Something flashed across his face. Recognition, or caution. It disappeared almost instantly. He leaned back, resting an elbow on the counter. “So this is the one.”

He smirked. “The soldier girl.” He said soldier as though it tasted unpleasant. “Your mother’s told me all about you.”

“I doubt that.”

His smile held. “Let me give you a little advice, since you’re back in town.”

“I grew up here.”

“Then you already know how things work.” He leaned closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “Around here, I’m the law. You keep asking questions and digging through records that don’t belong to you, things may become difficult.”