to the side panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cClean rectangle here. Dust pattern suggests a removable magnetic sign was recently taken off or replaced. There\u2019s a shallow dent near the rear wheel well. Roof has two dark parallel marks consistent with a removed ladder rack.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss studied the image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMake, model?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLikely Ford Transit or similar high-roof work van. I won\u2019t narrow further from this angle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rusk sipped coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI appreciate when the pixels refuse to confess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel said, \u201cRude of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss looked at the map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cConnections between Fairland and Lowell?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark had been waiting for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He slid the first map forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBoth are inside the east redevelopment corridor. Not adjacent, but within the area where multiple older homes have been sold, renovated, demolished, or converted to rentals over the last eighteen months. Both had active or recently active remodel permits. Both had vacancy complaints in the last six months.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crowe looked at the map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOwners?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDifferent. Fairland is owned by Drew Nance through Nance Family Rentals LLC. Lowell is owned by Marion Webb personally. No shared ownership.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cContractors?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStill pulling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss put both hands on the edge of the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo not fall in love with arson until the evidence asks you to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not there yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Because right now you have two fires with suspicious staging and a van. That\u2019s a pattern starting to raise its hand. It is not a confession.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel lifted one paw slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat if the pattern is waving?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen you wave back with subpoenas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rusk smiled into his coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crowe pointed at the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDay shift will keep patrol aware and lock down any immediate neighborhood footage before it overwrites. Voss and Rusk can start owner contacts this morning. Night Shift goes home, sleeps, and comes back early. I don\u2019t need three sleep-deprived wolves interviewing contractors like a haunted lumberyard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked offended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019d be a charming haunted lumberyard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cThat is not reassuring.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane gathered the folder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll be back at fifteen hundred.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll have whatever we can get by then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rusk looked at the photos one more time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTwo fires pretending to be theft.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel stood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBad theater.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rusk nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith props.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss closed the folder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen let\u2019s find the stage crew.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas was awake when they got home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That still surprised Thane sometimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not that Silas woke early. Not that he moved quietly through the den. Not that he made coffee and sat at the kitchen island with his shoulders relaxed and his phone beside one paw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The surprising part was that it felt normal now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas at the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas\u2019s keys on the hook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas\u2019s safety vest hanging beneath them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looking up when the garage door opened because pack had come home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He studied them as they entered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou smell like smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel dropped into a chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have been lightly seasoned.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark set his tablet down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is not how smoke contamination works.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWas it bad?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane poured coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVacant house. Fire knocked down. No injuries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas waited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He did not ask where.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He did not ask how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He did not ask what they knew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The waiting itself showed the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane added only what he could.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSuspicious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas nodded once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s yours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd what\u2019s yours?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked toward his safety vest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHose. Cabinets. Washing things that are already clean because Reaves says clean has levels.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAccurate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd trees.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas\u2019s mouth twitched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd trees.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane handed him a fresh cup of coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas accepted it with both paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou going to Red Dirt later?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAfternoon. Then I have approved volunteer time at Station Three after. Ortiz texted Hale the schedule. Hale texted me a paragraph that started with \u2018do not confuse being welcome with being employed.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel put a paw over his heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI adore that woman.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe also said if anyone calls me Practicing Firefighter Wolf, I should not answer officially.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is sensible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut unofficially?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnofficially, it is descriptive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas groaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane smiled into his coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The case waited in the folder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smoke waited in his fur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But for a few minutes, the great room held coffee, morning light, and Silas being annoyed by a nickname he did not hate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Thane looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou did good yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas\u2019s ears shifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith Noah?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked down into his coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOrtiz assigned me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd you did the task.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas smiled faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what he said.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe was right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nobody made the moment larger than it wanted to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel only reached across the island and tapped one claw lightly against Silas\u2019s cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPracticing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas tapped back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnnoying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlso accurate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Mark looked at Gabriel\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou have cereal dust on your fingers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel immediately pulled his paw back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s private.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou were eating from the non-emergency cereal again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI reject the category.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas looked between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere\u2019s emergency cereal?