CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND SIX – INTENTIONAL DAMAGE

Over the next few weeks, Jasmine found herself constantly at odds with Hank's unconventional methods. One particularly heated argument erupted when she discovered him teaching a group of teenagers how to operate heavy machinery. "Are you out of your mind?" Jasmine exploded. "Those kids can't be more than sixteen!" Hank crossed his arms defensively. "So? I was operating a crane at fourteen. These kids are naturals." "That's not the point!" Jasmine retorted. "It's illegal, not to mention incredibly dangerous. What if something happens to them?" Hank's expression softened slightly. "Look, Ms. Delacroix. These kids are from the neighborhood. They need work, and I'm teaching them a valuable skill. Isn't that what your fancy new Bistro is supposed to be about? Helping the community?" Jasmine faltered, caught off guard by Hank's unexpected display of compassion. "I... I understand what you're trying to do, Hank. But we can't cut corners on safety or legality. There has to be a better way