Elena's POV

The hard hat was heavier than I expected.

I adjusted the strap twice before giving up on getting it comfortable. Patricia looked just as out of place beside me in a safety vest and sensible flats, but she had the decency not to comment.

The plant site was loud in a way that got into your chest.

The steady rhythm of machinery. Forklifts weaving between sections. Workers moving with practiced efficiency. The air smelled of oil, hot metal and something faintly burnt.

I stopped ...