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane picked up the fire folder and headed down the hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was not getting involved in that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some investigations were safer than breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By late afternoon, Night Shift was back at the station, called in early after Voss found a third possible address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss had already built them a better problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She had pinned three addresses to the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fairland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lowell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And Marlowe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stopped in the doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThree?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss stood beside the board, jacket off, sleeves rolled to her elbows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMaybe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rusk sat at the table with a sandwich and the expression of a man who had found a new reason to distrust paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDetached garage fire six weeks ago. Vacant house on Marlowe. Written up as suspected transient warming fire. Minimal damage. No one was ever found. Side door forced. Small copper section missing from garage utility wall.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel slowly set his coffee down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThree bad plays. Same props.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark moved to the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPower status?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss pointed to the report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDisconnected pending renovation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGas?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLocked out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFire origin?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUtility corner of detached garage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said nothing for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was always louder than speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crowe entered behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI assume silence means bad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSilence means pattern.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rusk took a bite of sandwich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSame neighborhood corridor. Three owners. Three vacant renovation properties. Three small fires. Three tiny copper thefts that a real thief should be embarrassed by.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at Rusk\u2019s sandwich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo you rehearse those?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo. I\u2019m just good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss tapped the first address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFairland owner is coming in at sixteen hundred. Lowell owner at seventeen thirty by phone. Marlowe owner is out of state but emailed documents. I\u2019ve got permit history, code complaints, sale offers, and contractors where available.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAny shared contractor?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot general contractor. Different people. Different permits. Different owners. That\u2019s why it took longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark\u2019s ears lifted slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rusk smiled without humor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut there are overlaps in the background noise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss handed Mark a folder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll three owners received purchase inquiries from RidgeMark Development or related brokers within the last four months.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat sounds motive-shaped.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt does,\u201d Voss said. \u201cBut don\u2019t marry it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crowe glanced at Gabriel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDating with subpoenas only.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI said one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd it survived. Unfortunately.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark flipped through the folder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRidgemark Development has been assembling properties along the corridor for a mixed-use redevelopment proposal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voss nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStill unofficial. No final city filings beyond preliminary inquiries. They\u2019re buying where they can. Some owners are selling. Some aren\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at the photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBurning resistant properties would pressure sales.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Voss said. \u201cIt would also be stupid, risky, and unnecessary if they have money and lawyers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rusk lifted his sandwich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNever discount stupid with resources.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel pointed at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGovernment slogan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crowe said, \u201cKeep both lanes open. Developer pressure, contractor access, cleanup companies, insurance, vandals, actual thieves. Evidence decides.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat did Valdez say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe\u2019s waiting for you at Fairland. Lab will take longer, but she has daylight observations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark closed the folder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen we start with fire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fairland looked worse in daylight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Night had made the damage dramatic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day made it specific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The side of the house was stained black around the utility door. Soot feathered up under the eave. The yard was trampled where fire crews had worked. Yellow tape moved slightly in the warm wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valdez stood near a folding evidence table under a canopy, camera hanging from her neck, hair pulled back tighter than the day before. Her turnout pants were dirty at the knees. Her department shirt had a smear of ash at the shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She looked up as they approached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDetectives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane stopped outside the marked path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMarshal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at the side entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDaylight did not improve it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Valdez said. \u201cBut it did make it more honest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark stepped beside the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat have you got?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valdez picked up a photo sheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPreliminary only. Origin remains utility-room lower west wall. Fire burned hot and fast in a small area, then started moving up the wall. Suppression stopped it before it got into the attic. No electrical source. Power confirmed disconnected by utility. Gas locked and verified.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She pointed at a close-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis residue was found low at the origin point. Could be remnants of cloth, plastic, and a container. I collected samples. Lab will tell us more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked at the photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cChemical odor was strongest there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valdez nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI noticed it too after overhaul cleared enough smoke. Not gasoline. Not heavy petroleum. More like solvent. Could be paint thinner, adhesive remover, certain construction cleaners, or something similar.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark typed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCommon on renovation sites.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly. Which is useful and annoying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel said, \u201cA suspect pool of everyone with a garage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valdez gave him a brief look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd a hardware store.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWorse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She picked up another photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCopper removal. The cuts were made with a small tubing cutter, not random tearing. Clean enough to be deliberate. But the piece removed was short and visible. Other accessible copper remained untouched.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSame at Lowell and Marlowe?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLowell yes. I reviewed those photos this morning. Marlowe is less clear because the garage damage was old and the initial scene wasn\u2019t preserved as suspicious, but the visible section missing is similar.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane looked toward the utility door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCould a small fire be meant to look like a warming fire or accident?