Clean.
Smiling.
I already know it won’t be good.
I open it slowly.
Notice of Compliance Review and Temporary Suspension of License
The Last Stand Tavern
I read it once.
Then again.
Then a third time just to make sure I’m not imagining it.
Wolf steps up behind me.
He doesn’t ask what it says.
He already knows.
“They’re coming for the tavern,” he says quietly.
I fold the paper carefully.
“No,” I reply.
My voice is calm.
Too calm.
“They’re coming for me.”
Because the tavern isn’t just a building.
It’s where the Rangers gather.
Where the town meets.
Where people remember they’re not alone.
Which means taking it down sends a message.
I set the letter on the bar.
And for the first time since this started…
I don’t feel defensive.
I feel angry.
76
Saint
They show up at ten a.m.
