Chapter 16 #3
"A plausible reason to be on or near that property. Can't just show up and demand entry without cause." He taps his pen against the pad. "But if I receive a complaint about suspicious activity, strange smells, and possible safety hazards, that gives me grounds to investigate."
"I can make that call," I say. "Anonymous tip from a concerned citizen."
"Perfect. Call it in to dispatch around nine tomorrow morning.
Say you were hiking near the old EnvironTech facility and noticed chemical smells, saw smoke or steam coming from the vents, whatever sounds concerning enough to warrant a response.
" He makes notes. "I'll take the call myself, head out there to investigate, and document everything I find. "
"What if EnvironTech refuses to let you on the property?"
"Then I call for backup and get a warrant. Either way, I'll have legal grounds to be there, which means anything I discover is admissible." He looks up. "Lydia says you have photographs of the site?"
I pull out my phone and show him the pictures we took—the barrels, the leaking containers, the active vents.
Matthews's expression darkens. "Bastards. This is exactly what I suspected they were doing." He zooms in on one of the barrels. "That's industrial solvent. Highly toxic. If that's leaking into the groundwater..."
"It is. We have test results proving contamination throughout the watershed."
"Good. That's good." He hands back my phone.
"Okay. Here's how this plays out. Tomorrow morning, you call in the tip.
I investigate and document the violations.
I immediately contact the state environmental agency and the EPA to report what I've found.
From there, it's out of my hands. They take over the investigation. "
"How long before it goes public?"
"Hard to say. Could be a few days, could be a week. Depends on how fast the agencies move and whether the press gets wind of it." He finishes his coffee. "But once I file that report, there's no putting the cat back in the bag. EnvironTech will know they're under investigation."
"That's fine. We're ready for them to know." I hope that's true.
We finalize the details, and Matthews heads back to Parkerville. I sit in my truck for a moment, staring at my phone.
This is it. Tomorrow, we set everything in motion. The investigation goes official, EnvironTech gets exposed, and there's no going back.
I text the group chat with Ava, Caleb, Rachel, and Ethan.
Hunter: Meeting with Matthews successful. Making the call tomorrow at 9 AM. Everyone ready?
Ava: EPA expedite request submitted. Dr. Venkatesan says she'll push for immediate review.
Rachel: Journalists are standing by. Once Matthews files his report, I'll give them the green light.
Caleb: Pack is prepared for increased attention. We've briefed everyone on maintaining cover.
Ethan: All my evidence is organized and ready to share with investigators.
Hunter: Then we're a go. Tomorrow changes everything.
I drive back to Willow Creek, and instead of going home, I find myself heading to Curtis's house. He's in his workshop, building something out of wood. It’s a hobby he took up after retiring.
"Hunter," he says, setting down his tools. "Figured you'd show up eventually. Come to talk about tomorrow?"
"How did you know?"
"Gregory told me. And I can see it in your face. It’s that look you get when you're about to do something big." He gestures to a chair. "Sit and talk to me."
I tell him everything. The meeting with Lydia, the plan with Matthews, the timeline for going public. He listens without interrupting, his weathered face thoughtful.
"You're doing the right thing," he says when I finish. "EnvironTech needs to be stopped, and this is the best way to do it while protecting the pack."
"But?" I can hear the unspoken concern.
"But you need to be ready for what comes after. When EnvironTech fights back, when reporters start asking questions, when Marcus uses any misstep as ammunition for his challenge." Curtis leans forward. "This is going to test your leadership in ways you haven't been tested before."
"I know."
"Do you? Because it's not just about being strong or smart or making the right tactical decisions.
It's about holding the pack together when everyone's scared and uncertain. It’s your job to protect both your territory and your mate.
You need to prove to Marcus and everyone else that you can do all of it at once. "
"I can do it," I say with more confidence than I feel.
"I believe you can. But Hunter, don't be afraid to ask for help.
Use Caleb, use Gregory, use me. You don't have to carry everything alone.
" He stands, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"And don't forget why you're doing this.
It's not just about stopping EnvironTech or beating Marcus.
It's about protecting the life you're building with Ava.
Keep that at the center, and everything else will follow. "
His words settle something in my chest. He's right.
"Thanks, Curtis."
"Anytime. Now get out of here and go spend the evening with your mate. Tomorrow, the chaos starts. Tonight, you rest."