There was no better place to start than the school. I got there just as the bell was ringing. I saw Jacob, Emily, and the rest of the third graders heading into class taught by Richard Bell, the assistant principal. “I thought you were done with the quilt project in school,” Mr. Bell said. “I am. I’m just here to help Charlie.” No point in lying. Mr. Bell shook his head. “I don’t get it. Burning his house for the insurance money, and he seemed like such a nice guy.” “He is a nice guy.” “Oh, I know, I just mean . . . My kid brother played on his team in high school. Best pitcher we ever had. Not good enough for the pros, but for Archers Rest, wow!” Mr. Bell smiled at the memory. “I’ll tell you, we had big plans for him at the school.” “What kind of big plans?” “Doesn’t matter now, does it?
