“Before we get too far into things,” Denis’s voice boomed, silencing the crowd, “let me introduce you to Riley Walls, who has kindly donated her property for this training. And next to her is her sister, June. Let’s give them a round of applause.”
Scattered clapping followed. Some firefighters were genuinely grateful, while others looked downright confused. But looking at the direction of their stares, it was more because of our outfit choices than anything else. The man with the full lips winked again, and I felt Dax’s skin brush up against my arm as he moved closer to me. I instinctively leaned into him.
“They will take care of their affairs while we talk training. I ask you to respect these women and the importance of their experience tonight. Many people have walked these halls, I’ll remind you. We don’t know their stories, but I ask that you remember that each of them has one.”
I swallowed hard. There was more depth to the big bear than I’d given him credit for.
My throat tightened as I dipped my head in quiet thanks.
Some recruits clapped again and nodded solemnly. Others looked like they’d rather get back to their Netflix binge.
“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll get your hand off me!”
The voice cracked through the air like lightning.
Ice surged through my chest. I snapped my eyes to June, who stiffened beside me.
“I don’t need an escort!” Miss Lissy growled at the poor man in a high-vis vest. His cheeks flushed red. He wouldn’t be the first man to unravel in her presence.
“It’s like a nightmare,” June whispered.
Despite the weight loss, she’d recognised her instantly.
“Miss Walls!” Miss Lissy beamed as she approached.
“This is a private event,” I said flatly, turning away. I didn’t have the patience for her mental gymnastics tonight.
“I thought you’d like to know we’re fining you,” her voice sliced over my shoulder.
I turned back to see the darkness behind her smile.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
“Excuse me?”
“Where are my manners?” She held out a folded piece of paper as if it were a party invitation.
I opened it slowly as the rest of the group exchanged uneasy glances, and Dax cleared his throat.
“You do realise, as a civilian, you can’t fine another civilian?” he said, his tone sharp.
Her eyes slid past me to Dax, and she tilted her head.
“Rodger!” she barked, twisting to summon someone behind her.
A stout man with a sad grey comb-over shuffled forward, looking like he’d rather crawl under a rock.
“This is Rodger Sweet from the council,” she announced, elbowing him forward.
Rodger twisted his fingers and tried not to meet Mayor Akari’s frown.
“Japanese knotweed?” I read aloud from the letter.
“An invasive species with legal parameters for disposal. Skip bins that are dumped into general landfill don’t count.” The corner of her mouth lifted. She really did have minions watchingeverything. Miss Lissy elbowed Rodger, who looked up as if he’d just realised where he was.
“Tell her,” she said.
“Allowing Japanese knotweed, or soil contaminated with it to spread into the wild is an offence.” Poor Rodger looked like he had a hundred other places he’d rather be.
