The next day, Elias filed a formal work notice with Callum. It outlined bait preparation, dock sanitation, and gear cleaning, all in line with a commercial zone. Callum read the notice, then looked up slowly. “Do I want to know?” he asked. Elias said, “Probably not.”
Callum’s mouth twitched, but he stamped the paper. “Stay within the rules.” Elias folded the copy into his coat. “That’s the plan.” As he left, he noticed the harbor master’s shoulders seemed lighter than they had in weeks.