Luis looked uncomfortable.
“Derek mostly.”
“Cassandra?”
“She protects him.”
“Why?”
“Numbers.”
“Finance profit.”
“Store ranking.”
Simone resumed walking.
“Anyone else?”
“Martin knew complaints existed.”
Simone stopped again.
Luis quickly added:
“I don't know what he knew.”
“Important distinction.”
“Yes.”
“What do you know?”
Luis exhaled.
“Three years ago a customer complained to state regulator.”
“Black teacher.”
“Good credit.”
“Said she was told warranty required for approval.”
“It wasn’t.”
“What happened?”
“Store refunded quietly.”
“Complaint disappeared.”
“Who handled?”
“Cassandra.”
Simone’s jaw tightened.
“Name?”
Luis hesitated.
Simone said, “If you don’t remember, don’t guess.”
“I remember.”
He told her.
Simone wrote it down.
“Why have you stayed?”
Luis laughed softly.
“Same reason Nina.”
“Mortgage.”
“Kids.”
“Health insurance.”
He looked at her.
“And cars.”
“I like work.”
“Bad managers don't make paint less beautiful.”
Simone smiled.
Her father would have liked him.
Before she left, Luis said:
“Your father detailed?”
“Yes.”
“How long?”
“Twenty-seven years.”
Luis nodded.