Because Bill had been a hoarder and his garage hadn’t been filled with cars. He should have checked out the house more thoroughly. “I know. I read the report ten times. I’m thinking about asking for a second opinion. There was an accelerant used, but it could easily have been the gas because while Bill was apparently prepping for the apocalypse or something, he didn’t use safety storage procedures. I’m going to sue that home inspector. I think I’ll sue Miranda, too.”

Lila’s eyes went wide. “Don’t you dare. She sent over the lemon cookies and they were incredible.”

“Those were ‘I hope you don’t sue me because I screwed you over’ cookies.”

“Regret and fear never tasted so good,” Lila replied with a shrug. “It’s fine. The insurance money should come in soon. I don’t think it was the Petries. I think maybe Carrie moving out proved to him that she was too much trouble. Maybe he realized how close he came to doing something that would have ruined his life. He apparently hasn’t even tried to contact her. I spoke to her yesterday and she’s good. She’s in therapy and talking about finding a job. She’s thinking of moving to Dallas.”

He could imagine that a change of scenery would do her good. “I’m glad for her, but I hope she plans on testifying against him. I would hate for him to get away with it.”

“I think she will. Scoot over. I have ten minutes before I have to leave.” Lila laid down next to him and put her head on his chest. “I think Bobby gets that he’s in trouble and he’ll start looking for another punching bag. You can let up. I know where the shotgun is, and I know how to use it. I’ve also taken self-defense.”

“I’ll think about it.” He hated the idea of someone out there waiting for his chance to get to her, but then, he was likely paranoid. The arson investigator had told him her house had been a bomb waiting to explode. Maybe she’d been damn lucky.

“Noelle’s first PT didn’t go well,” she said, her voice turning careful.

He looked down at her. “She said it was fine. She said the new massage therapist was nice.”

“The physical therapist didn’t think she was trying.”

“The therapist is wrong. She works hard.” She always had.

“I’ll go down today and check it out,” Lila promised. “Noelle told me the same thing. She said it was fine but nothing happened. She seemed very disappointed. Patience is the key here. This could be a long process.”

“That could yield absolutely nothing. You need to be patient with her, too. She’s settled her mind around being strong with what she has. Neither one of us knows what it’s like to be where Noelle is.”