CHAPTER TEN D: THE SISTER WHO REMEMBERED
Florence Dyer lived in a narrow house above a bakery on the east side of the harbor.
Nora visited with Imani on a Saturday afternoon after finishing her shift.
Florence answered the door with a watering can in her hand.
She recognized Imani immediately and said that the old arguments were not welcome in her home.
Imani explained that they had come to ask about the apprentices.
Florence looked toward the street before stepping aside.
She allowed them into a small sitting room lined with photographs of school concerts.
Nora introduced herself and explained how she had met Walter.
Florence listened without interrupting.
When Nora mentioned Leona, Florence’s face softened.
She remembered a girl who carried props carefully and never complained about heavy scenery.
Nora asked why several apprentices had been dismissed after Peter’s accident.
Florence said that the theater had been frightened of lawsuits and bad publicity.
The administrative committee had ordered an immediate reduction in staff.
She had been told to send the youngest workers home first.
Imani asked who issued the order.
Florence said that Walter had approved the reduction.
Imani looked troubled but did not dispute it.
Nora asked whether the dismissals were connected to what the apprentices had witnessed.
Florence said that she had wondered the same thing.
She had asked Malcolm whether anyone had interviewed the young workers.
He told her that the insurance investigator had enough statements already.
She accepted his answer because he was her brother and she trusted him.
Nora asked whether she still trusted him.
Florence put down the watering can.
She said that family loyalty could become an excuse for refusing to see what was directly in front of someone.
She had recently asked Malcolm why the service cavity had been sealed.
He told her that the building owner wanted to prevent unauthorized access.
She said that she believed the explanation might be true.
She also said that he had shouted at her for asking.
Imani asked whether Florence would speak at the hearing.
Florence refused immediately.
She said that she would not turn her brother into a public spectacle.
Nora told her that nobody had asked her to do that.
They wanted an accurate account of the apprentices’ dismissals.
Florence considered the distinction.
She asked whether Walter intended to acknowledge his part in the decision.
Imani said that Walter would be asked directly.
Florence walked to the window and watched a delivery van reverse into the bakery courtyard.
She said that she could not promise to speak publicly.
She would, however, meet with Peter if he wanted to ask questions in private.
Nora thanked her for that offer.
Florence looked at Nora’s apron folded inside her bag.
She asked whether the diner was treating her fairly.
Nora answered that she was trying to make sure it did.
Florence said that she had once told apprentices to accept whatever their employers decided.
She no longer thought that advice was wise.
