Chapter 39
Chapter
Thirty-Nine
Theo pressed into the forest, weaving through brambles that snagged at his clothes. The smell of damp leaves and resin drifted in the air. He reached a slight rise where his cell phone finally picked up a bar of service. He sent the pictures of the tampered rope to Serena and Logan, typing with urgent speed. He tapped out a quick message that explained he had proof Kai had sabotaged the climbing gear. His only hope was that they would check their phones before anyone started climbing.
Holding the phone against his chest, he continued deeper into the trees. He avoided established trails, knowing staff or even the police might be patrolling. His nerves jangled at every snapping twig. A strong part of him wanted to shift into bear form and storm the campus, then roar the truth for everyone to hear. He forced himself to stay calm. He needed more photos, not a display that would only confirm their worst suspicions.
Theo’s phone buzzed in his hand, and he nearly dropped it when he saw Serena’s name glow on the screen.
I got your photos. I believe you. I heard Kai on the phone last night. He was bragging to someone about how nobody suspects him. Theo, I know he’s behind all this.
Theo’s breath caught as relief flooded him. She believed him.
Serena. Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that. I’m in the woods by the climb route. I’m staying hidden. I have to catch him messing with the gear.
I tried telling Poppy, but she brushed me off. She won’t believe me without hard evidence.
Anger thrummed in Theo’s chest, but he forced himself to stay calm.
We’ll fix this, I promise. I sent the photos to Logan too, so he knows. Hopefully he’ll see them in time.
I’ll talk to him. Be careful, Theo. There’s a new security detail here. If they catch you, you won’t be able to gather evidence.
Theo’s heart pounded. Every instinct roared at him to run to her, but he pushed the urge down.
I’m not leaving till I catch him. Stay safe. We’ll expose him together.
I’ll do what I can on my end.
From behind a cluster of young spruce, Theo had a clear view of the starting area for the charity climb. Tents and bright flags stood in carefully ordered rows. Staff moved about, loading rope and anchor kits into bins. Volunteers carried water jugs and taped directional arrows to the trees. Theo’s heart pounded as he tried to spot Kai among them.
He finally spotted Serena and Logan moving along a line of ropes. They were swapping out sabotaged gear. His chest ached at the sight of Serena. She moved with determined focus, her dark hair pulled back in a quick ponytail. He wondered if she felt him watching.
He ducked when a security guard glanced in his direction. Flattening himself against the brush, he waited until the man walked away. If he was seen, he’d be escorted off campus before he had enough proof to implicate Kai.
Skirting around the outer edge of the climb route, Theo slid behind a fallen log. The bark felt damp and smelled of rot, but it gave him cover. He crawled along it until he reached a vantage point near some large rocks. From there, he could see the ropes leading up the first leg of the climb.
He looked for a hiding spot where he could stay concealed for hours if he had to. He found a small hollow in the brush where tall ferns and thorny vines formed a natural screen. It was close enough to the anchors that he could capture images on his phone if Kai dared to tamper with them again.
Theo settled into position, blood thumping in his ears. The morning chill seeped through his jacket, but he hardly felt it. He had one goal now: watch, wait, and catch Kai. If he succeeded, everyone would see the truth. If he failed, no one would ever trust him again. He slowed his breathing, phone clutched in his hands, and promised himself he would not budge until he had the evidence he needed.