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valdez nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt Marlowe, yes. At Lowell, maybe. At Fairland, no. This one was more deliberate, or whoever is doing it is escalating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crowe had told them not to marry arson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The evidence was starting to bring flowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valdez leaned one hip against the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeople think arson is always rage. Sometimes it\u2019s paperwork with a flame.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel went still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane watched Valdez\u2019s face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese aren\u2019t wild fires. They\u2019re contained enough to avoid immediate catastrophe if discovered early, but dangerous enough to trigger reports, insurance, owner panic, neighborhood pressure, contractor calls, board-up, cleanup, maybe sale decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel\u2019s voice lost its humor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAdministrative fire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSometimes. Maybe not here. But the pattern makes me wonder who benefits from damage that looks criminal but stays manageable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cA developer trying to lower purchase resistance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane added, \u201cA contractor creating repair work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel said, \u201cA cleanup company creating cleanup.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valdez pointed at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark typed faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valdez looked toward the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOr someone angry at redevelopment who wants attention without casualties. Or an actual thief who is bad at copper but consistent at fire. Don\u2019t narrow too soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVoss said the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Listen to her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel glanced at Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEveryone keeps telling us not to make up our minds.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cBecause you enjoy narrative completion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drew Nance looked like a man who had gotten into rental property because a podcast made it sound easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was thirty-seven, clean-shaven, pressed shirt, expensive watch, and tired eyes. He sat in Interview Room Two with a bottle of water he hadn\u2019t opened and a folder of documents held too tightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel took the lead because anger often opened better for him than for Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane sat beside him anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark observed with the documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is not an accusation,\u201d Gabriel said. \u201cWe\u2019re trying to understand who had access, who had conflict, and who knew the property was vacant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nance nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI get it. I mean, I don\u2019t get any of this, but I understand why you\u2019re asking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFair distinction.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark said, \u201cWho had keys?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMe. My contractor, Rob Ellis. The city inspector had access by lockbox when scheduled. That\u2019s it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLockbox code?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nance winced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSame one I use on all my properties.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nance immediately said, \u201cI know. I\u2019m changing it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel kept his tone easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAny recent disputes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nance laughed without humor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhich category?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStart with loudest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNeighbors hate the remodel. They think I\u2019m turning the house into a short-term rental. I\u2019m not. Maybe later, but not right now. Contractor\u2019s behind. Costs are up. Code officer keeps tagging the porch railing. Insurance is asking for photos every ten minutes. And RidgeMark keeps trying to buy it for less than I have in it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane\u2019s attention sharpened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRidgeMark.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nance nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah. Some broker called twice, then emailed. Offered cash, fast close. Lowball. I said no.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAny threats?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot threats. Pressure. \u2018Properties in that corridor are becoming difficult for small owners.\u2019 \u2018Renovation costs are likely to rise.\u2019 \u2018Vacancy risk is increasing.\u2019 Stuff like that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSounds like a warning wearing a tie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nance pointed at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark made a note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAny cleanup or board-up companies involved before the fire?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nance frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBefore? Not for fire. I had someone come by about securing the property after a break-in scare.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane kept still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat break-in scare?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThree weeks ago, I got a call from a neighbor that the side door looked open. It wasn\u2019t damaged, just not latched right. I called a company to check doors, windows, that kind of thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark asked, \u201cCompany name?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nance looked through his email on his phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBriggs Restoration and Recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark\u2019s typing paused for one fraction of a second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel saw it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So did Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nance looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust getting it right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nance turned the phone toward them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBriggs did a vacant-property security check. Boarded one rear window, recommended motion lights, sent me a quote for ongoing checks. I didn\u2019t sign up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark wrote the invoice number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDid they use a van?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhite van, I think. With magnetic signs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thane\u2019s jaw tightened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel leaned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWho from Briggs?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGuy named Caleb. Caleb Briggs? Maybe owner\u2019s son? I can forward the invoice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nance looked at the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs this connected?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabriel did not answer too quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t know yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was the honest answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nance hated it because honest answers were rarely comforting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At 17:26, while waiting for the Lowell owner\u2019s call, Thane stepped into the hallway and checked his phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silas had texted from Station 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Approved volunteer time. Rolling hose. Reaves says I am less abusive to hose now.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Progress.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A second message came in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaughn says Practicing Firefighter Wolf has improved hose empathy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane replied:<\/p>\n\n\n\n That title is spreading.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Silas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am aware.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, after a pause:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Firefighters are talking about vacant house fires. I am not asking questions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane stared at the message for a second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel appeared beside him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane showed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel\u2019s expression softened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark joined them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane showed him too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cClean boundary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane typed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proud of you. Not yours.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Silas replied quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I know. This is mine today.