Drowning Hate

By Gregory Saur

The author of DIVING CATCH and BEST SHOT FORWARD, Gregory Saur presents a stunning new novel about the power of friendship and how working together with love and understanding is unstoppable, no matter the odds.

HATE HAS NO BOUNDARIES...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gregory Saur
• Release date: Oct 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781949317220

Gregory Saur

Gregory Saur lives mainly in Virginia but continues to visit his imagination daily. The most relaxing time of his adult life was spent overnight in the hospital having his appendix removed-this is why this book has no appendix. It was removed. You will find him mostly at home, but his mind... who knows? It could be anywhere. If you happen to find it, please return it. He may need it one day. If you find his appendix, you can keep it. He's been assured it is not needed.

Book preview

Prologue

It was nearing sunset, soon to be a hot, muggy Saturday night. The sun still had some ways to go down. At the moment, its golden rays sparkled across the quiet creek.

The water lay still, almost green from the reflection of trees lining the banks on either side. This was where the creek narrowed before eventually turning into a stream. Tucked away from houses, the area usually proved a quiet, secluded spot, perfect for fishing.

A great blue heron stood ankle deep in the brackish water, searching for a meal. Just off a sandy stretch along the shore, the bird stood below a low cliff that ended in a sharp ten-foot drop by the water’s edge.

All at once, the bird’s head snapped up. Swiftly, it stretched out its wings and took flight, abandoning dinner.

Immediately after, a high boyish voice burst from the trees. A slightly deeper voice answered, coming from just beyond the narrow sandy beach. The quiet area was no more. Moments later, a boy burst onto the sand, running full speed.

I win! he cried in a high voice, laughing. He tugged at his lime green baseball T-shirt, yanking it over his head. Loser!

Yeah, only because I let you! protested a second boy. He burst through right after the first. Taller and with a slightly deeper voice, he appeared older but was the same age.

The first boy soon had his shirt free and flying in his wake. He next kicked off a pair of orange Crocs before sprinting barefoot to the water. Small and skinny, the boy’s visible skin was lightly browned by the sun. His darkish blond hair ruffled in the breeze. A green medallion, the shape of a stallion’s head, bounced on his chest, held by a black rope clasped around his neck. Otherwise, he wore only a brown and white patterned swimsuit.

His friend followed close behind. This boy’s skin and hair were much lighter, but his build was taller and sturdier. Ripping off his matching green T-shirt, he was soon down to bare feet and red swim trunks. His chest appeared a milky white and gleamed under the sun. You’re still not wet yet!

I will be soon enough! Eat my sand!

Wait until I get my hands on you, Kaden!

It was Memorial Day weekend and the boys were aiming for the first swim of the year.

Kaden reached the water first. Immediately, he let out a high-pitched yell and he started high kicking through the shallow water. It’s freezing! he cried.

Not when you’re totally soaked! howled his friend, just before crashing into his back, wrapping his arms around his stomach to carry him forward.

The smaller boy let off a yelp but had no chance against the bigger foe.

The boys stumbled forward before splashing face-first into the water.

They hastily shot back to their feet, now finding themselves in deeper water.

George! Kaden! barked a man’s voice, sounding more annoyed than angry. Wait for me before getting in the water!

A tall, exasperated-looking man trotted onto the beach. He relaxed and grinned when seeing the boys both hugging their chests and shivering.

It’s st-still freezing, George, the smaller boy said. He sucked in his stomach, flexing so his muscles and bones pressed against his skin.

Uh, yeah. L-let’s get deeper, George said, his teeth starting to chatter. The water will feel warmer. The air hovered over eighty degrees, but the water had yet to warm from the long winter.

You boys stay close to shore, the man warned. Don’t go too far out where the current can catch you. It can pull you into the river before you know what’s happening.

Yes, sir, George said. He inched into deeper water. We will.

Yeah. It’s too cold to go too far out anyway, shivered the smaller boy.

That’s what you think. George suddenly kicked water at Kaden and the two boys were soon crashing deeper into the creek.

Mr. Wheaton, George’s dad, watched with amusement. Built like his son, with darker hair and lightly tanned skin, he wore khaki shorts with a white polo shirt and flip-flops. He had no interest in getting wet. He found a seat on a fallen tree on the sand. Keeping half an eye on the boys, he pulled out his phone from his shorts pocket and started checking texts. He’d brought the boys to this spot as a surprise, showing them a secret swimming spot he’d once used as a boy. He never knew he wasn’t the only one with a similar, yet very different, idea.

