Chapter Nineteen – 18 years and 4 months before the collapse
“This heat is intolerable,” said Jim, opening another bottle of fruit wine in the garden of the un-built country house.
“It hasn’t rained for weeks,” said Asher, accepting a top up. “We complain when it rains because of the floods, then complain when it stops raining.”
“Here’s to doing business with each other,” Jim raised a toast.
“Here’s to helping each other out,” Asher changed the toast.
The two men drank. Annabel was still pottering around in the garden with Olivia, making the most of the evening light.
“I hope this solves some of your problems,” said Asher.
“It does,” Jim confirmed with enthusiasm. “I’ve already settled the previous mortgage and, as soon as Garcia builds something we can live in, we won’t have to pay
