I always knew the fireplace would be a problem. Jake obsessed with fire and he hated to clean. Or at least said he always ‘forgot’ to clean. I was left with making sure the chimney was clean and nothing easily ignitable was within a few feet of the fire.
The night I came home with the firetrucks filling my front yard, I already had a good idea of what had happened and I wasn’t surprised. Jake’s past had finally caught up with him, but at least the police would never know about the accelerant I had left in the chimney.
This is a Friday Fictioneers post and more can be found here.
Standing Room Only 
Kind of a hard way to end a fine. Well told.
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By: Bill on November 19, 2021
at 4:39 am
They do now! Nice one.
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By: Keith's Ramblings on November 19, 2021
at 7:37 am
Wow. I felt sorry for her right up until the end! And she may be surprised. when the fire inspectors take a look up the chimney. It’s amazing what they can learn these days.
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By: granonine on November 20, 2021
at 12:25 pm
Dear DIY,
At some point the crime will catch up. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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By: rochellewisoff on November 21, 2021
at 6:26 am
Whoops. She can always try to blame the accelerant on Jake and his obsession when it is found out.
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By: GHLearner on November 22, 2021
at 9:18 am
Oh dear….that sounds too professional!
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By: Ain Starlingsson, forestbathing hermit on November 24, 2021
at 2:32 am