The boys continued into the creek and soon were ducking under the cold water. Suddenly, Kaden, water up to his waist, grew still. He put a hand out for George to stop splashing.

What is it? George teased. Are you warming the water up? Taking a leak? He made a hissing sound and splashed the water in front of him.

Kaden pressed his lips tightly together and shook his head. Quiet, he said. He stared into the trees to the right of the beach and shivered. Do you feel that?

What? The freezing water numbing my feet? Dude, I can’t feel anything past my waist!

No, it feels like somebody’s watching us… He gestured to the rocky shore that rose into a small cliff away from the beach where George’s dad sat. I thought I saw something up there.

George grew grim. Maybe it’s those jerks Micah and Delvin. Remember? They were fishing by the boat ramp with Micah’s dad when we got here. They probably followed us. Being taller than Kaden, George’s thighs were visible from where he stood. He stepped protectively next to Kaden. I bet they’re spying on us.

Hey, you! Kaden yelled, his voice high and shrill. We know you’re there! Come on out and get in the water! It feels great!

Better yet, get wrecked! George stood to his full height, where the water settled just under his swimsuit. Turning his backside to the trees on the bank, he squatted and smacked the back of his bathing suit. Kiss this, losers!

The trees never responded.

Kaden grinned mischievously. He impulsively reached out and yanked down at the waistband of his friend’s suit.

Caught by surprise, George yelped and twisted away. You’re crazy! he yelled.

Kaden covered his eyes and fell back into the water laughing.

That’s it! It’s your turn, Kaden! George pulled up his suit and dove after Kaden.

No way! Help!

The boys splashed and tussled in the water, sending spray arcing through the air. In a flurry of arms and legs, they suddenly went under. Seconds later, George reappeared with Kaden as captive.

Now I got you! he crowed, triumphant. He stood with Kaden trapped under his arms, squeezing the boy against his chest.

Let go! screeched Kaden.

Not yet, you loser!

George bent down and grabbed the smaller boy from behind the knees with one arm while keeping him trapped around the waist with the other. He all at once hoisted Kaden up into his arms and soon twisted him around to drape him over his shoulder.

Okay, I give up! Kaden cried. His backside faced the woods as his fists beat on George’s back.

Not yet, you don’t! George crowed. Holding the hem of Kaden’s suit, he jumped up and down, ramming his shoulder into Kaden’s middle.

George! Kaden gasped. His hands squeezed George’s shoulders hard. Let go! My suit is slipping!

Oh, sorry. George obediently let go of his friend while dropping back in the water.

Kaden fell with a yell before disappearing in a burst of bubbles. His head broke to the surface immediately after. Coughing, he glared at George. Thanks a lot, he muttered.

What? George said. You started it. Besides, I’m sure nobody is even up there. You probably saw some animal like a deer.

Kaden gave George a rueful glance. Yeah, and it saw your ugly rear end and ran away.

The boys were both crouched in the water so only their heads and shoulders were visible.

Or it died of fright at your scrawny butt.

Kaden, suit secure, stood. He splashed George in the face. Just hope it wasn’t Delvin and Micah. He suddenly cracked a smile. They’d tell the whole school.

What? That you’re a real butt? They already say that.

Kaden splashed George again. Yeah, right now it’s so cold it’s about to fall off. Let’s get back to shore.

Wait! George said, frowning. Your necklace—it’s gone.

Kaden slapped a hand on his chest and clasped only cold skin. During the tussle, the stallion’s head had gone for a swim of its own. Great, he muttered. Then he shrugged his shoulders. Oh, well. I think I got it from the dollar store. My mom can get me a new one. Race you back?

"You’re on!

The two boys both lunged toward the shore where George’s dad patiently sat staring at his phone. He barely glanced up as the boys launched into desperate freestyles. Kaden burst into the lead, but George quickly reached out a hand and grabbed the back of the boy’s suit. Yanking it, he surged forward as Kaden pulled up and coughed up water.

Hey! Kaden cried. Cheater!

Sometimes he wondered if he shouldn’t listen to his teachers when they told him hanging around George was a bad idea. But this feeling never lasted long. They had too much fun together.

