diff --git a/src/scribe/services/shape_ledger.py b/src/scribe/services/shape_ledger.py
index cab9635..4c130e0 100644
--- a/src/scribe/services/shape_ledger.py
+++ b/src/scribe/services/shape_ledger.py
@@ -444,6 +444,10 @@ async def live_rows_for(user_id: int, project_id: int) -> list[CodeShape]:
     outside (an MCP tool, a route) rather than from a job that already
     established who is asking. Empty for a project the caller cannot read,
     never a partial answer."""
+    # Deferred, like every other access import in this module: services/access
+    # reaches back here, and a module-level import closes the cycle.
+    from scribe.services import access
+
     if not await access.can_read_project(user_id, project_id):
         return []
     return await live_rows(project_id)
diff --git a/tests/test_stamps_to_review.py b/tests/test_stamps_to_review.py
index 115dafc..eb7acb7 100644
--- a/tests/test_stamps_to_review.py
+++ b/tests/test_stamps_to_review.py
@@ -22,8 +22,6 @@ hook's own history is made of.
 """
 
 
-
-
 import pytest
 
 from scribe.services.shape_ledger import (