Chapter 4
The next morning, the town buzzed.
People had seen the cars. Heard the shouting. Watched the men run away.
By midday, Sheriff Miller was back.
"The Vance family owns land all over this county," he said. "They hold mortgages. They pay for half the town's equipment. If they decide to make trouble... they can shut businesses down. Evict families. Make life very hard for everyone here."
"Are you threatening me?" I asked.
"I'm warning you," he said. "Old Man Vance is on his way here. He wants to meet you. Personally."
Later that afternoon, a long black car pulled up.
A distinguished-looking man stepped out. Silver hair, tailored suit, face like stone.
He walked straight to me where I stood on my porch.
"Young lady," he said. "I am Arthur Vance."
He didn't yell. He didn't threaten. He spoke quietly, like he was used to being obeyed.
"My sons tell me you are quite formidable," he said. "And that you have made an enemy of my family."
"Your brother attacked me," I said. "Your sons came to my house to threaten me. I defended myself."
"Carter made a mistake," Vance said. "I admit it. But you humiliated him. You humiliated all of us."
"Then teach your family to respect people," I said. "Instead of terrorizing them."
He studied me.
"You are very confident. Most people tremble when they hear my name."
"Most people haven't been taught not to fear bullies," I said.
Something flickered in his eyes. Surprise. Maybe respect.
"I could destroy this town," he said. "I could make sure no one ever speaks to you again."
"You could," I agreed. "But everyone would know why. Everyone would know Arthur Vance destroys people for standing up to him. Is that the legacy you want?"
He went quiet.
"I'll drop the charges against Carter," he said slowly. "And I'll tell my sons to leave you alone. On one condition."
"What condition?"
"Come work for me," he said. "I need someone who isn't afraid of anyone. Someone honest. Someone who can protect my family from people like... us."
I stared at him.
"You want to hire me?"
"I want to know you're on the right side of the law," he said. "And frankly... I'd rather have you close than against me."
I thought about it.
"Give me three days to think about it."
"Three days," he agreed.
He got back into his car and drove away.
May you like
I stood there, watching him go.
Life had just gotten a whole lot more complicated.
