1
BEAST
The day started out just fine.
Which should have been my first warning.
I sat alone at my usual table inside the Last Stand Tavern.
Coffee.
Breakfast.
Silence.
Exactly the way I liked it.
The morning crowd hadn't arrived yet.
Wolf was somewhere in the office.
Trigger was probably annoying his wife.
Saint was helping Laney with Emmy.
The tavern was quiet.
Peaceful.
Perfect.
I took a sip of coffee.
The front door exploded open.
Every muscle in my body tightened.
Then I heard the familiar voice.
"Oh good. You're all here."
I closed my eyes.
Not her.
Anybody but her.
The Magnolia Ladies immediately looked up from their table.
Mrs. Jenkins grinned.
"Oh, this should be good."
I didn't need to turn around.
I already knew.
Sadie Walker.
