Cassey looked smug and jumped in right after Gavin.
“Aria, you’ve really lost your mind. Four and a half million crowns? For those three nasty, warty frogs? Please! Don't tell me you're getting delusional after Mr. Cole dumped you?"
"Conservation? Endangered species? Pfft! They were just three ugly, worthless freaks. They don't mean much and better off be cooked!”
Gavin stood on his spot with arms crossed. He watched me as cold smirk crossed his lips. I could tell he was waiting to see how I’d backpedal. He was convinced I’d made up the price tag to bluff my way out of paying.
I didn’t bother arguing with those fools. Instead, I calmly pulled out my phone and dialed a long, complex number—one that wasn’t stored in my contacts.
It was a direct emergency line to the highest level of the MESC—the Ministry of Ecological Security and Conservation.
The phone rang once before a composed, authoritative male voice picked up. “Emergency Command, what is your situation.”
I turned slightly and lowered my voice, just enough for the receiver.
“I'm calling from Blue Vale, at the Magma Boiling Point Hotpot Restaurant, Table 18. There's a Class One Emergency.”
“Three critically endangered live specimens—designated Golden-Spined Mountain Toads, IDs 07, 11 and 13—have just been illegally killed and cooked on-site.”
For a second, the other end of the line fell into complete silence.
Then, that steady voice suddenly snapped into a mix of disbelief and rage. “WHAT did you say?! Specimen numbers 7, 11 and 13 were eaten?! Are you absolutely certain?!”
“Affirmative, Sir,” I replied, my voice flat and emotionless.
“We have physical remains, full video footage and social media posts confirming the act. The individual responsible is named Cassey Blinks. Her employer, Gavin Cole, witnessed the crime, failed to intervene and is now attempting to cover it up. Both are on-site, uncooperative and have shown no remorse.”
“Unbelievable! Lawless savages!” the man roared. “Secure the scene! Nobody leaves the site! Not a single damn fly!”
“This is a Level One Response! Mobilize the Wildlife Protection Tactical Unit! Alert SWAT and the City Command! Lock down the entire block around the restaurant! Initiate Class A Emergency Containment Protocol! I’m leading the response myself. ETA—screw five minutes, I’ll be there in three!”
Then the call abruptly cut off with a sharp click.
For a second, everything was dead silent. Then the crowd got loud once more.
“Wait… was that for real?”
“SWAT? Class A lockdown? What the hell is going on?!”
“Those toads… they really were worth that much?”
Cassey rolled her eyes and let out a loud, mocking scoff.
“Please! Keep acting! Let’s see how long you can fake it! You think you’re the only one who knows how to put on a show?”
But Gavin… Gavin was starting to sweat. There was a flicker of fear in his eyes. He glared at me like he was trying to drill through my skull.
“Aria… all those acts, just to dodge paying three million? Have you no shame? Grandpa Troy gave his whole life to serve this country and you... you’re out here spouting lies like a con artist!”
“What the hell are you trying to pull? A phone call and some wildlife sob story and you think—”
He didn’t get to finish. Because just then, a wall of blaring sirens erupted in the distance. Not one, not a few. Dozens. Closing in from every direction.
Then came the sound of boots—rushing like a thunderous drumline moving in. Armored vehicles, decked out in deep green tactical camo with bold Ecological Enforcement and SWAT insignia, screeched to a halt right in front of the restaurant.
They were like steel beasts awakened for war.
