I cleared my throat putting down my glass, “Sorry I’m from the northwest. I am not used to such sweet tea. I normally just drink black coffee.” I wiped my mouth with a napkin as I continued, “Mrs. Abergathy you were saying? What did you happen to witness that caused you to be so fearful?”

She looked in her glass, eyebrows furrowed deep in thought, “Well dear, it was about 11pm last night. I happened to look outside my kitchen window. Noelle was not feeling well so she had left me to go to sleep earlier in the night. I was too restless. My body gets the shakes now and again late at night. Like it has some pent up energy just trying to get out.” 

She readjusted as her daughter grabbed her hand. “Mother.” She sighed as she smiled at her tiredly. “Ah yes yes. Not the point. Well I was looking out the window and saw a tall figure creeping around the side of Abbi’s house. Because she is a single 22 year old youngin I was worried something strange was going on. Sadly with my aging eyes I coudnt really tell you what the person looked like other than they were taller than Micah. Probably around the same build though. Alec looked at her rubbing a hand on his balding head. “Janice, are you sure you saw something? I know you ain’t been gettin out much.”

I chuckled nervously, man I really hate this. “I mean she could have seen someone out there. With how big the fire was I doubt Ms. Abigale did anything to accidentally start it. Unless you think she..”  My voice trailed off. I did know Abigale I did not want to assume she would do such a thing but no one ever truly knows what is going on in someone's life. She could have been very troubled for all her neighbours knew. Noelle shook her head and sighed softly, “Abbi and I were really close. We went ta school together. If she was ever thinking of anything like that, I think she would have told me.” She took a bite out of one of the sandwiches. She looked like she was struggling to remember something then shook her head again and took another bite.

“Unfortunately,” I said matter of factly, “sometimes even those closest to us do not reveal their deepest of secrets.” I also picked up a sandwich. I can’t remember the last time I had eaten. Was it two? No three days ago now? “Although even if she could have, I still think there might be some merit in someone else being the cause of this.”