My bad! George said. He turned on his side and slowed his swim. I thought you could swim faster naked. Laughing, he waited for Kaden to fix his suit and start swimming again.

The boys ended their race in a tie. Both emerged from the water and dashed for warm towels.

Were you boys swimming or trying to create a tidal wave, Mr. Wheaton asked, finally looking up. He stood and slipped his phone in his pocket. You certainly made a racket out there. Probably scared the fish off for miles.

We can’t reveal too much, George said, snatching up his towel. He flung it into Kaden’s chest and elbowed his friend in the ribs. Can we, Kaden?

Um, too late for that, Kaden said, grabbing the towel. I hope whoever was up there is blind.

Huh? Mr. Wheaton asked, sounding more bored than curious. Well, whoever you’re talking about, say goodbye. It’s time we get back to the house. George, I promised your sister we’ll be back for dinner.

Great, George said sarcastically. We’d better hurry before she burns down the house. Can we stop by and pick up pizza?

That’s what she’s ordering, his dad told him, grinning. I just sent her a text. Now get your two bums moving! I’m hungry!

Yes, sir! George said. He cupped his hands and turned toward the trees above them. See you later! he yelled.

Only cicadas and a chorus of crickets answered.

Once Mr. Wheaton and the boys—wrapped in towels and carrying their shirts and shoes—vanished into the trees, a sigh finally erupted. A man stepped from behind a large oak just on the edge of the cliff overlooking the water.

So much for our romantic evening, he said dryly.

I thought you said this place was totally abandoned, a woman’s voice complained from behind the tree.

I did, the man said. I just didn’t know our old friend Mike Wheaton remembered it.

A woman appeared next to the man. She flicked her long blond hair from her face and stared down at the water savagely. I don’t mind him. I just hate his kid.

Aren’t you his teacher?

Thank the stars, no, the woman replied. I had Kaden last year. He’s a good kid, or at least he was until George came around. Now they’re both little snots. She clenched her hands into fists and pressed them against her shorts. We came to watch the sunset and what did we see?

The man grunted. Well, we did almost get to see a few new moons, he offered. Stupid kids.

I’m so sick of kids, the woman said, failing to crack a smile. Totally sick of all of them!

Is that why you’re a teacher?

Oh, shut it. Teaching kids these days is like petting rattlesnakes, the woman snapped. They’re fine until you bother them. Then they bite back, or worse, get their parents to bite back. She laughed bitterly. I used to think kids had respect and teachers had power. Now I know there’s no respect and kids have all the power.

Relax, the man said, surprised at the woman’s anger. Summer is just a couple of weeks away. Then you’ll be totally free.

Yeah, will I? For how long? I wish I could be free of teaching forever.

Come on, Tracy, the man said. He scratched the back of his neck. You’re always complaining about your job and the brats. I get it. I help coach those two punks in baseball. What they need is a bat taken to their butts. We know that, but we can’t do anything about it. Just hang in there and wait for summer break. You’ll forget all about them, huh?

Just as long as they stay away from me, the woman said bitterly. This is my weekend. My time. Why did they have to come here at this moment and ruin it? She groaned and leaned against the man’s shoulder. I wish we had enough money to quit our jobs and go someplace far away.

Yeah, the man said, pausing to belch. And I wish I played pro baseball. Come on, let’s head back to your place and follow Mike Wheaton’s advice. Let’s order a pizza.

Romance here I come, the woman grumbled. She really couldn’t wait until summer. Kids would never bother her then…

The weeks traveled slowly and painfully toward the freedom of summer…

Chapter 1

In Burbanks County, Virginia, the first Saturday of summer turned into an absolutely gorgeous day. The sun blazed radiantly against the clear blue sky and the temperatures hovered just below ninety. Not too hot, but just perfect for a pool party.

This was exactly where the two boys were headed. Children’s screams and laughter echoed ahead, punctured by a giant splash. Heading for the noise, the boys hurried across the cobblestone driveway.

A pair of red cardinals darted over their heads. On a tree branch, a crow cawed at them for speeding. The boys paid the birds no mind. They were rushing toward summer.

Cannonball! screamed a child’s voice, followed by another massive splash and the shuddering of a diving board.

Hey! yelled a woman, clearly upset. We’re trying to tan over here, not take a bath!

Sorry, Ms. Uldner, sang out a boy’s voice, clearly not meaning it. That was Jeremiah; he can’t help being fat.

