My Apartment Burned Down. My Parents Said, “Not Our Problem.” Then the Fire Investigator Called.

of electrical failure. No frayed wires, no surge damage.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means someone helped that fire along.” He put his phone away. “I’ve been doing this for twenty-two years. I know what accidental looks like. This isn’t it.”

I wrapped my hands around my coffee cup, needing the warmth. “So what happens now?”

“Now I ask questions.” His eyes continue reading …