Page 59 of Rescued Duty

“Will I get in trouble for disagreeing?”

“Not at all. Your opinion is valid.”

Karson swallowed. “I heard Green Warriors is going to be there. And some people aren’t too happy about that. What if there’s a confrontation?”

Zack steeled his jaw. He wanted these kids to have a better life, not get caught up in the wrong crowd or worry about being pegged as part of the wrong crowd.

“You guys focus on our booth, and I’ll make sure nothing happens.

Zack wouldn’t let the rift between Ethos and Green Warriors affect the teens’ contribution tomorrow. Eddie and the rest of the crew would make sure of it too. They were family, and family stuck by each other no matter what would come their way.

EIGHTEEN

Naya wouldn’t let anything stop her from getting answers for Zack. She parked her car in the alleyway behind the firehouse, then made her way down the side street toward the New Blooms Spring Festival.

She would pursue this story for Zack’s sake. Show him they were on the same team. Any success at work from this story was an added bonus.

Naya opened up the festival map to check the route. She wanted details on why Sylvia had been part of the group that had sabotaged the CEO’s house. Which meant she’d arrived early to the festival.

The Green Warriors booth would be right next to the firehouse booth. It made her second stop even easier.

If things went south during her interview with Sylvia, cops were on standby thanks to extra security measures for the day and the crowd this event drew.

Tazwell stood at the entrance to the line of booths along the sidewalk. Ramble had staked his claim by the speakers next to the steps of the city hall.

Zack would be nearby too, although he wouldn’t be thrilled if he found out what kind of investigating she was doing. Still, her body flooded with warmth at the thought of being around him.

He’d texted her with information about the festival and suggested they meet up after the truck run was finished. But his message had given no indication as to where he stood after their previous conversation.

There was no use creating imaginary scenarios that would only serve to tie her stomach into a tight knot.

Naya waved to Tazwell, then headed toward the Green Warriors booth. Even from far away, the lime-green tent stood out among the other vendors. Barricades stood in place along the perimeter so pedestrians wouldn’t mill around the streets where the trucks would make their entrance.

Music flowed through the air as Naya walked toward the center of the hubbub. It reminded her of thekanavalshe and her family would attend every spring in Haiti. The music, vendors, and vibrant colors that lined the marketplace always drew locals and tourists. And the best part was the celebration lasting for three months. Each Sunday after church, Naya, Dominic, and their dad would head to the town square to join the festivities.

A fountain stood in the center of the walking path, and Naya squinted against the sun. Was that Ingram? She approached the sitting area, and sure enough, her friend sat on a bench, her long black hair pulled back in a braid.

“What are you doing here?” Naya slid on her sunglasses.

Ingram stood and hugged Naya.

After their conversation yesterday, Naya was almost surprised her friend had come, but it did make sense since Ingram knew Sylvia from work. Ingram had an amazing ability to separate the personal from her professional life, whereas Naya often had few boundaries between her professional andpersonal lives. When work took her out of the office space, it made it even harder to separate the two.

Naya could probably learn a thing or two from Ingram.

“I couldn’t let you do this alone. Not with so much at stake.”

“Thanks.” Naya hugged Ingram again. “I appreciate it.”

“I’d be a terrible friend if I didn’t. Someone has to watch your back when you get an idea in that head of yours.” Ingram tapped her temple. “I might work for Ethos, but I care more about you than a paycheck.”

Naya blinked, then swallowed. The Lord had blessed her with a friend who had her back. Just like she had Ingram’s. There was no telling how this interaction with Sylvia would go. Naya just hoped it didn’t turn ugly.

The woman unboxed signs at the group table. She sported a hunter-green T-shirt with theSave Our Landlogo.

It didn’t matter whether the recent attacks had been intended for Naya or Zack. Although, after yesterday’s findings, her gut said the two were related somehow. Today would be one step closer to finding the answers.

“This is a nice spot for raising awareness.” Naya stepped under the canopy.

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