Burn the House Down

Did you hear what happened to the old house on Birch Street?

No, what?

It burned down.

Burned down? How?

Nobody knows for sure. People are saying it was arson.

Arson? That place was empty for years. Who would bother?

That’s what everyone’s asking. But there were lights on the night before.

Lights? You’re serious?

As a heart attack. I saw it myself.

You were there?

Well, I was passing by. Took a shortcut through the park.

And you didn’t think to tell anyone?

I didn’t think it mattered. Thought maybe the city finally sent someone to clear it out.

The city? They don’t even fix the streetlights. Why would they bother with that house?

You’re probably right. But who else would be in there?

Kids, maybe? You know, messing around.

That’s what I thought at first, but—

But what?

I saw someone.

Someone?

Yes, a man. Or at least, I think it was a man.

You think? What does that mean?

It was dark, okay? I couldn’t see clearly. But there was someone moving around inside.

Did they see you?

No. At least, I don’t think so. I kept my distance.

What were they doing?

It looked like they were carrying something. A bag, maybe.

A bag? Like, a duffel bag?

Could’ve been. Hard to tell from where I was.

And then?

And then they disappeared. Into the back of the house.

That’s weird. You didn’t hear anything?

No. Everything was quiet, too quiet.

Did you notice anything else?

There was a smell.

A smell?

Like gasoline.

Gasoline? Are you kidding me?

No, I swear. I didn’t think much of it at the time.

How could you not? Gasoline in an old house? That’s a red flag.

I know that now, okay? But at the time, I just thought it was... I don’t know, maybe they were fixing something.

Fixing something? In that house?

I wasn’t thinking clearly!

So what did you do after that?

I kept walking.

You just left?

Yeah.

And you didn’t tell anyone?

Who was I supposed to tell? The cops? They wouldn’t believe me.

Maybe they would’ve, after it burned down.

Look, I didn’t know it was gonna burn down!

Still. This is bad.

I know it is. That’s why I’ve been freaking out.

Does anyone else know you were there?

No. Not yet, anyway.

You sure about that?

Yeah.

What if someone saw you?

Nobody saw me.

You can’t be certain.

I’m telling you, I was careful.

But if they find out...

They won’t.

You’re awfully confident for someone who’s in the middle of this mess.

What mess? I didn’t do anything.

You were there. That’s enough to make it messy.

So what are you saying?

I’m saying you better figure out what you’re gonna do if someone starts asking questions.

Like who?

The cops, for starters.

Why would they come to me?

I don’t know, maybe they’ve got cameras or something.

Cameras? At that old place?

Or nearby. Someone could’ve seen you.

You’re just trying to scare me.

No, I’m trying to make you think.

I am thinking. And I think you’re overreacting.

Am I?

Yeah. Nobody cares about me walking past some abandoned house.

Maybe. But what if they find out about the gasoline?

What about it? I didn’t put it there.

Doesn’t matter. You were there, you smelled it, and you didn’t

report it.

So what? Is that a crime?

Maybe not, but it sure makes you look bad.

This is insane. I didn’t do anything wrong.

I’m not saying you did. I’m just saying you’re connected now.

Connected how? By walking through the park?

By seeing something.

Fine. Let’s say the cops come. What am I supposed to tell them?

The truth.

The truth?

Yeah. You walked by, saw lights, smelled gasoline, and kept going.

And you think that’s gonna make me look less suspicious?

Better than lying.

I don’t know. This feels all wrong.

What’s your alternative?

I don’t know. Maybe just... keep quiet?

Bad idea.

Why?

Because secrets have a way of coming out.

You don’t understand. If I say something, they might think I was involved.

Not saying anything makes you look more involved.

This is a nightmare.

It’s not that bad.

Not that bad? You just said I’m connected to a house that burned down.

Look, you’re not the one who set it on fire.

But they don’t know that.

Then make them know.

How?

By being honest.

Honest? With cops? That’s a joke.

You got a better plan?

No.

Then maybe stop freaking out and just deal with it.

Easy for you to say. You weren’t there.

And I’m trying to keep you from making it worse.

Fine. Let’s say I tell them. Then what?

Then you answer their questions and move on.

Just like that?

Yeah.

You don’t think they’ll dig deeper?

Into what? You didn’t do anything.

I don’t know. What if there’s more to this?

Like what?

Like... what if that guy I saw was the one who started the fire?

Then it’s even more important that you say something.

You’re not getting it. What if he saw me?

Okay. Let’s think this through.

There’s nothing to think about. If he saw me, I’m screwed.

Not necessarily.

How do you figure?

He doesn’t know who you are.

What if he does?

How? Did you talk to him?

No.

Then relax.

Relax? Are you serious?

Yes. You’re overthinking this.

Overthinking? Someone torched a house and I was there.

You weren’t in the house.

But I saw him.

And he didn’t see you.

You don’t know that.

If he did, don’t you think he would’ve come after you?

Maybe. Or maybe he’s waiting.

For what?

I don’t know. To make sure I don’t talk.

You’re spiraling.

Am I? What if this guy’s dangerous?

He might be. All the more reason to go to the cops.

I can’t.

Why not?

Because if I talk, and he finds out...

You’re making this bigger than it is.

Am I?

Yeah.

I don’t think you get how serious this is.

I do. And that’s why you need to stop hiding.

I can’t.

You can.

No, I can’t. What if—

Stop. Listen to yourself.

What?

You’re working yourself up over nothing.

Nothing?

Yeah.

You think this is nothing?

Compared to what it could be? Yeah.

What does that mean? 

It means you’re not the one who burned the house down.

And?

And that’s all that matters.

I wish I could believe that.

You should.

I don’t know.

Then figure it out fast, because this isn’t going away.

What do you mean?

Sooner or later, someone’s gonna come knocking.

And when they do?

Be ready.

I hope you’re right.

I am.

You better be.

I am.