26
Shea found her nine-year-old self wandering aimlessly outside Victor Ganado’s home. Ralph had chased her off while he and the Jaguars’ president talked business inside. It was a cool day, the sky royal blue, the air filled with the sweet fragrances of citrus blossoms. She preferred playing outside anyway, when the weather was pleasant.
The fenced-in lot next to the house caught her attention. Discarded machines of all types—cars, motorcycles, mowers, bicycles, even a snow machine—were jam-packed into rows like a rusty wonderland of hidden treasures. She spied a 250 cc minibike about three rows in. Ralph had been looking for one for her to learn on. This might be the ride they’d been hunting for.
She paid no heed to the keep out and no trespassing signs. Ralph had taught her those sig
