Page 72 of The Lilac River

"You think we’ll find out who dumped it?" Gunner asked, flicking a look at the window where clouds were beginning to thicken.

"Maybe. Containers had no labels, but the water division’s checking. Should know more soon."

"It’s not just the fines," Wilder said. "Reputation matters around here. No one’s gonna believe we poisoned our own damn land... but if we can’t prove it wasn’t us.”

"I know," I said. "We’re screwed."

Gunner got up to throw his trash away. He came back holding something in each hand—a pamphlet from the environmental rep, and something small and pink.

A phone.

He dangled it with a raised brow. "Whose is this?"

My stomach dipped.

"It’s Lily’s," I said, trying to sound casual.

Wilder’s eyebrows shot up. "She was here?"

"Bertie was sick. Lily stayed to help while I was out at the creek."

Wilder leaned forward. "Is Bertie okay?"

"She’s fine. Sleeping upstairs. Felicia had her all morning."

Relieved, he nodded. Then his expression shifted. "And Lily?"

"Yeah," Gunner said, grinning. "Lily."

"She helped. That’s all," I muttered. I grabbed the phone and shoved it into my pocket. "I’ll call the school."

"Or," Wilder said slowly, "you could take it back yourself."

"Stop stirring the pot," I growled. "Let it go."

Gunner snorted. "Dude, I bet you could power the county grid with the voltage in this house last night. Wish we’d been here to see the show."

"Drop it," I said, then grabbed the pamphlet. "Let’s figure out what the hell got dumped in the creek."

I scanned the list, tapping a picture of a yellow barrel. "This. That’s what was in the creek."

Wilder squinted. "I’ve seen that brand before. Somewhere local. I just can’t place it."

"Keep thinking," I said. "Because we need a break."

"You going to check on Bertie?" Gunner asked.

I nodded. "Yeah. Then I’ll call Dougie."

"And we," Wilder said with a grin, "are going to check on King Pharaoh. Before Bertie names him Howard Keel or some other cinematic nightmare."

I laughed, but it came out rough. I headed upstairs, Lily’s pink phone a heavy weight in my pocket.

I didn’t know what I’d say when I handed it back.

I only knew it wouldn’t be the end of anything.

Not by a long shot.

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