Chapter 3 - The Bureaucrat’s Assessment
Sterling blinked behind his glasses, glancing at Knox, who was leaning against the porch rail with his hands tucked into his belt.
"Your... mother?" Sterling scoffed faintly, pulling a printed tax lien from his folder. "Mrs. Vance has no living relatives on record. Her son passed away twelve years ago. This property carries an outstanding municipal tax assessment of three hundred and twelve thousand dollars. Under County Ordinance 109, the sheriff executes the eviction tomorrow at dawn."
"Three hundred grand for a timber farm?" Jax growled, taking a step closer until his chest almost brushed Sterling’s silk tie.
"The valuation reflects the riverbed access," Sterling replied, his voice tightening. "If the balance isn't settled by 5:00 PM tomorrow, the land goes to public auction. It’s entirely legal."
Behind them, Eleanor whimpered, clutching her small handbag against her ribs. "I don't have that kind of money... they know I don't."
Jax reached down, laying a massive, calloused palm over her narrow shoulder. "You don't need money, Mom. You've got us." He looked up at Sterling, his eyes dark and flat. "If anyone shows up here tomorrow with a sign, make sure they bring an armored car to plant it."
May you like
Sterling’s jaw tightened. "Is that a threat, sir?"
"That’s a statement of property line enforcement," Knox added from the railing, his voice dry as bone. "Now get in your shiny trucks and drive."
