As they entered the bar, the strangers quickly became the center of attention. For a moment, all conversation ceased. Even the jukebox stopped playing—the notes of the last song lingered in the still air as if an invisible hand had suspended the melody to underscore the sudden silence.

The moment passed. But the mood did not.

The locals were curious about who they were and where they'd come from…it was a rare occasion to see a new face at the Crossroads and here were several.

Ellis' men knew who they were and why they had come. In all probability they knew more about these strangers than the strangers knew or cared to know about themselves. They posed no threat. But knowing that didn't make their presence any easier to take. There had been a bitter debate over Brenda's decision to open the Lodge to paying guests. Most of Ellis' men were against it—they didn't trust outsiders. Vinnie muttered what all of them were thinking

Hans had no idea who they were—and he was furious.