Sheriff Hemlock, who'd been listening to others make their report a few paces distant, straightens and turns around when he hears Tac mention the open North Gate. Likewise, the crowd falls to a hush. Mayor Deverin's left eyebrow arches with surprise. Quiet a beat, the mayor is the first to recover herself and does so just as the sheriff is opening his mouth to speak. "The North Gate open, was it? Sheriff, you and I will need to review the duty roster for the day to see who was to've been posted at the Gate this afternoon and evening." Mayor Deverin turns to Sheriff Hemlock, obviously seeking agreement and probably also hoping to put a quick end to public speculation. The sheriff's jaw tightens and goes white with anger, but he says nothing and only nods at the mayor. Pointing at Tac, Sheriff Hemlock intones, "We'll meet with you and your friends," and here the Sheriff gestures to Elyra, Sivan, and Talashia before continuing, "in the morning. Breakfast, here, at sunrise if you will." The gruff Shoanti sheriff's tone leaves little room for argument--it's clear the Sheriff expects his morning audience.
"The rest of you lot, call it quits for the night! Go home, bar your doors and try to sleep--we'll get the rest of this rat's snarl of a mess sorted in the light of day." Sheriff Hemlock barks at the crowd, then moves off, apparently to follow his own advice. Men mill about in front of the garrison, some grumbling, others just looking tired. The crowd seems reluctant to depart, but eventually thins until just two stragglers--half drunk by the look of their lilting walk--remain.