Delvin Mayes, the first boy, paused at the pool’s gate, out of breath. He readjusted the towel draped over his shoulder. Shirt off, wearing his brand-new swimsuit, he couldn’t wait to join the fun. He just didn’t know how much fun it would be if George had to be there. He’d immediately recognized the rude boy’s voice and felt a stone settle in his stomach. Who’d invited him?

Hurry up, Delvin, urged his best friend, Micah Moore, coming up behind him. My feet are burning up! Like Delvin, he too was shirtless and carried a towel. Unlike Delvin, he didn’t wear sandals. His bare feet twitched as they stood on a scorching concrete stepping stone. The stones led from the driveway to the gated black rail fence surrounding the pool. It felt like it led to a different world.

Arriving late, the two boys had just piled out of Micah’s dad’s car. The bright red sports car now searched for parking amidst the crowded driveway that led to the gated pool.

Delvin glanced behind them. The cobblestone driveway, flanked on one side by a row of evergreen trees, stretched over a long swath of rolling grass. It seemed to go on for a mile and was now mostly hidden by a line of minivans, SUVs, and sports cars that were parked on the edge. Micah’s dad had barely enough room to back out. A Ford Fusion, the car was Micah’s dad’s pride and joy. Delvin knew it would take time before he found a safe parking spot and made it back. Until then, the boys had to fend for themselves.

Sure you don’t want to wait? Delvin mumbled, reaching a hand down to scratch his side. He got tingly when nervous. He’d never been to a house like this.

Micah shoved Delvin in the back. Wait for what? The sun to go down? Stop being a chicken. This is our pool today, man! Let’s go!

The booming sound of a man’s laughter erupted from the right side of the pool. It came from near the back entrance of the enormous house. Smoke rose from this area, accompanied by the intoxicating smell of grilling beef and chicken, mixed with burning charcoal. The smells of summer…

It certainly wasn’t the Buchanan Community Pool, a place where kids like Delvin and Micah were never allowed without adult supervision. Nope, this was a private pool. The private pool of Clyde Monroe, the richest man in Burbanks County, Virginia… and a man who usually didn’t look too favorably on people, especially kids, of Delvin and Micah’s skin color. Only by the intervention of Mr. David Parker Yearle, hero of South Burbanks, was this party allowed.

Delvin’s hazel brown eyes shone brightly as he surveyed the pool. Despite being a private pool, it easily measured up to the community pool in size and depth. Rectangular in shape, it had a three-foot-deep shallow end that gradually deepened to eight feet before sloping down to ten feet at the far end. This was where a diving board stood in the center, right in view of a tall lifeguard chair. Pretty fancy for a private pool.

Seeing the familiar ponytail sticking from the lifeguard’s ball cap put Delvin at ease. He recognized Janey Rigsall, a high school senior and his neighbor. Janey had babysat him when he was younger.

Hurry, man! Micah demanded, shoving him in the back harder. Let’s go!

Holding off the pressure from Micah, Delvin stumbled forward and fumbled for the gate’s latch. He couldn’t believe it. Mr. Yearle had to be the nicest man in the world. He’d arrived in Burbanks County earlier that spring. Nobody really knew where he came from, but Delvin thought it had to be a place close to heaven.

From what he could gather, Mr. Yearle had become business friends with Mr. Monroe. He used his connections well. To celebrate the end of school, he’d arranged it with Mr. Monroe to use the pool and invite select neighborhood families for a summer party. Among the select was every family with elementary school-aged children from South Burbanks, the neighborhood where Micah and Delvin lived. Mr. Yearle, since arriving, had made it a point to help out the struggling neighborhood, consisting almost entirely of families with darker shades of skin.

As Delvin pushed open the gate, he saw the sparkling blue water filled with kids and only a few grown-ups. Most of the moms were either sitting on outdoor lounge chairs placed just inside the fence or sunning themselves on towels by the pool. The dads crowded around the large grill set up under a blue and white canopy at the side of the house.

Glancing that way, his eyes lit up. He saw a long table covered in a red tablecloth seemingly lost under platters of burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. These were accompanied by heaping bowls of various salads and at least one tray of baked beans.

Delvin couldn’t help but lick his lips as he stumbled onto the hot concrete. His eyes caught the smaller table holding more bottles of soda pop than he had fingers and toes. Below it were coolers overflowing with ice and holding more drinks.

