Hunter lifts the landline receiver and dials the contact number from the rewritten logs. Nora stays rigid by the sink. Sarah watches the window, where the marked sedan sits like a parked threat.
The line clicks once, then twice, then a voice answers with office-flat patience. Hunter steadies the phone against his jaw as the kitchen goes quiet around him.
The Voice on the Phone
Office routing desk. State your name and property code.
Hunter McCready
Hunter McCready. I need the schedule tied to my homestead explained.
The Voice on the Phone
That information is not for informal review. If you received a notice, comply with it.
Hunter glances at the contact number and the blurred log entries. The office wants obedience first, answers second. Nora leans forward a fraction, listening for every word.
Nora
This is the opening. If he gets the dates, they can prove the pattern.
Sarah’s hand tightens around the back of a chair as the sedan outside stays put, its reflection faint in the window glass.
“I demand to speak with Halden and have him explain what's going on”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
The Voice on the Phone
Halden's office. State the reason you are requesting escalation.
Hunter McCready
I need to speak with Halden. Explain the schedule tied to my homestead.
The Voice on the Phone
One moment.
The kitchen holds its breath. Nora's eyes flick from Hunter to the phone, and Sarah's stare cuts back to the sedan outside.
Halden
This is Halden. You have reached me through the routing desk, which means you have the number. Speak plainly.
Hunter McCready
Then explain what's going on with the homestead schedule.
Halden
You have proof of access, and now you have my attention. If you want the file explained, we discuss it directly.
Nora exhales once, sharp and quiet, while Sarah shifts her grip on the chair and glances toward the woods beyond the window. The marked sedan remains parked, its driver still watching the house.
“Is Halden willing to explain the file directly?”
YES (Likely, rolled 32)
Halden
I have the file open now. It is a complex web of administrative oversight, but I am prepared to walk you through the specific entries that concern your property.
Hunter McCready
He is actually offering to talk, not just threatening me.
Halden
We can go line by line, provided you are ready to listen to the reality of how these protocols are applied.
“Is Halden willing to negotiate directly now?”
YES (VeryLikely, rolled 35)
Halden
I recognize the frustration in your voice, Hunter. If we are to resolve this, we must move past the bureaucracy and address the specific concerns you have regarding your land.
Hunter McCready
He is actually treating this like a business deal instead of a threat.
Halden
I am prepared to offer a formal review of the clearing schedule, provided you are willing to discuss the terms of your homestead's status with me directly.