Chapter 77 Saint
Saint
The Magnolia Ladies arrive ten minutes later.
Like a cavalry charge in orthopedic shoes.
Mable.
Ethel.
June.
And three others I don’t know by name but definitely know by reputation.
They march into the tavern like they own the place.
Which, honestly, they kind of do.
“What do you mean you’re closing this place?” Mable demands.
The man in the suit straightens his tie.
“Ma’am, this is a regulatory matter—”
“Oh hush,” Ethel snaps.
“I’ve been regulated longer than you’ve been alive.”
They swarm the inspectors.
Not touching.
Just… talking.
Loudly.
Relentlessly.
June pulls out her phone and starts recording.
“Now say that again for the camera, sugar.”
The suit’s smile flickers.
“This is harassment,” he says.
“No,” Mable replies sweetly.
“This is community oversight.”
More townspeople begin gathering outside.
Word spreads fast in Eagle River.
Phones come out.
Cameras.
Voices.
Someone starts livestreaming.
The inspectors suddenly look much less confident.
Saint stands behind the bar watching it unfold.
And for the first time since they walked in—
The man in the suit looks nervous.