Read Crunch for Free Online Page B

said. “So did the diesel and that’s how my dad’s truck runs.”
    “Oh, no kidding?” said Runks. He looked at Lil and then at me.
    “But they’re going to keep calling us every night,” Eva said.
    Pop Chilly slipped an arm around Eva. He planted a kiss on her head. “That’s right,” he said.
    “How long have they been out?” Runks asked Lil.
    “Well, they’re just a day past the plan so far,” said Lil. “Dad thought the ration cards would be a sure thing, you know?”
    Runks shook his head. “This shortage has caught all of us.”
    “Have you seen the highway?” I asked.
    Officer Macey made a loud laugh. “Seen it? That’s all we do. Bike in big circles all day and the highway’s one of our major loops. The staties can’t cover it all.”
    “I biked out there today,” I said. “Oh. Not to get myself in trouble…” I grimaced and ducked my head.
    “We’re not making arrests for just walking or riding out there,” Macey said. “Too much paperwork!”
    “Then I confess too!” Robert stood and shookhands with both officers. “Yes, sirs! I’m guilty of many hot, illegal miles on foot. I’m buying a bike. Tonight. Tomorrow, I join the pedaling violators.”
    “That’s cool,” Officer Macey said. “Just watch out. It’s bound to get nasty out there eventually.”
    “Really? You mean road rage?” I said. “I thought everything was pretty orderly. Lanes forming and all.”
    “Sure. For now. But it’s hot and people will get frustrated, and they’ll turn mean.” Macey folded his arms over his chest and nodded.
    “Where? Who’s being mean?” Angus wanted to know.
    Pop cleared his throat loudly. Both Angus and Eva had saucer eyes trained on Macey. Runks shifted. He shook his head at Macey, who quickly said, “Oh, sorry about that.”
    Robert Deal spoke up. “Well, people have been nothing but nice to me. Dewey gave me a ride this morning. That was the best help I’ve had. But I’ve seen other good things happening in recent days.”
    “Like what?” Lil asked.
    “Well, this afternoon, some of the businessesand residences that back up to the highway set up rest stops. Places in the shade with lawn chairs. They leave their hoses out. Of course only the smart people use them.” He grinned and pointed to himself. “I should have. Obviously. One of the motels in Sand Orchard was letting people dunk their feet in the pool. For free!” Robert smiled at the twins. “People are good ,” he said. He reached across the table and tapped Eva on the nose. “I’ve made new friends on the highway.”
    “Our dad and mom are making friends too. Where they are.” Eva said. We didn’t know this to be true, so I thought it was funny that Eva said it. She pointed in exactly the direction our parents had gone.
    “Hey, when are they going to call?” Angus asked.
    “Probably just before bedtime,” Lil said. “Let’s clear and start the dishes. We’ll have dessert later.”
    “I love doing dishes!” said Angus.
    “Me too,” said Eva.
    This was true. They loved standing on chairsat the kitchen sink. They also loved using way too much soap.
    “I’ll help,” said Mattie. She started stacking our empty bowls. “I can’t stand to sit still anyway.”
    “Well, I can!” said Pop Chilly. “I’m going to sit right here doing my imitation of a well-fed old man.” He thumped his belly. “Unless you want me to go get that sheep from the geezer neighbor,” Pop said.
    “Oh, Gloria Cloud,” I said. I jumped up.
    “No, Dewey, you have a customer,” Lil said. “I’ll go get Gloria Cloud from our fine neighbor, who, by the way, spent the day following our woolly girl around his yard with a shovel.”
    “A shovel!” Mattie looked horrified. “Why?”
    “Because he doesn’t want any of her manures,” Angus said.
    “Fear of feces,” Vince said, and Robert coughed to cover a laugh.
    “He catches the manures on the shovel. Then he puts them over in our yard,” Eva