Chapter 86: The Lie of Weakness
The metallic clatter of loading thirty rifles and shotguns slowly faded into the freezing air of the foyer, leaving a tense silence hanging over the crowded room. Men shifted their weight on the cold marble floor, looking down at the heavy weapons in their trembling hands as the initial rush of excitement began to cool.
Councilman Thomas stood near the dry fountain basin, his knuckles pale where he gripped the barrel of his twelve gauge shotgun.
He leaned his weight onto his oak cane, clearing his throat with a dry rasp that drew the attention of the surrounding men.
"Wait a moment, Harlan," Thomas said, his voice shaking with unease as he looked up toward the grand staircase. "We are standing here loading shells like an army, but we are forgetting what
