Chapter 223: Safety First

One morning, before The Pack started their work for the day, Miss Jenny had an announcement to make.

"The building inspector is arriving today," she said sternly. "She's there to make sure we're doing the job safely, otherwise she'll shut down the project."

She snapped her attention to Max and Monty.

"So I want no nonsense from you two today! This is a very important contract, and I don't need you too messing it up."

Max and Monty gulped. Not even they would dare to get on the bad side of the inspector.

"Don't worry, Miss Jenny. We'll be on our best behavior."

"Yeah, totally."

"You'd better. You two will be working with Jack and Alfie to finish the car park. Let's see, Oliver and Ned will finish digging the foundations, Kelly will help the workmen set up the scaffolding..."

With the jobs settled, The Pack began their work on the new hospital. They all worked hard, but safe. Max and Monty barely said a word. The inspector arrived just before lunch.

"Ah, Rachel, good to see you again!"

"You as well, Jenny. Let's start with the Car Park, shall we?"

"Oh yes, right this way."

Rachel watched closely as Jack and Alfie loaded Max and Monty's trucks with dirt and debris, making sure every last clump fell into place. Once the beds were full, Max and Monty drove off, slower than usual. Rachel marked something off on her clipboard.

"Hmm, they're better behaved today. Let's go see how the foundations are doing."

By the time lunch was called, Rachel was halfway through and impressed with what she had seen.

"Very good work, so far. We'll catch back up after lunch."

But danger lay ahead. Kelly had just stepped out of his crane and was heading to find a quiet place to eat, unaware that he was in danger. The scaffolding had been finished, but what no one knew was that it hadn't been done right. Slowly, the structure began to fall, headed straight for Kelly. Max saw this, and gaped in horror.

"Kelly, look out!"

"Huh? AAh-"

Before anyone could stop him, Max rushed forward and pushed him Kelly out of the way, letting all of the scaffolding topple over on him. When the dust had settled, he was buried.

"Max! Hang on buddy, we've got ya!"

Quickly, everyone set to work freeing Max. Fortunately, they got to him just in time, but he had numerous broken bones. Harold soon arrived and airlifted him to the nearest hospital. When he woke up, Miss Jenny was standing over him.

"I'm sorry, Miss Jenny. I tried to behave, but I probably screwed it all up."

"What are you talking about? Not only was what you did incredibly brave, but you also revealed how unsafe the material we were using was. Rachel understood everything and gave us a passing grade, and I've already had a talk with the company. Looks like they could use a lesson in safety first."

Max chuckled weakly.

"Anyway, everybody chipped in and got you this. Get well soon, Max."

With that, Miss Jenny left Max to his thoughts. Before he went back to sleep, he read the little note attached:

Thanks for the save. I owe you one.

Kelly

And with that, he went happily to sleep.