Chapter 27 - The Visitor from the PastThe summer sun beat down on the wooden planks of Celeste’s bookstore, warming the scent of old paper and roasted coffee beans. Roman had taken the afternoon off from the timber mill to help Maya pick out a stack of picture books for her upcoming kindergarten class.
As Roman knelt beside his daughter, pointing out a brightly illustrated story about forest animals, the brass bell above the front door chimed.
A tall man in a crisp linen suit stepped inside. He wore wire-rimmed glasses, had silver-streaked hair, and carried a worn leather briefcase. He paused near the entrance, adjusting his glasses as he scanned the cozy interior before his eyes landed squarely on Roman.
Roman stood up slowly, positioning himself slightly in front of Maya. The familiar, cold prickle of caution slid down his spine.
The man walked forward, offering a thin, polite smile.
"Roman Vascari," the man said, his voice smooth and cultured, carrying a distinct East Coast cadence. "It has been a long time."
Roman didn't blink. He didn't relax his posture. "I don't make appointments with strangers, friend. And I certainly don't recognize the suit."
"Arthur Sterling," the man introduced himself, extending a hand that Roman ignored. "General Counsel for the Federal Oversight Committee. And before you reach for a weapon you no longer carry, Mr. Vascari, let me assure you: I am not here with a warrant, a badge, or a gun."
Celeste stepped out from behind the back office door, holding a stack of legal ledgers. When she saw Sterling, her steps slowed for a fraction of a second before her face locked into the cool, impenetrable mask of The Architect.
May you like
"Mr. Sterling," Celeste said, walking forward to stand beside Roman. "I didn't expect the Oversight Committee to make house calls in Maine."
"They don't," Sterling replied, slipping his hands into his trouser pockets. "This is an unoffical visit. Purely professional curiosity."
