Four-Alarm Blaze [Southern Heat 4] by Alexa Aaby Page B

destruction. The other three properties were so badly damaged they had been demolished to secure the safety of the public at large. Paying close attention to detail, the three of them conducted extensive observations, taking additional photos and documenting information they would later use to compare notes.
    After sifting through the burnt out remains of the most recent property fire, their fieldwork came to a close. Gathering together their findings, they hopped back into Nina’s car and returned to the station.
     
    * * * *
     
    Before heading back to her place, Nina received a dinner invitation from both Logan and Kyle.
    “I don’t know guys. We’ve had a pretty long day. Maybe we should go our separate ways and hook up again on Monday morning,” she said.
    “Don’t tell me you’re gonna make us dine alone? I mean, don’t get me wrong, Logan is good company, but I would much rather look into your pretty light brown eyes across the dining room table. Besides, you haven’t had a chance to sample my kitchen handiwork,” Kyle said.
    “I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity, Nina. He usually cooks for us here at the station. He’s pretty damned good at it, if you ask me,” Logan commented. Producing an enticing smile, he said, “Come on, Cali, it’s the least we can do to show our appreciation. After all, you’re working to rid our town of a maniac. Once he’s off the streets and things are back to normal, our jobs will be a lot easier. We owe you as much.”
    Nina began to smile back at them. “OK, who could possibly turn down that offer? You two have a date. Give me the address, and I’ll see you, say, around eight?”
    “That’s perfect,” Kyle told her.
    “I guess we’ll see you then,” Logan said.

Chapter Six
     
    Nina pulled up to 12466 Mountain View Lane at 8:10 p.m. After exiting her car, she took a moment to straighten her black sleeveless jeweled-neck dress. Her new ankle-strapped, black suede three-inch heels felt amazingly comfortable. The outfit gave her confidence, but she was still a bit nervous, rubbing her fingers against her black and silver pleated clutch purse.
    The large two-story country-style traditional farmhouse was breathtaking. Walking up the stairs to the front porch, she was taken with the design of the home. Seconds after she rang the bell, Logan opened the door. He was wearing black slacks and a crisp white dress shirt. The top two buttons were undone.
    He looked so good with his freshly shaven face and tousled hair, she almost forgot to speak. “I took a wrong turn on the street one block over, but I made it,” she said.
    “Well, it just makes you a little fashionably late,” he replied, smiling widely. “Come on in.”
    Logan directed Nina down the hallway that led into the open-concept kitchen where Kyle, dressed in a pair of dark brown slacks and a heather-colored pullover, was peeping in the oven. Like Logan, he also had just shaved. His thick hair was classically styled, combed back off from his face. He was busy adding the last few touches on dinner.
    “Something smells absolutely delicious,” she said. “My compliments to the chef.”
    “Well, thank you, my dear. I hope it tastes just as good,” Kyle replied. “Are you thirsty?”
    “I’ll do the honors. What will you have?” Logan asked.
    “A glass of white wine would be great,” she answered.
    He rubbed his hands together. “It’s coming right up.”
    After pouring drinks for the three of them, Logan gave Nina a tour of the first floor of the house and then offered her a seat at the bar adjacent to the kitchen area.
    “So what do you think? Do you like it?” he asked.
    “What’s not to like? You both have a gorgeous home,” Nina replied. “How long have you two lived here?”
    “We’ve been here for three years. We had it built from the ground up with ample room,” Kyle answered.
    “It had to be big enough to accommodate our women” Logan explained. “It was before we realized just