Page 24 of Beast Bear

Norris and Emerson exchanged a glance, then Norris pulled out his phone and dialed a number. “Ms. Miller,” he said into the phone. “We’re inspecting the kitchen and uncovered something in the supply closet that requires your immediate attention. Can you come over, please? Yes… yes, the small one near the end of the corridor. Thank you.”

A tense hush settled in the narrow space as they waited. Theo’s heart hammered, each second dragging as the inspectors flipped through their notes without speaking. The scratch of pen against paper felt impossibly loud in the cramped closet.

“I had no idea those were here,” he said. “Someone must have planted them while I was out.” He heard how frantic he sounded. The inspectors glanced at each other. They jotted down more notes without commenting.

Finally, multiple pairs of brisk and purposeful footsteps approached. Poppy Miller rushed into the hall and entered the supply closet. Kai Morrow followed close behind, his expression grim. Their gazes fell on the med kits. Poppy’s voice came out sharper than Theo had ever heard it.

“Care to explain why these missing kits are hidden in your supply closet?” she asked. She looked both alarmed and furious. Theo felt heat crawl up his neck.

“I’ve never seen them before,” he said. “You have to believe me. They were not here when I last checked this room.” He turned to Kai. Kai wore a serious, almost pained look that left Theo unsettled. Poppy exhaled, then took a step closer to the container. She shook her head in disappointment.

“I gave you a chance,” she said. “You said you had everything under control after that day in the forest.” Theo winced at the memory of losing control in his grizzly form. He had been trying so hard to prove he was stable.

“I’ve been compiling the evidence for the Incident Response Team,” Kai said. “This is not looking good, Theo.”

Theo felt a flash of anger. He clenched his fists at his sides and forced himself to speak calmly. “I rescue people,” he said. “I saved a trainee from drowning. SAR is in my blood.” He turned to Kai, voice rising. “I saw you take an anchor kit out of the gear warehouse. That was right before the climbing accident.”

Kai drew back with a startled expression. He denied it at once. “I never took anything. Perhaps we should search your cabin. These med kits in your supply closet warrant further investigation.” He pointed at the container. Poppy threw up her hands, uncertain. She looked from Theo to Kai, searching for some clue on who to believe.

The two insurance inspectors glanced at each other. Norris spoke in a firm voice. “We need to document everything. If we can’t account for these missing safety items, the academy’s coverage may be void. That would mean shutting everything down until further notice.”

Poppy’s stance stiffened. She folded her arms and fixed her gaze on Theo. “Kai might have a point. If you are innocent, then there is no harm in us checking your cabin.”

Theo’s mouth went dry. A cold dread washed over him at the thought that someone could have planted something else in his cabin. He imagined the inspectors poking around, and he wondered if this was exactly what the saboteur wanted.

Poppy nodded at Kai. “Let’s head to Theo’s cabin. We won’t find anything if you have nothing to hide.”

Chapter

Twenty-Six

Theo ledthe group up the narrow path to his cabin. Poppy followed a few steps behind, her features set in a serious expression. Kai trailed her, face calm in a way that put Theo on edge. The insurance inspectors brought up the rear. Theo exhaled slowly, trying to keep control of the dread churning inside him.

When they reached the cabin, Theo opened the door and stepped in. Without pausing, the inspectors moved through the small living area, opening cupboards and lifting cushions. Theo stood near the couch and watched as they disappeared into his bedroom. His inner bear grumbled, but he willed himself to maintain control. Kai looked down on him, wearing a smug expression. Poppy stood by the bedroom door with her arms folded.

“Could you all come in here, please?” Emerson called from the back of the cabin.

Theo followed Poppy into the room. They found Norris crouched on the floor near his bed. The inspector was holding several metal pieces in his hands.

“These appear to match the missing anchor kit components,” Norris said. He turned to Emerson, who nodded in agreement.

Theo blinked, shock coursing through him. “I’ve never seen those before,” he said, stepping closer. “I swear, someone must have hidden them here.” His voice sounded shaky in his own ears.

Poppy’s gaze shifted to Kai, then back to Theo. Kai arched an eyebrow as if curious.

Theo took a breath. “I saw you, Kai. I saw you take an anchor kit from the gear warehouse right before that climbing accident.” He pointed a finger in Kai’s direction. “I am not lying.”

Kai’s expression tightened. “There is nothing in the logs showing I ever signed out an anchor kit,” he said. “Whatever you think you saw, you are mistaken.”

Theo wanted to snap at him, but Poppy stepped between them. Her jaw was tense. “Theo, I gave you a chance. Since you arrived, the academy has been plagued with incidents. Now these anchor parts turn up in your cabin.” She paused, her tone brittle. “You’re fired.”

Theo felt his heart pound. “I didn’t take those parts or the med kits,” he said. “This is a setup.”

Poppy’s tone remained cold. “Consider yourself lucky I’m not having you arrested.” She glanced at the inspectors, who were busy taking notes. “But I do intend to involve the authorities immediately.”

Norris cleared his throat. “This issue must be put to rest, or the charity climb will have to be canceled,” he said. “The risk to our coverage is too high.”

Kai raised a brow. “The academy is already on thin ice. If we don’t solve this quickly, the entire place could be shut down.”

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