Chapter 52

He had more hope, more light, this very morning than he’d had that morning four years ago at Kerry Park, looking down on the city that would become his home.

He gave in and lit it up another smoke, remembering the times that had ensued after that morning when he first arrived. The years had certainly gotten off to a promising start. Within days, Hank had found work, helping a guy down in Burien build a house with a waterfront view. He had fallen into the job easily, following up on a lead another kid had given him about hanging out at the Home Depot on North Aurora Avenue, where people often sought cheap help for construction and home improvement projects.

He had worked with the guy for almost two years on his Burien house, but also on other houses the guy bought and then flipped or rented out. Hank made some decent money, all under the table, and had become his benefactor’s right hand man. Until coming to the Pacific Northwest, Hank had no idea how handy he was.