Chapter 26
Chapter
Twenty-Six
Theo led the group up the narrow path to his cabin. Poppy followed a few steps behind, her features set in a serious expression. Kai trailed her, face calm in a way that put Theo on edge. The insurance inspectors brought up the rear. Theo exhaled slowly, trying to keep control of the dread churning inside him.
When they reached the cabin, Theo opened the door and stepped in. Without pausing, the inspectors moved through the small living area, opening cupboards and lifting cushions. Theo stood near the couch and watched as they disappeared into his bedroom. His inner bear grumbled, but he willed himself to maintain control. Kai looked down on him, wearing a smug expression. Poppy stood by the bedroom door with her arms folded.
“Could you all come in here, please?” Emerson called from the back of the cabin.
Theo followed Poppy into the room. They found Norris crouched on the floor near his bed. The inspector was holding several metal pieces in his hands.
“These appear to match the missing anchor kit components,” Norris said. He turned to Emerson, who nodded in agreement.
Theo blinked, shock coursing through him. “I’ve never seen those before,” he said, stepping closer. “I swear, someone must have hidden them here.” His voice sounded shaky in his own ears.
Poppy’s gaze shifted to Kai, then back to Theo. Kai arched an eyebrow as if curious.
Theo took a breath. “I saw you, Kai. I saw you take an anchor kit from the gear warehouse right before that climbing accident.” He pointed a finger in Kai’s direction. “I am not lying.”
Kai’s expression tightened. “There is nothing in the logs showing I ever signed out an anchor kit,” he said. “Whatever you think you saw, you are mistaken.”
Theo wanted to snap at him, but Poppy stepped between them. Her jaw was tense. “Theo, I gave you a chance. Since you arrived, the academy has been plagued with incidents. Now these anchor parts turn up in your cabin.” She paused, her tone brittle. “You’re fired.”
Theo felt his heart pound. “I didn’t take those parts or the med kits,” he said. “This is a setup.”
Poppy’s tone remained cold. “Consider yourself lucky I’m not having you arrested.” She glanced at the inspectors, who were busy taking notes. “But I do intend to involve the authorities immediately.”
Norris cleared his throat. “This issue must be put to rest, or the charity climb will have to be canceled,” he said. “The risk to our coverage is too high.”
Kai raised a brow. “The academy is already on thin ice. If we don’t solve this quickly, the entire place could be shut down.”
Theo lifted a hand in frustration. “Then look at Kai,” he said. “He is behind all of this.”
“Enough,” Poppy said, voice firm. “We have to resolve this before the charity climb, or there will be no academy left.” She turned to Theo, her gaze unyielding. “You have an hour to gather your things and leave. I will not say it again. The police will be contacting you.”
Theo stood frozen, the weight of her words pressing down on him. He looked at the anchor kit parts in the inspector’s hands and felt fury and disbelief swirl inside him. The unfairness of it stung like a festering wound.