Renegade Protector. Nico Rosso

      “Alabama,” she answered. Now that they’d covered all the basics, she looked over the table and talked to Mariana. “Is any of this salvageable?”

      Mariana joined her and picked over the wares. “Jars of jelly, no. Dried rings, no. The apple peelers can be sold at a discount once they’re dried.”

      Sydney separated two of the devices. “I cleared a table at my place. We’ll fill it with anything you can sell, and I’m not taking any commission.”

      Mariana objected. “A table of my stuff means lost sales for you. I can’t—”

      Sydney raised her hand to cut off her friend’s concern. “They burned your place. This is the least I can do.” She strode toward the back. “Did the jugs of cider get damaged?”

      Mariana followed and Ty trailed after them. Soon they were all sorting through what could be sold and what had to be trashed. Mariana’s eyes welled with tears as she separated out all the losses, but she pushed through and filled three plastic tubs with good merchandise.