Things Aren't Always What They Seem

8

"May I take some of these plates away?" An older lady in a pale blue uniform asked.

Up until then, Lainie hadn't noticed the mountain of empty plates and glasses scattered on the table between them. Johnny had a very healthy appetite; how do you manage to stay so slim? Now they were continuing to enjoy their conversation over the remnants of a couple of cups of coffee.

"Oh Geez, I didn't realize it was so late." Lainie looked up at Johnny with worried eyes.

"It's ok, it's an all-night diner." He was having a marvelous time just chatting with her and he didn't want that feeling to end.

"Oh, Johnny I know but if I don't hurry, I'll miss the last bus." She bit her bottom lip in frustration.

"Oh, whew, so it isn't the company you're trying to get away from then huh?" His tone was flirtatious.

She batted her lashes as she curled a few stray hairs behind her left ear. "Never…..but I really must go."

"I understand….or I could always take you home." Suddenly he threw both hands up palms facing out. "Just to drop you off, that's all." His smile was sincere and she knew it. She was beginning to trust him.

"I appreciate the offer and all but…not this time, ok?"

He felt a little defeated but something in her tone made his ears perk up. "Not this time…..but maybe next time?"

"Sure, I'd like that."

His trademark grin over took his face again and he was momentarily lost in those sea foam eyes. She pulled some tip money out of her purse and headed to the cash register to pay. Johnny hated that. He wanted so badly to pick up her check; in fact it was a little demasculinizing to have his date pay for her own dinner. But, after spending some time with her, he was just beginning to understand why she wanted tonight to happen the way that it did. He wouldn't push her; they'd take it at her pace. He could already tell that she was worth it.

E!

In the predawn hours as most of the city slept, a young man walked nonchalantly down the street of his neighborhood. He passed the corner store where he purchased his beer and cigarettes. He continued past the shop where he'd gotten his latest tattoo. He continued into the blackness to the more rundown section. There, he found an old abandoned three-story store. Most of the glass had been broken out and the remaining contents decayed. The roof was barely intact on the top floor which was originally used as a residence. The remaining two floors were in a little better shape and on rainy nights offered a little shelter for some of the homeless in the area. He looked up and down the street in both directions before climbing through the broken window.

Once inside, he opened up his jacket and began pulling out several pieces of old clothing and a fresh can of lighter fluid. He made short work of piling the clothing up in a corner in the back of the building; away from the street and any on-lookers. He saturated the pile with most of the lighter fluid and then snaked a trail along the edge of the wall close to a small ally door he'd found. This would allow him time for his escape. He tossed the now empty can into the pile of clothing as he stood in the back doorway and lit his cigarette. He needed to smell the smoke and watch how he controlled the burn of the cigarette. He took a long drag enjoying how the rolling paper and tobacco turned to ash by the speed at which he inhaled. Finally, he could stand it no more. He inhaled one last deep drag and then dropped the cigarette down at the beginning of the length of lighter fluid. He released an evil grin as he blew the smoke out of his lungs at the same time as the lighter fluid ignited. It was as if he had become the fire-breathing dragon he now had so prominently displayed on the left side of his chest.

He didn't wait to watch the building burn. He began the long walk back to his apartment. He had not yet made it half-way when he heard the sirens wailing as they headed in his direction. He stood at the corner and waited as the engine and squad with the number '51' on the sides passed by him; none of the firefighters had any idea that the young man standing at the intersection had deliberately started the fire they were now racing to contain.

"Have fun, fellas," he spoke into the night as he watched the emergency vehicles make one final turn before coming face to face with another blaze.

E!

The captain of 'B' shift at Station 51 began issuing orders as soon as the vehicles came to a stop. The three story structure was fully involved. He considered requesting assistance but decided against it. The structures on either side of the now burning one were nothing but brick shells now anyway. Time had taken its toll on the old buildings in this part of the city. His men could handle it; especially since there was nothing to save and no one to be rescued. Law enforcement officers were on scene to keep bystanders from becoming victims. There were very few of them anyway.

By the time the last of the flames were out and overhaul had begun, the former structure was nothing but a smoldering heap. All three floors had collapsed. It was easy to see that the fire had ignited in the back of the building. It was also easy to determine that there was no usual source of accidental ignition. Once again, this fire was a deliberate act much like the others. However, this fire would be different in a significant way.

During overhaul, one of the crewmen had found what was left of a small metal can. Although the outside was completely charred it was obvious that it was a lighter fluid can. One other important item was also discovered during overhaul that had everyone on 'B' shift alarmed.

Paramedic Bellingham was working as a linesmen again on this call since it didn't involve a rescue. "Cap, over here!" He called out in a distressed voice that brought the rest of his crewmates running. The ashen appearance of his smut covered face told his Captain that something was terribly wrong. Looking down, the older man nearly gagged at the site of charred human remains.