Before going to the Gates of Hell, Chen Zhao had heard Blackie mention it twice.
The first time was when they'd first discovered it. The second time was when changes had occurred to the gates and they'd realized that someone in town was doing some sort of ritual.
The changes meant that someone was doing sacrifices.
The fire had occurred after Blackie's first mention and before his second mention. Eight people died in the fire. Did they all get sacrificed?
If this was true, the situation would become clear. Trede Pemton had either caused the fire himself or had Deppler do it for him.
He was clear that he had to face great compensations after the fire. He transferred his assets by hiding the state of the winery. If everything went smoothly, he could announce bankruptcy and then he wouldn't have to pay with his own assets.
