the coffee, letting the heat wash over him. For a moment, everything was perfect. The
diner was a cocoon of normalcy, a stark contrast to the memories that sometimes
haunted the edges of his mind. But as the door chimed again, the atmosphere in the
room shifted abruptly.
he heavy thud of leather boots echoed through the diner, cutting through the
friendly chatter. Sheriff Vance stepped inside, bringing a cold draft with him.
Vance was a large man with a flushed face and a reputation for using his badge
as a weapon of intimidation rather than a shield of protection.
He strutted through the diner, chest puffed out, eyes darting around as if daring
someone to meet his gaze. The locals averted their eyes, focusing intensely on their
half-eaten pancakes and cooling eggs. Vance was known to hold grudges, and his
temper was as volatile as a dry brushfire.
Arthur didn't look up, his attention fixed on his coffee. But under the table, he felt
Kodiak's body tense. The dog didn't growl, nor did he move, but his military-trained
senses picked up on the aggressive energy radiating from the sheriff.
Vance’s eyes locked onto Arthur's booth. There was a history there. Two years ago,
Arthur had publicly corrected the sheriff during a town hall meeting regarding the
proper handling of a stray animal situation. Vance, embarrassed in front of his
constituents, had never forgiven the veteran. Seeing Arthur sitting peacefully,
enjoying the respect of the townspeople, ignited a petty rage in the sheriff’s chest. He
adjusted his gun belt and marched toward the back corner.
ance stopped inches from Arthur’s table, looming over the seated veteran.
"Pendelton," he barked, his voice loud enough to silence the surrounding tables.
Arthur slowly looked up, his expression unreadable. "Sheriff."
"I thought I made it clear to Maggie that I don't want filthy animals in establishments
where people are eating," Vance sneered, gesturing toward the table. "It's a health
violation."
Before Arthur could speak, Maggie hurried over, wiping her hands on her apron.
"Sheriff, Kodiak is a registered service animal. Under federal law, he is permitted to
be here. Besides, he's cleaner and better behaved than half the people who walk
through those doors."
Vance’s face reddened at the defiance. "I enforce the laws in this town, Maggie. Not