Chapter 78 Laney
Laney
It turns into a scene.
Not violent.
Not chaotic.
Just… undeniable.
The Magnolia Ladies take over the tavern like they’ve been rehearsing it for years.
Mable claims the corner booth.
Ethel plants herself at the bar.
June pulls three chairs together and announces she’ll be staying “as long as necessary.”
They order coffee.
Lots of coffee.
Then pie.
Then more coffee.
And they complain.
Loudly.
Relentlessly.
“This coffee’s cold.”
“That man over there is taking pictures of my elbows.”
“I don’t like the way he’s measuring that shelf.”
The inspectors try to keep working, but every step they take becomes a public event.
Phones are out.
People are filming.
A small crowd gathers outside the tavern windows.
The man in the suit checks his phone again.
And again.
His smile is fading.
The inspectors whisper together near the door.
Finally, the lead inspector clears his throat.
“We’ll… need to consult with our superiors.”
Mable beams at him.
“Well that sounds sensible.”
She folds her hands neatly on the table.
“We’ll wait.”
The inspectors hesitate.
Then they leave.
Not officially.
Not with paperwork.
Not with authority.
Just quietly… backing out of the room.
The sign never goes up.
The doors never close.
Saint stands behind the bar watching them disappear down the street.
He lets out a slow breath.
Relief flickers through the room.
But only for a moment.
Because we all know the truth.
This wasn’t the attack.
This was the test.