The stranger arrived on a Thursday afternoon.
Ethan was in the garden with Richard, helping to plant vegetables for the upcoming season. The sun was warm. The soil was rich. The work was peaceful. He had just stood up to stretch his back when he saw the dust cloud approaching from the main road.
A single vehicle. A black SUV. Unmarked. Government plates.
Ethan's hand instinctively went to his hip. But he wasn't armed anymore. He'd put away his weapons months ago, when the fighting had stopped.
"Company," Richard said.
"I see it."
The SUV stopped at the entrance to the community. A man got out. Tall. Gray suit. Sunglasses. He walked toward the garden with the confidence of someone used to being in charge.
Ethan met him at the gate.
"Can I help you?"
The man removed his sunglasses.
