A cheer erupted from the crowd. Even though the fate of the site was still up in the air, it was obvious that Tyler Allen Ceballo wasn’t going to be in charge much longer. And with Ceballo gone, it was unlikely the company would have someone else ready to step in and do the company’s dirty work for them.

In effect, the standoff was over, thanks to the efforts of a group of tree-hugging, blue-haired old ladies, and the “angry spirits” called on by Willie Greene.

The loggers delivered Ceballo into the back of a company truck and slowly drove away. It was only a matter of time before the rest of the men and vehicles would be gone as well.

“Three cheers for Willie Greene!” someone shouted.

“Hip-hip, hurray!”

“Hip-hip, hurray!”

“Hip-hip, hurray!”

At the back of the crowd four teenagers cheered along with everyone else. But when the cheering ended and Willie Greene was carried off on the shoulders of two large men, the four remained where they were, continuing their own celebrations by discreetly shaking hands and giving one another a pat on the back that said, “Well done.”

Chapter 19

There was an electric buzz coursing through school on Monday, but only in part because the logging company had decided to move their operation farther north over the weekend. The other big news was that Principal Terashita would be making a special announcement at the drama night auditions after school. Tora was beside herself with dread. She saw no reason why the surprise announcement would bring anything but disappointment. It was probably going to be something stupid like Maria Abruzzo’s father was buying all the costumes, or paying for the whole production to compete in the high-school drama festival in Vancouver…anything to put his daughter in a brighter spotlight on a bigger stage.

“Thank you all for coming out this afternoon,” said Principal Terashita.

There were at least two dozen students there, all vying for fewer than six lead roles, five if you gave one of them to Maria.

Tora sighed. All she’d wanted was a chance to prove herself. A fair chance.

Michael gave her arm a tender squeeze. “Relax,” he said. “We’re going to give it our best shot, and whatever happens, happens.”

She nodded in response, but the gesture was just for Michael’s sake. What she really wanted was to tear Maria apart and feed on her insides.

“Now I’m sure you’re all wondering what my ‘special surprise’ is, and I won’t make you wait much longer.” He paused a moment, to clear his throat, then continued. “As you know, Mr. Enzo Abruzzo, owner of Abruzzo Trucking—”

“That’s my dad!” Maria said.

“—Uh, yes, indeed, that is your father’s company, Maria,” the principal said. “Anyway, Mr. Abruzzo has agreed to sponsor our drama night and for that we’re supremely grateful.”

He began clapping his hands and everyone followed suit.