Whoa… this is totally amazing, he muttered.

Micah nudged him in the back shoulder but also stopped to stare. Do you see anybody we know? he asked, now sounding slightly nervous.

Delvin tore his eyes off the soda and food. He quickly spotted Ms. Uldner, lying on a towel placed over the hot concrete near the end of the pool by the diving board. Their teacher in second grade, she could almost be pretty, if not for the sour look she constantly wore on her face. It was a look that shriveled when around children.

As if on cue, the teacher lifted her head and scowled toward the diving board. Her eyes were lost behind a pair of dark sunglasses. No more splashing! I mean it.

Delvin often wondered why she bothered to teach if she hated kids so much.

We’ll try, George told her lazily, scrunching up his nose. Arms folded across his pale, skinny chest, he stood by the diving board like he owned it.

Seeing George, Delvin felt his lip curl in irritation. There’s George, he said. Why did George Wheaton have to come? Really, who had invited him?

I mean somebody we know and actually like, Micah muttered.

Just then a head popped from the water at the edge of the pool by Delvin’s feet. He stepped back as a small boy grabbed the pool’s edge just below him. He recognized the tanned face of Kaden Riderson and relaxed.

Hey! Cool, you made it! cried Kaden. He grinned up at Delvin.

Delvin grunted in response, resisting a return grin. He watched the lithe boy pull himself out of the water, placing a knee on the pool’s edge. His trail leg dangled in the water.

Kaden glanced over his shoulder toward the diving board. Hey! Delvin and Micah are here!

Big fat who cares? George called, not looking up. They’re late.

Kaden’s smile faded, but he still stood to face Delvin with a friendly look. Delvin could see the boy’s ribs sticking from his dripping sides as he wiped the water from his eyes.

Not only short but also super skinny, Kaden had good-looking features and a bright smile. This made him immune to trouble in school. As a rising fourth grader, he still carried his little kid cuteness, something he used to his advantage. He was often mistaken as a second, or worse, a first grader. Teachers let him get by with the sort of things Delvin and Micah got sent to the office for.

Still, Delvin couldn’t help but like him. Kaden was always full of energy and never had a mean bone in his small frame. If only he hadn’t had George for a friend…

Delvin and Kaden used to be good friends back in the second grade… before George showed up as Kaden’s new neighbor and ruined everything. Now the two boys were merely classmates. They went to the same school, were in the same grade, and played the same sports at recess, but that was it.

You guys want to join the splash contest? Kaden asked. His hair, darkened by water and plastered to his skull, was cut short and tight. He brushed back the few strands hanging over his forehead as he looked up at Delvin.

Why would we want to do that? Micah answered gruffly. He moved to stand by Delvin, folding his arms over his chest. Only losers and babies do that.

Kaden sucked in his breath, his firm stomach tightened even further beneath his narrow chest. Delvin feared the kid’s blue and black swimsuit would slip off his slender hips. Thankfully it held.

Well, that’s why I asked, Kaden finally said, his smile faltering. There’s always room for more losers. Despite his small size, Kaden had a wiry build and possessed quick hands and fast feet. They matched his quick mouth. He excelled as an athlete, especially on the baseball diamond. And he never backed down from a challenge. So, you guys coming? His smile returned, showing off his big front teeth.

Nah, Delvin said before Micah could speak. We just got here.

Well, if you guys get splashed, too bad, Kaden said, still sounding cheerful. Jeremiah has the biggest splash so far. You should’ve seen his last cannonball!

We won’t get splashed by you, Micah cut in. He eyed the smaller boy’s slight frame critically. You could carry a bowling ball when you jump and you’d still bounce off the water.

Yeah, true, Kaden admitted, his enthusiasm refusing to dampen. I just go for the waves.

Come on, Kaden, George hollered from across the pool. Jeremiah is going to do his monster jump! Get ready for a tidal wave!

Hey, wait up! Kaden yelled. Forgetting Delvin and Micah, he darted across the concrete to the pool’s edge at the deep end.

Janey gave him a bored look, but never told him to slow down.

Delvin watched the tanned back go with a tinge of sadness. He would love to throw down his towel and join Kaden. But he didn’t.

George and Kaden were a team—best friends. In school, they were always together. They sat next to each other at lunch, always played on the same team at recess, and pretty much excluded Delvin from everything. During spring baseball, they’d been battery mates. George always played catcher when Kaden pitched.

