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sexy.”
    Arson shuffled his feet.
    Breaking the awkward tension, Mandy jumped to a softer subject. “So what’s the best flavor to try today?”
    He was glad she stopped prying, but in the back of his mind, he wondered how long he’d be able to keep his secret from her. He didn’t like the feeling of someone looking deeply into him like that, like some kind of specimen. With a sigh, Arson led Mandy inside. The place was dead. “I’d suggest the Chocolate Crunch,” he said.
    â€œSounds like a good choice,” Mandy replied plainly. “I’ll give it a try.”
    Arson went behind the counter and scooped two chunks of ice cream into a cone and handed it to her.
    She accepted it, eyeing him from where she stood. “Thanks.”
    â€œCome back down to earth, you sappy twerp.” Chelsea always had a way with words. She began typing numbers into the register and coughed with an open hand extended toward Mandy.
    The blonde goddess reached into her pockets and searched for spare change, but her hands emerged empty. “Oh my gosh. I can’t believe it. Forgot my wallet.” She looked at Arson. “Do you think you can let this one slide? I’ll pay you back.”
    â€œNo, you won’t,” Chelsea quipped angrily. “Do you stroll into the mall without any cash and hope they’ll let you walk out with a nice pair of jeans? You can’t just walk into a store broke and expect free ice cream. I’m getting my manager.”
    Arson stopped her. “Wait a second. What are you doing?”
    â€œPlease don’t tell me you’re buying into her story. We both know she’s got it.”
    â€œC’mon, Chelsea. Ray’s been on my case all day. Let this one slide, okay? I swear I’ll put the money in the register at the end of my shift, make sure everything evens out.”
    â€œGuys are so weak. Whatever.” Chelsea’s face was over-smudged with makeup, but it wasn’t enough to hide her disgust. She moved to the other side of the counter and started washing tables in order to look busy.
    â€œImpressive,” Mandy said. “You’re quite the talker.”
    â€œOh, that’s me, a smooth criminal.”
    â€œThank you, Arson. I owe you one,” she said with a wink.

 
    Chapter 7
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    ARSON NOTICED A MOVING truck parked outside the property next door that night. The abandoned house had been on the market for over a year. It was eerie, as if clothed in sorrow, its shingles loosed by wind and rain and sadness. Vacant and unredeemed, the structure had turned away many hopeful buyers over that time. He knew the house was ill with something. Grandma had gotten used to its dead glow, its dilapidated, fading, and crippled shape, but somehow he never could.
    Arson watched shadows glide across the withered lawn. He paused for a moment on his slow walk back to the cabin to see people moving in. At first all he could make out was the shape of a slender woman. She appeared worn and unsettled by fatigue. He looked closer. Red hair lay fastened in place by a casual pin. The business air she had about her reminded him of those career types Grandma droned on about. The woman worked vigorously but dragged her feet as she walked. There appeared to be something not right with her.
    He shifted his eyes for a moment to a green station wagon, an older model with rust encasing the trim, wheel wells, and back bumper. The dent on the front panel was a real eyesore. A rundown sedan sat beside it. What stunned him most, however, was the license plate. Beneath the white and light blue colors by which all Connecticut license plates were identified, read GDBLESU. Whether it was the cynic in him or a sense of faithlessness, Arson was grieved by it. The last thing he expected or desired was a band of religious nuts moving into his quiet corner of the world.
    After a moment, he saw a girl. He couldn’t get a clear view of