She heads toward a small feeding system, a hose attached to what looks like a rain collection barrel. She follows the line to check it, curiosity written all over her face.
Sofie’s voice goes high with disbelief. “What in the Beverly Hillbillies is that?”
I lean against the railing, watching Nalani crouch near the feeder.
“That’s genius, is what it is,” I say, just as she empties a bag of salad greens and frozen corn into it.
“Right?” Nalani laughs.
Then a voice calls out from somewhere nearby. Deep, rough, and with a thick New York accent.
“Someone out there?”
Nalani straightens immediately. “Um, yes!”
“You the new girl in four?”
Sofie grips my arm. “Nalani,” she whisper-hisses. “Let’s go.”
“It is,” Nalani calls back, rolling her eyes at Sofie.
“Cleaners do a good job at your place?”
“Are you the property manager?” she asks, stepping closer to the sound of his voice.
There’s a window cracked open just above the rain barrel.
“I suppose so.”
“Ask him when the elevator will be fixed,” Sofie says, loudly enough for the whole neighborhood to hear.
“Looking like midweek,” he answers, proving he heard her. “Just the two of you out there?”
“There are four of us,” Sofie yells back, hopping down beside Nalani like she’s about to throw down with the man through the wall.
“How strong are you?” he asks.
Sofie’s eyes widen. “Oh my God, Lani, let’s go.”
Nalani waves her off. “Pretty strong. Why? You need something?”
“He’s going to kill us and feed us to his chickens,” Sofie mutters, tugging on her sleeve.
“Would love a hand if you got a minute, Nalani,” the man calls out. “And tell Miss Sassy Pants my birds don’t like sour pusses. She’s safe.”
I laugh before I can stop myself. Sofie gasps like she’s offended, and Nalani grins, “Where can I find you?”
“Left of the elevator. Door at the end of the hall.”
“Be there in a second,” Nalani says, already heading back toward the building.
Inside, Nalani moves fast and purposefully.
Sofie stays by the door. “I’m not going down there.”
“Take Savannah. I’ll go with her,” I tell her.
“You’re a mother,” Sofie snaps.
