“No.”
Wyatt stopped between him and Samantha.
“I think you should leave.”
Reuben looked at Samantha over Wyatt’s shoulder.
“Tell him to move.”
“No.”
That single word landed differently now.
Not whispered.
Not negotiated.
No.
The front lock turned.
Grizzly entered with two other members.
He closed the door behind himself.
Saw Reuben.
Saw Wyatt.
Saw Samantha.
The room went still.
Grizzly removed his sunglasses.
“Well.”
Reuben looked toward him.
“You must be Patterson.”
“Depends who’s asking.”
“Councilman Reuben Bowman.”
“I know.”
That answer unsettled Reuben.
Grizzly walked toward the bar.
“I’ve seen your face on enough mailers.”
Reuben adjusted his cuff.
“Then you understand I’m not someone you want trouble with.”
Grizzly leaned one elbow on the bar.
“I’m too old to be impressed by business cards.”
“This woman is my wife.”
“Samantha?”