might have had with Miguel if things had turned out differently. The thought was now three years too late. Chris started the engine and took a mental note, "1315 South Church." He'd Google the address and get a phone number from the directory. Maybe he'd call and ask for Silvio, or maybe that was too much. "Fuck" his heart sank, but at least "I know where he lives."

Chris's watching the contractors had become a guilty pleasure. It surprised him how they chided each other with horseplay that bordered on erotic. He'd watched unnoticed and found it thrilling. The faces became somewhat familiar as well as their habits. For example, a couple of the young guys who were more likely to flirt with women in passing cars never got in old vehicles. All three of them wore baseball caps and sweats, they looked like the guys you'd find in porn films with titles like Bananas and Hot Sauce. There was an older man there all the time who tended to keep everyone in line. Chris called him teacher because he was the one trying not to draw unwanted attention and handing out free advice. The other workers seemed to respect him though, so did the bosses and store manager. Someone was always saying hello to Teach.

People knew why they were on the corners, it was like they performed a public service. From time to time they'd be asked to move from one side of the street to another, but as long as they didn't piss on the sidewalk the cops tended to let them be. It wasn't long however before Chris saw his first incident.

Three guys in a SUV singled out one of the young laborers who'd probably said something to a wife, sister or girlfriend. They called him over and words were exchanged. The conversation almost got loud enough for Chris to hear before the fight ensued. A tall guy with a linebacker build got out followed by two others who attacked the would be citizen. Teacher tried to break it up but was knocked to the ground. Several other laborers got into the fray and fist began to fly. Some of the workers immediately ran, others watched not sure what to do. A customer returning to his car saw what was happening and threw a gallon of paint in his passenger seat and took off. The manager came running out of the store with a couple of CSRs that stood laughing.

The fight only lasted a few minutes breaking up almost as quickly as it had started. "The police are on the way,” the manager was yelling as he helped Teacher off the ground. The three guys that started it retreated, one of which had taken several blows to the head and needed help. Teach talked with the manager for a few minutes, probably explaining the situation. One of the CSR's ran back into the store and returned with a first aid kit and tended to what may have been a small scratch over Teacher's eye.

The following day, Silvio fell off the map along with everyone else on site. Potential bosses circled around the corner looking confused and frustrated when they found no one to hire. "Fucking lazy ass Mexicans,” someone yelled when he sped off. Chris smirked at the irony and called the house with his number blocked. The directory had listed a Maria Lopez - a woman's voice came on the line. The message announced she was either on another call or on