?


    "I did some digging online, and it turns out, the qualifications for a constructionpany to build ab are sky-high, not like putting up a regr house at all."


    "Plus, there''s the wholeyout of the security system after theb''s built. That''s a tough nut for most construction outfits to crack."


    The trio huddled in a coffee shop.


    Roseanne took a sip of her coffee and shared the information she had gathered with the other two.


    In front of Mamie were two servings of cheesecake, which she devoured attentively while still keeping an ear in the conversation.


    "My buddy Duke knows a bunch of contractors, a few have business around Lumina too, but when I checked yesterday, they''re all about houses, no clue aboutbs."


    Roseanne sighed, "Guess it takes a pro to handle pro stuff."


    Scales added, “And we''d better hire a separate architect to act as a bridge between us and the constructionpany. Otherwise, theck ofmunication could reallypromise the final oue."


    For the next few days, the trio was anything but idle. Outside of sses, they spent most of their time scouting constructionpanies. None really hit the mark.


    Either the designers had no clue aboutb construction, or the budget was through the roof.


    "I can''t do this anymore, I''m beat... Let''s take a break.”


    After visiting two constructionpanies, Mamie waspletely drained.


    Scales didn''t have much luck either.


    And Roseanne? Even worse.


    Mamie guzzled down two bottles of soda, perking right up: "I refuse to believe that in all of Lumina City, there''s not a single soul who knows how to fix up ab!"


    "I''ve got anotherpany lined up at five. They''ve got the credentials and a solid reputation. I''ll head over and see what''s up," Roseanne nced at her watch. It was 4:20, just enough time to catch a cab.


    But before she could g one down, her phone rang.


    "Hello?"


    "Roseanne, you busy? It''s Halley Cole."


    "Big bro?!"


    They hadn''t been in touch since that grand olddy''s birthday bash, and calls were rare between them, so it took Roseanne a moment too recognize the voice. Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ??


    "Are you at school right now? I''m nearby at Kingswell University, how about we grab a bite?"


    Just then, the constructionpany texted, saying their designer had ast-minute issue and couldn''t meet.


    Roseanne immediately agreed: "Sure!"


    The siblings met at a small diner just off campus.


    When Roseanne arrived, Halley was already there.


    Tall and lean, he had shed his overcoat upon entering, which he draped over a chair.


    Despite looking a bit worn from the


    day''s work, his eyes lit up at the


    sight of Roseanne, "I''ve been meaning to ask you out to dinner for a while, but I''ve been swamped. Plus, figured you''d be busy with the new term. One thing led to another, and well, here we are."


    Roseanne chuckled, "Bro, you''re too polite. Today''s as good as any. Better now than never, right?”


    "Absolutely," Halley eagerly nodded, "Order whatever you fancy, it''s on me today."


    "You seem in high spirits?"


    A contrast to theirst meeting in Pinehollow, Halley''s eyes sparkled despite the evident fatigue.


    It was clear he had been faring welltely.


    Halley modestly waved it off, "Nothing groundbreaking, justnded a project recently. Thepany''s been up and running for a while, and we''ve finally gotten a solid gig. It''s not a gold mine, but it''s a start. So, go ahead, order away. Don''t hold back on my ount."