Chapter 3 - The Eviction Trap
Gus Miller quickly recovered his composure, leaning his massive frame against the doorframe, trying to peer past Daniel’s broad shoulders into the room.
"Mr. Vance sent us on official business, Mr. Reeves," Gus said, his tone dripping with fake courtesy. "This woman owes back rent to several local landlords, and Mr. Vance has bought out her debts as a... charity measure. We're here to deliver an eviction notice for the county. She has one hour to pack her things and leave Mason Falls."
"An eviction notice?" Rita snapped, stepping out from behind Daniel, her eyes blazing with indignation. "This is a private motel, Gus! You don't have the authority to evict anyone from Pinecrest!"
The thin man with the clipboard stepped forward, holding out a piece of paper. "Actually, ma'am, as of three o'clock this afternoon, Vance Holdings purchased the Pinecrest Motor Lodge. Mr. Vance intends to demolish it for a new parking lot. All leases are terminated immediately."
Clara gasped, reaching down to grab Mira’s small hand. "Where are we supposed to go? It’s twenty degrees outside!"
"Not my problem, lady," Gus sneered, his eyes dropping to the cardboard box on the floor. "Mr. Vance wants you out of this town. By morning, if you're still in Mason Falls, the sheriff will put you in a cell for vagrancy."
Daniel stepped out onto the walkway, closing the door behind him just enough to block Gus's view. He stood nose-to-nose with the enforcer, his presence towering despite his refined attire.
"Listen to me very carefully, Gus," Daniel said in a quiet, deadly rumble that made the larger man hesitate. "You go back to Arthur Vance. You tell him that Clara Collins is currently under my personal protection. You tell him that if he or any of his lackeys so much as breathes near this motel tonight, I will pull every dollar of my capital out of his reservoir project and call a special session of the city council before breakfast."
Gus’s jaw tightened. "You're taking her side, Reeves? Over Arthur Vance? He built this town!"
"He built a house of cards," Daniel replied coldly. "Now get off this property before I have the state police arrest you for trespassing on a site under civil dispute."
Gus glared at Daniel, his eyes darting to the locked door behind him, calculating his chances. He knew Daniel Reeves wasn't just a wealthy businessman—he was the primary financier of the county's bank. A single phone call from Reeves could freeze Arthur Vance’s credit lines by midnight.
"This isn't over, Reeves," Gus spat, turning on his heel and motioning for the thin man to follow him. "Mr. Vance always gets what he wants."
"Not this time," Daniel whispered to the empty air as the two men hurried down the rusted metal stairs into the freezing night.
Daniel turned back into the room. Clara was leaning against the wall, her hand over her heart, her breathing shallow and ragged from the stress and her lingering fever.
"We have to move," Daniel said firmly. "Rita, grab their coats and Mira's box. You're both coming to my house."
Clara shook her head weakly. "Mr. Reeves, no... we can't burden you. Arthur will destroy you if you stand in his way."
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Daniel picked up the porcelain doll, wrapped it gently in his scarf, and handed it to Mira, who cradled it like a newborn baby.
"Mrs. Collins," Daniel said, looking Clara directly in the eyes. "Your daughter walked through a blizzard to sell her only toy to buy you medicine. The least I can do is give you a place to fight back."
