He winked when she complimented his guessing skills. “Spent a lot of time around kids of different ages. Learned to guess pretty close. Eleven’s a good age, though. I hear that’s when you really start to get smart.” He paused and chuckled. “Think I probably skipped that age, though.”
“Good point,” he replied, tilting the cane a little as if to point at her. “Big favor you’re doin’ for me, taking this cane. Dunno if I’d ever live down the nickname of the guy with the pink cane.”
“Hospital’s got a lot more entrances and stuff to defend, though. Suppose everyone could live up on the upper levels and block off some of the staircases, but even then…” He paused and glanced around again. “Think I’d rather be behind strong prison walls. With or without crutches.” He nodded at her. “That’s smart, though. Wantin’ to be where the medical supplies are.”
Silas clarified with, “Marchand. Ah, Evan, I think his name is. Guy that set this whole place up. I call him Boss ‘cause he’s in charge.” He shrugged. Being a taxi driver was partially to blame for that. He’d had a habit of calling a lot of guys Boss back then. “We’ll keep you entertained, don’t worry. Got movies, books, games. All kinds of stuff.”
The only indication of surprise Silas gave, upon seeing Allison’s reaction to his offer, was a slight arching of one eyebrow. “Consider me on the top of your list of visitors, then,” he said with a smile. “I can go get you some books right now, if you want. Maybe some breakfast, too, if you’re hungry?”