Nobody. We're not chasing work. We're following an opportunity. There's a difference. Noah nodded, but his eyes held a wisdom beyond his years.
At 8, he already understood more about economic hardship than Ethan had at twice his age. Riverdale appeared around a bend in the highway, a scene from decades past. The main street held the bones of prosperity. A pharmacy with handpainted signs. A diner with red booths visible through plate glass windows.
A hardware store with genuine wooden floors. But half the storefronts were empty. Their windows papered with faded for rent signs. American flags hung limply from light posts. And the memorial statue in the town square had a weathered forgotten look.
Ethan pulled into the parking lot of Henderson's market. A grocery store with a handlettered sign advertising local produce since 1952. They needed supplies, and locals always had the best information. The store's interior was clean, but dated with narrow aisles and wooden shelving that hadn't been updated in decades. A woman in her 70s stood behind the counter, silver hair pulled back in a practical bun, and eyes that seemed to take the measure of a person in one glance.
You must be the Brooks boy, she said before Ethan could introduce himself. Martha Green. I run this place since my herald passed in '93. How did you out? Ethan began.
Small town, she replied with a smile. Ellanar called me yesterday. Said you were coming to claim the Blackwell place. She looked him over appraisingly. You look like a Brooks.
Same build as your grandfather. He was a good man. Howard was stubborn as a mule, but honest. You knew my grandfather? Ethan was surprised at the second connection in as many days.
Everyone knew everyone back then, Martha said. Riverdale was a proper community before the mill closed. Now we're just hanging on. She turned her attention to Noah. And you must be the youngest Brooks.
What's your name, young man? Noah Brooks, ma'am, he replied with the politeness Ethan had instilled in him. Do you know about the mansion? Is it really big? Martha's expression softened.
It certainly is. Biggest house in the county. 15 rooms if I recall correctly. Been sitting empty these 30 years though, so don't expect much grandeur. We're not afraid of a little work, Ethan said.