Page 7 of Flash Freeze

Athena was accustomed to that reaction and wasn’t above using it to her advantage. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t attracted to men; she leaned into her feminine side because it enhanced her power. She’d spent over twenty years perfecting the game.

Director Smith made the introductions and assured Zapata and Bach that the FBI would work in conjunction with their departments to apprehend the guilty party. “Marshal Zapata?” Smith passed the torch to the distinguished, silver-haired man in a sharp uniform and starched shirt.

“Our investigation is still ongoing,” he began. “However, we have determined the origin of the fire.” He swiveled his chair to face a large screen. Mr. Smith’s assistant brought up the images.

Zapata used an extendable rod to point out the evidence. “This large generator, outside the office area. Something caused an explosion that blew into the office, igniting the fire. Hundreds of buildings in Houston use this type of generator, and I’ve never seen one simply explode. Fire Inspector Ballard is on scene with HPD crime scene investigators collecting evidence right now. I don’t believe this was an accident.”

“Neither does the Houston Police Department,” said Detective Bach. He leaned his elbows on the table, passing his gaze between Mr. Smith and Athena. “Four people died in the blaze. One was Jeff Nolan, a senior EPA compliance investigator, conducting a joint inspection with OSHA. Gulf Allied Chemicals has a spotty record and has been cited for safety and environmental violations over the years. The CEO, Charles Whitmore, has reported receiving threats from radical outfits, including the Green Resistance.”

“They do something with petroleum products, right?” Athena asked.

“Yes,” Zapata answered. “The publicly traded company has its headquarters in Houston but operates multiple facilities around the Gulf. This plant manufactures industrial solvents and oxidizers, both of which are highly flammable. Our firefighting crews were racing the flames to prevent a major disaster. If the stored chemicals had ignited, it would have been catastrophic.”

Again, Athena thought about Flash. Her insights would be useful, whether or not she’d fought that fire. This reminded her of just how dangerous her girlfriend’s job was. It wasn’t just getting cats out of trees and putting out backyard fires. It was explosive chemical plants, train wrecks, high-rise infernos, and battling hurricane-force winds to rescue idiots who refused to evacuate. Being a firefighter was far more hazardous than being shot at occasionally. An icy shiver ran through her.

“Now, it’s possible a mechanical problem with the generator caused the explosion and subsequent building fire,” Detective Bach admitted, “but I’m prone to think industrial sabotage or someone with a grudge against the company—maybe a disgruntled ex-employee.”

“We’ll consider all angles,” Athena said. “I need to see the scene and talk to people who were there.”

“Inspector Ballard is at Gulf Allied now,” said Zapata.

“I need to go over there too,” Bach added. He rubbed a hand across his scruff. Athena imagined it must itch. “Since we’re going to be working this case as a joint venture, Special Agent Bouvier, why don’t we drive over there together?”

She raised a brow at him, considering his offer. The only things she knew about him were that he smelled bad and was so overtaxed that he didn’t have time to shave. Neither inspired confidence.

“Thank you for the offer, Detective,” she said with a polite nod, “but I prefer the comfort of my own vehicle. It will save you from having to drive me back here when we’re done.”

Bach produced a half-hearted smile and nodded. “As you wish.”

“Do you plan to call in your team on this?” Mr. Smith asked.

“Agents Paulson and Howard are working a counterfeiting case, if my information is correct.” She’d been back less than twelve hours and already had a major investigation dropped in her lap. “I’ll call the others in when we have a better idea of what we’re dealing with.” At least the rest of her team could enjoy their Saturday.

Zapata said, “I’ll let Ballard know to expect you.”

“OK, folks, I’ll let you get to it. But keep a sharp eye out over there,” Mr. Smith charged. “If the perpetrator wanted to blow those tanks and create a veritable disaster, he might return to finish the job.”

“Yes, sir,” Athena replied.

From the luxury interior of her blue Lexus, Athena retouched her lipstick, then pulled out her cell to text Flash. She didn’t trust a phone call, knowing if she heard that sweet, lively voice teasing her ears, she’d be late to the crime scene.

Hey, sweetie. I caught a case. Explosion at Gulf Allied Chemicals killed a federal inspector. I’ll be a little late. Still on for a night together? Dinner and a movie?

She pushed the ignition button and waited a beat. Flash replied, I was there yesterday. It was a close call. A night with you? I don’t care how late—I’m not turning that down. Let me know where and when.

My place, she texted back. I’ll let you know when. Thanks. I missed you.

I missed you too. Snuffles sends kisses.

Oh, only the dog sends me kisses?

😂 You’ll be getting kisses and a lot more, silly woman. Go catch a bad guy.

Athena laughed and tucked her phone into her purse. Checking her rearview mirror, she shifted into full investigative mode. I wonder what we’ll find?

Chapter 4

When Athena pulled in, a police car, a fire department car, and several random automobiles dotted the parking lot on the damaged side of the main building. Under a cloudy sky, she didn’t need her sunglasses. The complex was massive, with towering tanks girded by metal scaffolding and linked by wide pipes. Athena shuddered at the thought of the consequences of an explosion in a chemical reactor containing methane, ammonia, or another volatile agent. Yet it hadn’t happened. A terrorist could have done far more damage, both to the plant and to Houston, by choosing a more explosive target than a generator.