I watched various TV channel apps, waiting for the next nightly news assault. Arthur Simmons took viewers to that afternoon’s memorial service for a Victorian cricketer, once nearly good enough to play for Australia. ‘He died in his Linlithgow home,’ Arthur said. A face lift gave the impression his skin was strapped on with elastic bands. Behind him, a sad group of funeral attendees walked past signs denouncing the government. ‘The Minister for Sport sent his condolences.’

Oscar Lynch was interviewed again. Arthur Simmons told us his scar came from a childhood accidental burn. Since then, Oscar said he’d dedicated his life to finding the truth about fire.

‘It’s time Australians took arson more seriously!’ Oscar sounded like he wanted a desk to punch. ‘Arson costs two and a half billion dollars a year. Two and a half billion dollars!’

‘There are elements of the story we can’t discuss,’ Arthur commented, ‘because of ongoing investigations. But the community is fighting back. Australians are standing up for ourselves, identifying these antisocial arsonists and telling them, we don’t want you here. We want you locked up, where you belong.’

‘Many of these murderers—’ Oscar announced ‘—let’s call them what they are—’

‘Yes, let’s call them what they are.’ Arthur sounded pleased with this development.

‘Many of these murderers could be identified earlier, with proper monitoring,’ Oscar continued. ‘Offenders have characteristics in common. They’re young, male, with psychological problems. Very specific incidents in their past can be warning signs. Family problems.’

It wasn’t a secret code. People who knew us would know this profile matched Caleb.

‘Similarities have been drawn between this catastrophe and Black Saturday back in 2009. Even with the 9/11 terrorist attacks,’ Arthur said. ‘This time with firebugs as the culprits. Latest developments add millions of dollars to the costs of these tragic events. One of Melbourne’s water reservoirs will be decommissioned to avoid contaminating the water supply with ashes. The latest rumours are that a young CFA volunteer will be arrested some time today.’

My car radio carried equally distressing news. Apparently a few hours ahead of the TV coverage, the news station was covering a police press conference. Voices in the crowd carried over the radio. I imagined the rest. Bulbs flashing. The Australian flag shifting behind a podium. ‘Fires have burned many hectares of land, destroyed hundreds of homes, left a thousand homeless.’ The commissioner recited numbers like a multiplication table. ‘All open spaces in the fire zone and most destroyed houses have been checked for remains. Are there questions?’

‘What is the Prime Minister going to do to stop this?’ called out one voice.

‘The PM has made it clear he’ll help where he can but this is a state government issue.’

‘Fire isn’t stopping at the borders,’ somoeone muttered.

‘Sadie Riley. The Melbourne Herald,’ piped a too-familiar voice from the invisible audience. ‘So, we can expect murder charges to be made against the suspected arsonist?’