Page 9 of Rescued Duty

It surprised her that people hadn’t disbanded for the day, given the events that had taken place at the park with some of their members. Surely they’d want to make sure none of their own were severely injured.

“Excuse me. Have you heard any updates on those who were at the river earlier today?” Naya approached one of the women.

She swung her sign around and kept walking. “Last I heard everyone had minimal injuries.”

Naya strode after her. “I’m glad. Has anyone gone to check on them?”

“We can’t lose momentum now. I’m sure someone tampered with the bridge to distract us. But we’re not going to be intimidated. There’s too much at stake.” The woman propped her sign between her legs and took a swig of water.

Ironic.Naya couldn’t imagine higher stakes than people’s lives. Considering people’s health was part of the initial problem that had prompted these protests. Naya pointed to the building. “Has the CEO or anyone commented on what’s going on?”

“What’s with all the questions? Are you a worker here?” The woman narrowed her gaze.

“No, ma’am. I’m an investigative reporter for the Tribune. I want to find the truth and make sure that story gets told.” Naya showed the woman her press badge. She pushed her shoulders back, then regretted the movement as pain coursed down her arm.

“Well, in that case, why don’t you join us?” The woman stretched out her hand. “I’m Tracy.” She glanced behind her, then said, “The higher-ups in there haven’t said a word. ‘No comment’ is all we’ve received. But”—Tracy waved her hand, and Naya leaned forward—“their products are still on the market, and one of our own saw them hauling their hazardous waste away in an unmarked vehicle. Something fishy is happening behind those closed doors.”

Naya leaned back and pulled out her phone to jot everything down. She braced the bag of food on her forearm while she typed. She should really get inside soon before the food got cold.

“We’re going to be back out here tomorrow if you want to join us.” Tracy smiled. “The more people out here taking a stand to save our land, the better.”

“I’ll be back for sure.” Naya tucked her phone in her pocket.

Right now, there were a lot of conspiracies surrounding the chemical manufacturer and distribution plant, and her gut told her there was more to this story than met the eye. Possibly even with the environmental group being on the up and up.

“Can’t let this food spoil though.” Naya held up the bag, then headed for the front door.

The high ceilings and granite pillars inside made the building appear prestigious. Even the orange-vanilla fragrance that emitted from the area spelledhigh-end.

The plastic bag in Naya’s hand crinkled and echoed through the empty entryway.

“Can I help you?” A young woman with clear glasses and blonde hair sat behind the reception desk.

“I’m here to meet with Ingram Chacko on floor five.”

The woman typed something into her computer. “I just need you to sign in here.” She slid a clipboard toward Naya.

Naya filled out her information, then walked down the hall to the elevator to ride to Ingram’s floor.

The door dinged and slid open, and Naya stepped out onto the plush carpet that lined the fifth-floor hallway. Voices filtered down the hall, and Naya headed to Ingram’s office. The cheesy sauce aroma of the meatball subs wafted from the bag, and Naya’s stomach grumbled.

“I think we should reconsider. There’s a lot of people upset, and it would give them peace of mind.” Ingram’s voice carried from somewhere near the copiers.

Naya stopped in her tracks, not wanting to interrupt an important conversation if her friend was still finishing up work. She waited where she was, leaning against the wall.

“We have nothing to prove to them, and it will disrupt our production line and delay distribution times. We’ve got firehouses and stores waiting to buy our products.” The voice sounded like Will, Ingram’s boyfriend, but Naya couldn’t be certain. Whoever it was, they kept their tone low and gruff. “You should really consider how to be a better asset for the company you work for. Not find ways to tear it down.”

“Wow.” Ingram inhaled. “This company should take into consideration the people it serves. After all, our products are meant to provide safety for the everyday citizen. Given the amount of complaints and news we’re receiving, I see no harm in getting extra tests done to ensure we are following best practices. And if I’m the one to bring it up in our meeting with Hudson, so be it. At least someone will have.”

“You’re going to show me up like that? Not a smart move,” he snapped. “I will not use my position in this company to advocate for something that’s not worth our time.”

Naya sucked in a breath and took a step back.

Now she was in the awkward predicament of eavesdropping. It didn’t matter how she made her entrance, they’d know she’d been listening in the shadows.

She couldn’t use any of this conversation in her story. Not when she hadn’t been forthright about her presence or getting consent from them. No way would she do that to Ingram. Not even for the job. If Will was part of this conversation, it would further solidify her dislike toward the man. She’d never been a big fan of Ingram’s boyfriend.

She uttered a silent prayer this didn’t get more confrontational. She would do what she could to relieve it.

---