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Then a picture came through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A hose roll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reaves\u2019s boot stood at the edge of the photo, and someone had taped a small note to the concrete beside the hose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LESS RUDE TO HOSE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark looked at the photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat roll is acceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane typed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Acceptable hose wolf.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Silas replied:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not combine titles.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel took Thane\u2019s phone and typed before Thane could stop him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Too late.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Silas sent back only:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I know that was Gabriel.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel looked offended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe knows my voice in text.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark said, \u201cEveryone does.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane took the phone back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He did not ask Silas about Station 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silas did not ask about the fires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both facts mattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through the hallway window, the afternoon light had started to tilt toward evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Work waited on both sides of town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Different work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clean lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marion Webb answered the phone on the third ring and began the call already angry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI told the first officer this wasn\u2019t right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel put her on speaker with permission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Voss sat in for the call because Lowell had happened on day shift\u2019s earlier watch, and because Voss disliked gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019re reviewing that now, Ms. Webb,\u201d Voss said. \u201cTell us what concerned you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy late husband was a plumber. I know what copper theft looks like. They didn\u2019t strip the house. They took one little piece from where anybody could see it, then somehow a fire starts right there? That isn\u2019t theft. That\u2019s somebody insulting my intelligence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel glanced at Mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark was already typing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWho had access to the Lowell property?\u201d Gabriel asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMe, my nephew, the contractor I fired, and whatever code people went by.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy did you fire the contractor?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe stopped showing up. Then he wanted more money. Then Ridgemark started calling me like vultures in dress shoes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Voss\u2019s eyes sharpened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRidgemMark contacted you too?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThree times. Offered less than the land\u2019s worth. Told me vacant houses attract trouble. Then trouble showed up. You tell me how that sounds.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane leaned closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDid you have anyone inspect or secure the property before the fire?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes. Briggs Restoration. They came out after somebody broke a rear window. Boarded it up. Nice enough man. Too chatty.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark\u2019s pen stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat was his name?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCaleb.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel looked at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane kept his face still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marion continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe told me I should consider selling before the corridor got worse. Said small owners get eaten alive in redevelopment zones. I told him I\u2019d been married to a plumber for forty-one years and wasn\u2019t scared of a man with a clipboard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rusk, listening from the corner, whispered, \u201cI like her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Voss ignored him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDid Caleb say who you should sell to?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot directly. Mentioned Ridgemark was buying. Said they had cash. Said cash was simpler than fighting vacancy, vandals, and fire risks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Voss\u2019s face went still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFire risks?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s what he said. I thought he meant generally. Then my utility room burned three days later.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The room settled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel\u2019s voice stayed gentle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMs. Webb, do you have any invoices, emails, or texts from Briggs?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI kept everything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWould you forward them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI already did to the first officer. I\u2019ll send them again because apparently paper has to knock twice before people open the door.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rusk whispered, \u201cI love her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark said, \u201cPlease do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marion was not done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd you can tell whoever did this that if they wanted to scare me into selling, they should have started with someone easier.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI believe they\u2019re learning that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The neighborhood activist was not what Gabriel expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He expected a bullhorn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe a handmade sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possibly a person who said \u201ccommunity\u201d like it had teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evelyn Harrow did have signs, but they were stacked neatly in her front hallway by topic and date. She was in her late sixties, tall, with silver hair braided down her back and the brisk manner of someone who had attended too many city meetings to fear anyone with a title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her living room contained maps, binders, and a framed photo of the neighborhood from 1978.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She invited them in, looked at Thane\u2019s shoulders, and said, \u201cDo not break the Morris chair.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane looked at the chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ll stand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood choice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019re looking into the fires on Fairland, Lowell, and possibly Marlowe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evelyn\u2019s face hardened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo now they interest you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark said, \u201cThey interest us now because there is a clearer pattern.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAt least you didn\u2019t say isolated incidents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey may still be isolated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel slowly turned toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evelyn stared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, unexpectedly, she laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re honest. Annoying, but honest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFrequently.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She motioned toward the dining table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSit where you fit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane stood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evelyn opened a binder labeled CORRIDOR PRESSURE \u2014 PROPERTY CONTACTS<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel looked at the label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou have binders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have survived three rezoning fights and a drainage lawsuit. Of course I have binders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark\u2019s eyes changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not emotionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Professionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He respected a binder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evelyn noticed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou can look if your paws are clean.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark lifted both paws slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She slid the binder to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The next twenty minutes were useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Very useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evelyn hated Ridgemark Development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She did not hide it. She called them \u201cpolished scavengers\u201d and \u201curban renewal in expensive shoes.