Delvin bit his lower lip. He had played soccer. Alone. He knew he wouldn’t be welcome with Kaden and George now. He would just be another kid in their shadow.

At the side of the diving board, Kaden bent his knees and hunched forward in anticipation.

Micah elbowed Delvin’s ribs and snorted. He nodded at where the boy crouched. Man, I bet I could go and kick Kaden’s little behind clear across the pool. Probably over the fence! Kaden and George think they’re so cool.

Yeah, Delvin said with a grunt. He forced a chuckle. Maybe Jeremiah will jump on one of them.

Micah just curled his upper lip in a sneer. Man, I don’t know why Jeremiah hangs out with their sorry butts. Come on. Let’s find a chair for our towels.

Delvin nodded and glanced at the diving board where Jeremiah’s big beefy body readied to take flight. He reluctantly turned away to follow Micah.

Jeremiah Brown was the biggest kid in the grade, but also one of the nicest. Delvin couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. Jeremiah never let petty squabbles bother him. He hung out with whomever he wanted.

Up on the diving board, Jeremiah patted his solid stomach. A big kid with wide shoulders and a large girth, he was surprisingly agile. In football, he starred on the offensive line and proved to be one of the fastest sprinters… for a short distance.

Come on, Jeremiah! Kaden shouted from the side of the pool. Make the big one!

Jeremiah grinned, showing off his bright white teeth. Okay, he called back. You asked for it! His black tightly curled hair, cut in a flat top fade, glistened with beads of water as he leaned forward. He pressed his lips tight in anticipation. Wearing a baggy red swimsuit, he resembled a wrestler about to perform a body slam.

Wait, Jeremiah, George said, coming up from behind him on the diving board.

The board rose three feet above the water and required two steps to get on it. Jumping off of it was not for the faint of heart, but allowed humongous splashes.

What is it? Jeremiah asked turning to George, slightly annoyed.

The two boys stood near the back leaning on the railings.

George smacked his burly shoulder. Aim to the right and really nail Ms. Uldner. Got it?

Jeremiah frowned. But she just yelled at us for splashing her. Dripping with water, his dark skin, nearly matching the color of his black hair, stood in sharp contrast to George’s light pasty skin, nearly the color of milk.

Yeah, so? George said. He stared back.

Hey, boys! shouted the lifeguard. She lowered her dark sunglasses to stare at them. Only one kid allowed on the diving board at a time!

I didn’t think she’d see me, George muttered, hopping off. I thought I could hide behind all your fat.

Jeremiah pressed his lips together tightly but then took a deep breath. He again faced the crystal-blue water, free of judgment. Shrugging his shoulders, his bright smile returned.

Okay, boys, he cried. Here comes the boom! As he raced toward the end of the board, he peeked at Ms. Uldner. It’s the water annihilator!

Chapter 2

Ms. Uldner lay on her belly wearing a lime green two-piece bathing suit and dark sunglasses. School had ended the day before and so had any thought of school and her students… She just wanted to relax and soak up the sun. Her light skin was finally turning to the rich bronze color she longed for.

Let’s go, Jeremiah! shouted a high-pitched voice.

She stared lazily to her right at where Kaden leaned over on the edge of the pool, poised to dive in. She’d taught the boy a year before and had easily labeled him as one of her favorites. He had the looks of a pint-sized fashion model and the energy of a caffeinated grasshopper. Then he’d left for the third grade and found George.

Seeing the boy hunched over, his muscles tight, she felt a softness cross her heart. Just a week ago she’d discovered, totally by accident, that she and Kaden were actually distant cousins.

That last Friday, during another nasty phone call with her parents—where she was again denied a request for money—her mom mentioned a great-aunt having a birthday party that Saturday. We can’t go, of course, but maybe you should, her mom said. You can ask another relation for cash, for a change. So the previous Saturday night found Ms. Uldner at a posh restaurant, for an old lady she’d never met. Feeling lost, she spotted Kaden’s parents across the room. Intrigued, she’d asked around and found that they, too, were related to the rich windbag. This made Kaden her cousin of some sort.

The rest of the evening went as sour as the sugar-free lemonade served with the fish dinner. Ms. Uldner had hopes of meeting and impressing her great-aunt. Never happened. The old lady never once spoke to her or