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Sheriff Tate’s first name was Kevin.

And nobody controlled the Magnolia Ladies.

Nora approached them.

“I promise we’ll explain what we can later. Right now, we need the building empty.”

The women looked at one another.

Agnes stood.

“Fine.”

Wolf relaxed too soon.

She pointed at him.

“But we’re taking the food.”

“Take whatever you want.”

Trigger looked alarmed.

“Not the cobbler.”

Rylie called through the back-room door.

“Let them take it.”

Trigger turned toward the door.

“Whose side are you on?”

“The side that wants them to leave before they handcuff themselves to the bar.”

The Magnolia Ladies collected two pies, a pan of cobbler, and enough containers to survive a winter storm.

Before leaving, June stopped beside me.

“Keep her safe.”

“We will.”

Her sharp eyes moved toward Max.

“He will too.”

Max watched her from the doorway.

June touched two fingers to her lips and blew him a kiss.

Then the women finally left.

Wolf locked the front door behind them.

“Exterior,” he said.

I went with him.