Page 47 of Leafpoint Lighthouse

“Sell up and move on. We want you gone,” Karen yelled.

“I couldn’t care less. No matter what you do, this land cannot be sold!”

“Then you will regret it. Pack up and leave, or we’ll chase you out.”

“Are you threatening me?” I gasped.

“Yeah. You’re not wanted, not welcome, and we don’t like you. You can find a way around it. Stop being so selfish. Sell the land, or you’ll be sorry!” Karen yelled, hate on her face.

“Go back and tell Keith, we absolutely will never sell to Homes for You!” Lia snapped.

“You will,” Karen promised. I couldn’t understand

Someone threw a stone, and Lia and I ducked. But the next few thrown hit us and we both cried out aloud. The crowd became silent. We stared, horrified, at them. Several bottles came arching through the air and smashed next to my feet. More items were hurled, and we covered our faces. The foghorn blasting stopped the attack. Lia stayed calm while I shook. She continued recording despite being hurt.

“Let’s add assault to the charges I’ll be bringing against you.”

Several individuals began backing away, and Lia made sure she got them on camera. Sirens wailed, and two police vehicles pulled up. Lia kept filming as they headed towards us.

“What’s going on?” the police constable questioned.

“These people are trespassing and making threats,” Lia said.

“Liar!” Karen hissed.

Both Lia and I turned incredulously.

“Are you for real? I’ve got you on camera,” Lia bellowed.

“You photoshopped it,” Karen smugly challenged.

“I’m photoshopping a live feed?” Lia asked and started laughing. “Nice try, but this has gone live on my social media. Everything you’ve said, threats and all, has been witnessed and recorded. Including all of your faces!”

The crowd paled and began backing away.

“Don’t run off now, you cowards!” Lia snapped. “I want them arrested; we’re pressing charges.”

“I can’t arrest this many people!” the PC exclaimed.

“Why not? Call for backup. Or do you plan on breaking the law? I just told you threats have been issued and stones and bottles thrown. My cousin has been seriously sick, and they’ve arrived here and assaulted us.” Lia held her arms out. “Do your job! Block the exit and take their names as they leave. If you refuse, I’ll have my solicitor track you down!”

Damn. Don’t mess with Lia. A car skidded to a halt, and Edmund and Poppy rushed out.

“Ophelia! Lyra!” Poppy yelled, running forward. I waved half-heartedly, and then my knees gave out, and everything faded to black.

“Stay still, Lyra, you’re okay and safe,” a deep male voice said. I opened my eyes as a hand pressed me into the bed. I struggled to place him for a few moments.

“Uncle Edmund?”

“Yeah. Sit up carefully; you are still quite sick.”

“Sorry,” I muttered as I shoved upwards.

“Why on earth are you apologising?” Uncle Edmund asked.

“For all the trouble I caused.”

“You weren’t responsible for any of that. Listen to me, Lyra, you did nothing. However, those townspeople…” Uncle Edmund broke off and gritted his teeth.