"Well, I wasn't banned from life," I said. My stomach churned, but I wasn't going to cower. "And the coven doesn't run the whole town, Joe."
"I can prohibit you from my place of business." He pointed to a sign on the wall. "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Especially lying, deceitful witches like you, Cassandra Willowstone."
As brave as I wanted to be, I couldn't stop my face from turning red with embarrassment. I saw pleasure flare in Joe's eyes as he noted my reaction.
Despite my new desire to stand up against this town's bullies, I realized it didn't matter how hard or how much I dug in my heels. Certain people would always treat me like crap.
"Ms. Willowstone hasn't done anything against the law now, has she?" asked Rane in a pleasant tone.
"I'm sure she has," said Joe. He crossed his arms. "I'd like you to remove her from my property, Sheriff. She's not welcome here."
