Page 54

"That sounds accurate."

"He's terrible management."

"I'll speak to him."

"Please do. We've been waiting years."

I laugh. The ache eases. We continue toward a long building with open bay doors. Inside, several people are working on what looks like furniture.

"Woodshop?"

"Training shop. Woodworking, repairs, basic construction. Some guys already know a trade. Some don't."

A man near one of the tables raises a hand.

"Martinez."

"Drew."

His gaze moves to me. Javier doesn't hesitate.

"This is Madison Hart. Lily's sister."

I wait for it. The pause. The stare. It comes. But only for a second. Then Drew smiles.

"Good to meet you."

"You too."

"Lily made terrible coffee."

I blink. Then laugh.

"She absolutely did."

Drew points at me.

"Thank you."

"She insisted it was strong."

"It was tar."

Javier shakes his head.

"You drank it."

"We were afraid of her."

"You should've been."

We leave the shop with me still smiling.

"That happens a lot, doesn't it?"

"What?"

"People here have stories about her I don't know."