Chapter 4 - The Local Tyrant
Sheriff Cole took a quick step back, his eyes darting toward the diner patrons who were now murmuring among themselves.
"You think a military record gives you authority in my town, Hayes?" Cole growled, trying to rebuild his intimidating posture. "You're an outsider! I run Oakridge! You pay your monthly protection fee for that auto shop, or I shut you down by Friday!"
For the past five years, Cole had extorted every local business in Oakridge, threatening to fabricate charges or orchestrate "unfortunate accidents" for anyone who refused to hand over fifteen percent of their monthly revenue.
When Ethan bought the rundown repair garage six months ago, he had flatly refused to pay Cole a single cent.
"I don't pay bribes to criminals wearing badges," Ethan said, standing up from the booth. His broad, muscular height towered over the heavy-set sheriff.
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"You'll regret this, Hayes," Cole hissed through gritted teeth, backing toward the diner entrance. "By tomorrow morning, you won't have a shop left to work in!"
👉 What trap had Cole set for Ethan's garage later that night?
