A breeze drifted through the wide yard of the Gray residence, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass and drifting dust from the shattered windowpane that still glittered in shards upon the patio stones. Before Amelia could open her mouth to defend herself, Luther rushed forward with all the bravery and poor judgment of a young knight who had misunderstood the mission entirely.
"Uncle Alan, I did it," Luther declared proudly, chin lifted like a soldier accepting execution with dignity. He positioned himself firmly in front of his mother as though his skinny arms could shield her from consequences.
"No, it was me!" Adin insisted, bouncing toward Alan with reckless enthusiasm that could have powered the entire neighborhood. He practically skidded to a stop beside his brother, eyes shining with determination.
