“What’s up?” he asked. “Did you get a cramp? Are you face down in the sand? Want me to call an ambulance, old man?”
“I need you to come down to the beach site.” I let out a long breath, suddenly feeling tired.
The humor was gone from his voice. “What happened? More dog shit?”
“Close enough. We need a crew out here before this starts trending. No one local is going to want to clean this up, so I’m going to have to make some calls.”
“I’ll be there in five,” he said.
I hung up and took a few pictures, too, for our own insurance needs. A crowd had formed, more people curious about what was happening. I didn’t miss the snickers and comments about us deserving it.
One young kid stepped behind where the fence was once blocking the area. “Stay back,” I told him.
He laughed and took a picture.
“You’re trespassing,” I warned him.
He scoffed. “Me? You’re the asshole tearing up the beach.”
“You think dumping trash makes it look better?” I snapped. “How is vandalizing and making a real mess any better than a port?”
“Just take your shit and go,” he hissed and walked away.
I turned and realized several people were filming the interaction. Great. My sweaty, red-faced ass was going to be all over the Gram. Me arguing with some punk kid who very well might have been the culprit. I looked like a damn fool.
I stood there like an idiot, waiting for Cody to show up. He wasn’t going to make the situation better, but at least I’d have an ally. I did a quick Google search to find a crew that could come out and clean this shit up. I didn’t know who to call.
“Colt.”
I looked up and saw Pete coming down the stairs. He looked embarrassed.
“Pete,” I said with a nod.
He looked around. “Shit.”
“I was just looking for a crew to clean up,” I said. “I’m guessing we’re not going to find anyone local.”
He put his hands in his pockets and sighed. “Sorry.”
“Got any recommendations?”
“None you want to hear.” Pete shook his head. “Look, this is getting too messy for me.”
“You’re quitting?”
His gaze dropped to his feet. “I lost a job this morning. People think I’m choosing sides.”
It was probably for the best if we found someone else. Judd wasn’t going to trust him anyway.
“I get it,” I said.
“I’m really sorry. I heard it was bad. I’ve got a cousin that might be willing to take on the job. He doesn’t live in town.”
“Send me his number,” I said.
Cody arrived and whistled. “Damn.”
Pete gave me his cousin’s number. I made the call while Cody walked around the disaster. The cousin promised to head over.