Possible Arson

"Central to Portable 2 the Fire Marshal is requesting your assistance at 1422 riverside ave. for a possible arson, there are 2 bodies inside. The fire was just put out, CSU and the ME are en route. Do you copy?"

*I sigh as I hear the call for us.*
"Portable 2 copies, Central. Enroute momentarily."
*I put my radio back in my jacket pocket and close the files on the computer. I upload the files from the interviews on my phone to the system and then send them to Hailey and Joey, the desk sergeant, and dectictive head quarters. I then close my window and put in my Yankees baseball cap. I let Woods know that we have a case before I head into the car. I put my sunglasses on and get ready to roll as I put on some music.*

*As we arrive on the scene, I get a pair of gloves and walk out. I see the building smoldering as I walk over to the FDNY IC. I put the gloves in my cargo pants pocket as I shake his hand.*
Me: 'Chief, I'm Detective Davis with the Major Crimes unit with the NYPD. We're here to investigate a possible lead on the cause being arson?'
Chief: 'Yeah, we have some possible accelerants at the back of the building. I'll take you over.'
Me: 'Thanks.'
*I follow the chief and then look at Woods.*
'Free lesson, Woods. Arson is always about insurance, or its a pyromaniac. The homeowners may have set it for the money and they want nothing to do with that, or its somebody who likes fire as a pyro. Stick around a small town fire department and you learn all sorts of things about fire.'

*i follow along and pay close attention to the Chief and Alex* 'Roger that'

*We get to the back of the rubble where engine 292 is still working as I nod to one of my old shipmates. I see its an old cellar as we look down at it. I notice several cans of paint lacquer as well as several lighters. I put my gloves on and pick them up, examining them. I notice a serial number on the bottom of several paint cans as I nod. I copy the number down and the store as I write down the address. I ask the chief to send me the paperwork once the reports are done the next day and he agrees. I do a mock salute to him and my former shipmate as we head back to the car.*

'All right, Woods, drive us to the hardware store and let's see if we can get a possible motive.'

*I spin the MDC computer to me and punch the address in as I do background checks on all of the occupants.*

*Walks to the car, starts the engine as Alex shuts his door and buckles up* 'Ok.'

*As we head over to the store, I sigh. I look at the little evidence that we have collected and look out the window.*

'It looks like its taking the insurance route. Let's pick up the homeowners and hit them with the evidence if we can.'

'good idea Alex' *We pull up to the store and i park the car*

*I get out of the car and tuck my Yankees cap into my cargo pocket as I walk inside. I flash my shield at the homeowner before pressing it into the counter. I pull out my notebook to get the number for the lacquer.*

Me: 'Sir, I'm detective Davis with the NYPD Major Crimes Unit. This is detective Woods. We have some questions about some products that we sold from your store.'

Worker: 'Um, I don't know. My boss Mr. Jacobson is mixing paint. If you'd like I could get him...'

Me: 'Please.'

*I look at Woods as the worker goes to get his boss.*

'You're bad cop and tough guy, when I nudge you, have at him, all right?'

*Looks at the door*
Me:'Sure thing.'
*The worker and his boss walk out.*

*I nod as the owner walks over to me. I press my shield against the counter as I take out my notebook.*

Me: 'Sir, I'm Detective Davis and this is Detective Woods with the Major Crimes unit of the NYPD. Now, we have some questions about a fire that occurred a few hours ago.'

Owner: 'Ok, how can I help?'

Me: 'Ok then sir, can you tell me your name?'

Owner: 'John Melville.'

Me: 'Ok, Mr. Melville. Do you sell paint lacquer here?'

Melville: 'Yes, we do. We sell several different kinds. Why do you ask?'

Me: 'Well sir, I'm asking because this was used in a fire earlier today. Also, as you know, lacquer is an accelerant. My question is who bought it?'

Melville: 'We sell a lot of it...'

*I nudge Woods as I get ready for him to start playing tough guy.*

'Sir, if someone burned down a house, we need to know who and if they want to burn something else.'

*I slam my badge against the table ~
Me: ' we need to know who bought the pain lacquer with this item number' *hands him a pic of the item number*
Owner: *shakes a little bit*