\u201d She believed they wanted the east corridor cheap, quiet, and empty of anyone without legal counsel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That made her sound like a suspect for about six minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then Gabriel asked where she had been during the Fairland fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAt the library board meeting, arguing about roof leaks. Twelve people can confirm. I spoke for fourteen minutes and was gaveled down twice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark checked the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That ended that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Evelyn had photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She had dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She had copies of letters owners had shared with her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She had a spreadsheet printed in color because \u201csome people need shame highlighted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She also had a photo of a white van outside the Lowell property four days before the fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not the night of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the van had a rear passenger brake light with red tape over a crack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And a faint rectangle on the driver\u2019s door where a magnetic sign had been removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane leaned closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCan we get a copy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evelyn looked offended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI already printed three.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel accepted the photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo. I\u2019m tired of being ignored.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n That landed differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel\u2019s smile faded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019re listening now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evelyn studied him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then nodded once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark pointed at a name in the binder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBriggs Restoration and Recovery appears in your notes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes. They\u2019ve been sniffing around almost as much as Ridgemark.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOffering vacant-property checks, board-up, cleanup, security recommendations. They show up after broken windows, loose doors, complaints. Sometimes before owners even know there\u2019s a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane looked at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBefore?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evelyn nodded sharply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMarlowe\u2019s owner lives in Colorado. Briggs left a flyer after the garage window broke. Owner told me he hadn\u2019t even been notified yet. How does a company know faster than the owner unless somebody tells them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark made a note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCould be scanner traffic. Could be code complaint records. Could be neighborhood reporting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCould be,\u201d Evelyn said. \u201cOr could be a man creating his own weather and selling umbrellas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel went still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane looked at the binder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A fire wearing theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paperwork with flame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather and umbrellas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Different words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Same smoke line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evelyn slid another sheet across the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHere. List of everyone who told me Ridgemark contacted them, and anyone who said Briggs came by. I don\u2019t know who\u2019s burning things. I know who benefits when people get scared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Voss would like that sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because it did not pretend to be proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It pointed toward a road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane picked up the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evelyn looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m not doing this for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel smiled faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m doing it because I don\u2019t want my neighborhood turned into a balance sheet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe can work with documents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the first time, Evelyn smiled at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI bet you can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The case expanded without becoming clearer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That was the cruel trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More information did not always produce answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes it produced hallways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By 20:15, Night Shift had:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three suspicious fires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three properties in the redevelopment corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three owners contacted by RidgeMark or related brokers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three properties touched by Briggs Restoration and Recovery before or after recent \u201csecurity\u201d concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One white panel van seen near Fairland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One likely matching van photographed near Lowell days before the fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One Marlowe owner who confirmed by email that Briggs had quoted him for board-up and cleanup services two weeks before his detached garage burned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No direct witness to ignition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No lab results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No confession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No warrant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe stood in the bullpen, reading the update off Mark\u2019s tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is both better and worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBetter because pattern. Worse because pattern has friends.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane looked at the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRidgemark has motive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark said, \u201cBriggs has access and operational opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cContractors have access too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes. But not across all three.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel leaned against the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRidgemark pressures owners. Briggs shows up to secure properties. Fires happen. Owners panic. Somebody gets paid. Somebody maybe sells.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s a theory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEvidence?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnnoyingly pending.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThen annoyingly don\u2019t act like it\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDating only.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe closed her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI hate that I understand the callback.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patel walked in with a flash drive in one hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDoorbell footage from Marlowe\u2019s neighbor. Old, but they had cloud backup.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark stood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRelevant?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMaybe. White van. No plate. Same bad brake light or same universe mocking us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel pointed at Patel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSee? Wednesday had intentions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patel looked confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark took the drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIgnore him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They loaded the video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marlowe\u2019s camera angle was poor. The timestamp was six weeks old. The van was partially blocked by a tree and washed by afternoon sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But it was white.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High-roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No visible logo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A rectangular clean patch on the driver\u2019s door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A dent near the rear wheel well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And when the van slowed near the curb, the rear passenger brake light flashed weak and uneven through red tape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel\u2019s humor drained away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s the same van.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark did not answer immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He placed the Fairland still beside it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then Lowell\u2019s photo from Evelyn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three imperfect angles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three nights and days that had not known they were related until someone placed them in the same room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is strongly consistent,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMark.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark exhaled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes. It is very likely the same van.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe leaned in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCan we tie it to Briggs?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot yet,\u201d Mark said. \u201cBut Briggs operates white work vans. Public photos on their website show magnetic door signs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel opened his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe said, \u201cNo warrant based on vibes and website aesthetics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t going to say that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou were.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI was going to say maybe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane looked at the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat do we have for Caleb Briggs?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark had already started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCaleb Briggs. Thirty-four. Field operations manager for Briggs Restoration and Recovery. Son of owner Daniel Briggs. Prior misdemeanor assault nine years ago, dismissed after deferred. Civil lawsuits involving billing disputes, no convictions. Company does board-up, smoke cleanup, water mitigation, vacant property securing, emergency response, light demolition, and post-loss restoration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patel whistled softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s a lot of reasons to be near damaged property.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOr a lot of legitimate explanations,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhich is why we do not kick doors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane looked at the van images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCan we get company fleet records?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark said, \u201cVoluntary request first. Subpoena if refused. Also business registration, insurance claims, job invoices, any GPS if their fleet uses tracking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel said, \u201cInterview Caleb?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe looked at Voss, who had entered during the video review and stood quietly near the doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Voss considered it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot tonight unless you\u2019re ready. If he\u2019s our guy, a casual contact tips him. If he\u2019s not, we may need his records. Start with records. Talk to owners. Lock footage. Get Valdez\u2019s fire reports connected. Find the van without letting the van know it\u2019s interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rusk appeared behind her with coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStalk the van emotionally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel turned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou can say that but I can\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rusk shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSeniority.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy are you still here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rusk lifted the coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cForgot this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Voss said, \u201cThat is your third forgotten coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHydration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark said, \u201cCoffee is not\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane touched his arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLet it go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark looked pained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But he did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mostly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At 21:07, Silas texted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leaving Station 3. Approved volunteer time complete. Going home. No stops.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reaves says my hose roll is acceptable. Vaughn says I am less rude to hose. Ortiz says back line was good.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good work. Come home safe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Silas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pack.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pack.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel watched him put the phone away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe\u2019s okay not asking?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark looked at the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe understands the boundary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel\u2019s voice softened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t always.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo,\u201d Thane said. \u201cHe didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe looked at them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood. Keep it that way. If this turns into arson tied to vacant properties, defense counsel would enjoy arguing that your recently convicted former burglar with property-crime history had informal access to investigative details.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane\u2019s jaw tightened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe doesn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI know. Make sure the file shows the line stayed clean.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt will.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel looked toward the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSilas gets hoses, cabinets, trees, and not this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane said, \u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was not punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Silas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For whatever truth waited under the smoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The break came from paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark trusted paper more than people because paper usually lied less creatively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At 22:36, he sat at the bullpen table with three owner files, four invoices, two emailed quotes, public contractor records, and Evelyn Harrow\u2019s printed spreadsheet with shame highlighted in yellow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel stood behind him eating vending-machine pretzels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane leaned against the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe had gone back to command but left them with the instruction, \u201cWake me only if the building is on fire or the case becomes less stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark had taken that personally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He wanted the case less stupid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He started with dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marlowe: broken garage window reported April 28. Briggs quote April 29. Fire May 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lowell: rear window broken June 10. Briggs board-up June 11. Fire June 14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fairland: side door found open June 29. Briggs security check June 30. Fire July 20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But rhythm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then he looked at billing language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marlowe: Vacant property assessment. Board-up estimate. Fire\/water mitigation availability noted.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lowell: Rear window board-up. Utility-room access observed. Optional copper security recommendation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fairland: Side-entry inspection. Utility area noted. Recommend owner consider emergency-response retainer due corridor risk.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel leaned closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark held up one claw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel stopped chewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark opened the Fairland invoice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then Lowell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then Marlowe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He highlighted one phrase in each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Due corridor risk.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Corridor risk.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Increased corridor risk profile.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane stepped forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey used the same language?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCould be template.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark opened Ridgemark\u2019s purchase email to Nance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sentence sat in the middle of the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given the increased risk profile in the east corridor, our client believes a cash purchase may be the simplest path forward.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel\u2019s voice went low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere it is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark did not smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He opened Marion Webb\u2019s forwarded email from Ridgemark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vacancy, vandalism, and corridor risk may continue to affect cost exposure for small owners.