Chapter 197

By noon, crews of carpenters were making repairs on damaged homes as quickly as city inspectors would issue permits. Steve worked through the day, stopping only for an occasional drink, and finally for a hot meal as darkness fell.

Reporters were constantly seeking interviews with Steve. He referred them all to Lisa and Stephanie as he ran the excavator. Stephanie was asked where Steve had learned to operate heavy equipment.

“The guy’s a US Navy SEAL,” was her stock answer for any question regarding Steve’s qualifications. “When we find something that he can’t do, we’ll let you know.”

When it began getting dark, work did not stop. Dozens of large lights and generators were brought in as crews of new volunteers constantly arrived to relieve those that had labored all day.

Sunday night, Steve pulled out a sleeping bag and spread it off to the side of dozens of others in a grassy area near the staging area. Lady in Red had supplied them for volunteers that asked