“I’m simply raising a concern,” he says into the microphone, which immediately squeals like it disagrees.
Finn leans toward me. “Even the tech is against him.”
I bite back a smile.
Benjamin smooths his blazer. “We have worked very hard to cultivate a safe, family-oriented environment here in Coyote Glen.”
He says it like he personally handcrafted the environment out of reclaimed wood.
“And it has come to my attention,” he continues, holding up a packet of papers, “that the new ownership of The Hollow has documented ties to organized motorcycle activity outside of this town.”
The wordorganizedlands dramatically.
The wordmotorcyclemakes three older women in front of us gasp as if someone saidsatanic.
Finn mutters, “Oh no. Not activity.”
Zane doesn’t react outwardly, but I feel his knee bump mine once under the chair.
Benjamin begins listing things.
Dates.
Incidents.
Associations.
Nothing current. Nothing concrete. But enough to sound ominous under gymnasium lighting.
Mayor Hartwell clears her throat as if she regrets every life choice that led her here. “Mr. Wren, if you have concerns, we can review them through proper channels.”
“That’s precisely what I’m requesting,” Benjamin replies smoothly. “A formal review. A reassessment of licensing standards for establishments whose ownership history may pose a safety concern.”
I glance at Ryder.
He doesn’t move, doesn’t even fidget.
Finn leans in again. “If he says ‘standards’ one more time, I’m starting a drinking game.”
I whisper, “We are in a school gym.”
“Details.”
Judge McDowell, who looks like she wandered in from a courtroom drama, leans forward. “Perception matters in a town like ours.”
Oh, wearedoing this.
I scan the room and spot Dottie in the front row with her phone angled slightly too casually.
She’s absolutely livestreaming.
There will be hashtags by bedtime.
Benjamin continues, “Motorcycle gangs are not traditionally associated with stability.”
Ryder stands.
“Mayor,” he says evenly. “The Hollow operates legally. We pass inspections. We follow local ordinance.”
