In the charred crater that was once a glen, the temperature seemed ten degrees hotter. The smoke and ashes swirled with each blow of the wind, filling the air with soot that clogged Decker’s lungs and burned his eyes. He felt as if he were viewing a grainy black-and-white movie.

“Wonder how chimney sweeps do it,” Annie said. “And I had the good sense to wear a white blouse.” She shrugged. “At least it’s washable—easier to clean than my lungs. Where should I start?”

“First, we’ve got to get you a body to examine.” Decker watched as the jaws of life carefully stretched brittle metal, trying to pry apart the driver’s door. “I’d like to maintain the position of the body as much as possible. But they may have to cut part of it away to get it out. Charming, huh?”

“Are we talking body or bodies?”

“I hope to God it’s singular. Should know more once the package is opened.” Decker caught a wave of a hand out of the corner of his eye. “C’mon. Let’s go talk to the fire captain.”

They walked a few yards into the hub of activity. Deputies patrolling the area, fire fighters still wearing their yellow slickers, helmets, and boots, conferred. Decker wondered how they didn’t melt in the heat. Captain Donnell had taken off his helmet but still wore the protective gear. He was in his fifties, his face beefy and ruddy. He had hooded eyes, a bulbous nose, and thick lips. His smile was open and friendly.

Decker said, “Captain Donnell, Dr. Hennon.”

Captain Donnell shook Annie’s hand. “Call me Liam.”

“And you call me Annie.” She shrugged. “Now we’re all friends. Isn’t that nice?”

Donnell smiled. “We should have a body out for you in a jiffy, Annie. Have you been with the Coroner’s Office a long time?”

Decker said, “She’s not from the Coroner’s Office. She’s a forensic odontologist.”

“Just think of me as your tooth woman, Liam.” Annie turned to Decker. “And for your information, I do have an official appointment with the M.E.’s Office. Unpaid, to be sure, but that’s because I’m so altruistic.”

Decker smiled. “M.E. should be coming soon, Liam.”

Donnell said, “Maybe we’ll even have a body for him…her…whoever.”

Decker’s toe fell on a mound of ashes. “With the heat and winds, this canyon is a pit of kindling. How’d you boys contain the fire so rapidly?”