Chapter 7: Shadows at the Roadhouse
Carter's Roadhouse was quiet on a Tuesday afternoon. Mike was wiping down the taps, and Ethan—who still insisted on dropping by to help out on his days off—was stacking clean glasses behind the bar. The bell above the front door chimed, cutting through the low hum of the jukebox.
Two men in sharp suits walked in, but they weren't Daniel or Jack’s associates. These men radiated an aggressive, corporate arrogance that made the hairs on the back of Ethan's neck stand up. They bypassed the empty tables and walked straight up to the bar, ignoring Mike's warning glare.
"Ethan Brooks?" the taller of the two asked, his voice dripping with false civility.
"Depends who's asking," Ethan said, standing his ground.
The man dropped a heavy manila envelope onto the counter with a loud slap. "My name is Arthur Pendelton, legal counsel for Vance Enterprises. Mr. Marcus Vance would like to have a private conversation with you regarding the land your 'benefactor,' Jack Carter, is currently hoarding."
Mike slammed a heavy iron wrench onto the counter, shattering the tense silence. "You got ten seconds to walk your expensive suits right back out that door before I introduce you to the business end of a baseball bat."
Pendelton didn't flinch, keeping his cold eyes fixed entirely on Ethan. "Mr. Vance knows all about your little fairy tale, Ethan. He knows you're Benjamin Brooks's long-lost son. He also knows that Jack Carter is using this foundation as a front to wage a personal war against Vance Enterprises." Pendelton tapped the envelope mockingly. "Mr. Vance is willing to offer you a very generous buyout to walk away from Jack Carter, the foundation, and this entire neighborhood. Refuse... and you'll find out just how fragile a newly reunited family really is."
Without waiting for an answer, Pendelton and his associate turned and walked out, the door swinging shut behind them with a sharp click.
Ethan stared at the envelope, his blood running cold. He looked at Mike, whose face had darkened into a dangerous scowl.
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"Marcus Vance," Mike muttered darkly. "The corporate vulture who’s been trying to bulldoze this entire district for five years. If he’s coming after you, kid... it means he knows Jack cares about you more than anything in the world."
Ethan reached out and grabbed the phone from the bar counter, his fingers dialing Jack's private number without hesitation. The game of shadows was over. The war for Raven Lake had officially begun.
