The Man They Threw Out of City Hall

had supposedly left Briarwood decades ago.

Mayor Voss’s smile returned, but it was thinner now.

“Well, Mr. Ward,” he said, “whatever story you’re selling, sell it somewhere else.”

“I’m not selling anything,” Elias said.

“Then what do you want?”

Elias looked toward the covered banner hanging above the auditorium entrance.

The banner read:

BRIARWOOD VETERANS continue reading …