Doc looked across his garage at the blank pages scattered over his workbench.
"Because she asked."
Rachel felt something tighten in her throat.
He continued.
"And because I don't think the answer should come from a stranger's guess when there are people qualified to tell us what's possible."
Rachel was quiet for a long time.
Then she asked, "Are you prepared for the answer to be no?"
Doc looked toward the pink ribbon inside his vest.
"Yes."
"Even after you've spent time and money?"
"Especially then."
Rachel leaned against the kitchen counter.
For the first time, she began to believe that he understood.
She didn't agree to the project that morning.
She agreed to a conversation.
And that was where everything began.
Doc's first meeting with the retired engineer lasted almost four hours.
Virginia Hale was sixty-seven years old, with short silver hair, sharp green eyes, and the firm manner of someone who had spent decades correcting expensive mistakes before they became dangerous. She had worked on specialized vehicle systems and custom mobility equipment, and although she was retired from full-time engineering, she still consulted on selected projects.
She was also the older sister of one of the Blue Ridge Riders.
Doc arrived at her workshop carrying three pages of sketches.
Virginia looked at the first drawing.
Then she looked at Doc.
"No."
Doc blinked.
"You haven't even heard the idea."
"I've seen enough."
She pushed the paper back across the table.
Doc frowned.
"What's wrong with it?"
"You're trying to solve a medical and engineering problem with enthusiasm."
He leaned forward.
"That's why I came to you."
Virginia studied him.
"Good answer. Now tell me what you actually know about the child's needs."
Doc opened his notebook.
He explained what Rachel had told him, carefully distinguishing information he knew from assumptions he had made. He described Ellie's limited trunk strength, her fatigue, and the potential risks of unexpected movement.
Virginia listened.
Then she asked about head support.
Doc admitted he didn't know enough.
She asked about vibration.
He didn't have an answer.
She asked whether Ellie could tolerate the position he had drawn for the passenger seat.
He shook his head.
Virginia closed the notebook.
"Then you don't have a design yet."
Doc sighed.
"That's why I need help."
She leaned back.