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Then Marlowe\u2019s email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our offer reflects current corridor risk and anticipated mitigation costs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane stared at the words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Corridor risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Administrative fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather and umbrellas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark pulled up Briggs\u2019s website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One service page used the same phrase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Briggs Restoration and Recovery provides responsive mitigation support for properties affected by vandalism, vacancy exposure, and corridor risk.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel leaned both paws on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s not normal, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark\u2019s eyes stayed on the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is specialized language.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMark.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo. It\u2019s not normal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane pointed at the Ridgemark emails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCould RidgeMark and Briggs be coordinating?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCould be shared industry language.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel said, \u201cDo not say that like you believe it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don\u2019t believe it. I\u2019m preserving the possibility.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane looked at the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPull corporate connections.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark was already typing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public records were not always fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They were, however, patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Briggs Restoration and Recovery was owned by Daniel Briggs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ridgemark Development was managed by Ridgemark Holdings LLC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ridgemark Holdings had a registered agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That agent represented twenty-seven LLCs, which meant nothing by itself except that corporate law enjoyed nesting dolls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark kept digging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel stopped eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane pushed away from the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At 22:58, Mark found a permit attachment from a planning commission packet three months old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not an official development filing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A preliminary contractor interest list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Companies that had attended a corridor redevelopment information session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RidgeMark Development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Briggs Restoration and Recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several demolition companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two environmental firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A civil engineer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But it placed them in the same room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark printed it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel looked at the sheet as it came out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s thin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut not nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane studied the line items again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBriggs was at all three properties before the fires.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWithin days.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRidgemark contacted all three owners before or after Briggs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSame risk language.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel looked at the van images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd the same van shows up near all three.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cVery likely same van.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ll take it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane\u2019s eyes moved from photo to invoice to map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The case did not solve itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cases rarely had the decency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But now the smoke had lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not straight lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not clean lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enough to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe returned at 23:10 because Patel had apparently told her Mark had \u201cthe look,\u201d and command staff feared Mark\u2019s look the way ordinary people feared weather alerts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She read the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read the invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read the Ridgemark emails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read the Briggs website printout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then looked at Night Shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat can we prove tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThree fire-damaged properties in the corridor had prior contact from Briggs Restoration and Recovery. Three had Ridgemark purchase pressure using similar risk language. Three had staged or potentially staged copper removal. A very likely same white panel van appears near all three before or near the fire events. We cannot yet prove who drove it, who ignited anything, or whether Ridgemark and Briggs are coordinating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood answer. Next steps?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel said, \u201cFleet records. Owner interviews. Ridgemark contact timeline. Briggs job records. Identify Caleb\u2019s van. Find plate. Valdez lab. See if any other corridor properties got the same pitch and haven\u2019t burned yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe looked at Thane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd if you find properties with the same pitch?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane\u2019s voice was low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe warn without tipping suspects. Directed patrol. Fire awareness. Quiet owner contacts. No panic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crowe nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo it. Work the pattern, not your anger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane accepted that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He was angry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not loudly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not dangerously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But vacant houses were not harmless just because no one slept there. Fire moved. Smoke moved. Neighbors breathed. Firefighters entered. Children watched from sidewalks. Old women kept binders because nobody listened fast enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Someone was turning risk into money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not proven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark taped the three van images beneath the three addresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel added the owner contact dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane drew no lines on the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lines had to earn ink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But he could see them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fairland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lowell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marlowe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ridgemark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Briggs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Corridor risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabriel stood beside him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s either terrible luck\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thane looked at the blackened photo of Fairland\u2019s utility room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOr somebody\u2019s business model.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n No one laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The board did not answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But for the first time, the smoke had direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By sunrise, the Fairland fire had become a folder. Not a solved folder. Not even a confident folder. Just a folder thick enough to prove the night had not been imagining things. Mark did not like folders that could not decide what they were. He sat at the briefing table at 06:32 with his tablet, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":1,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-715","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-wolf-detectives"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=715"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":721,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions\/721"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=715"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=715"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/threewerewolves.com\/nightshift\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=715"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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