Someone set fire to the packaging shed.
The cameras caught a masked figure entering through the back field.
The fire brigade contained it before it reached the hives.
Police found accelerant.
This time it was not embarrassment.
It was a serious crime.
Gavin sent no message.
Daniel arrived before dawn.
Emma stood in smoke-stained clothes watching wet cardboard collapse into black pulp.
“I’m fine,” she said.
“You’re not.”
“I said I’m fine.”
“Then say something true.”
She turned on him.
“I am terrified.”
He nodded.
“So am I.”
It was the correct answer.
Not bravery.
Not a promise.
Not I’ll protect you.
Just truth.
Emma leaned against him.
Only for a moment.
It was the first time she allowed herself to.
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