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out what it was, his brain short-circuited, wanting to think of Birgit instead.
    â€œThe important thing is,” said Birgit, “that the word will get around. It will be a wake-up call for all the other lowlife bullies at Grandview.”
    Whisper cracked his knuckles. “So who’s next?”
    â€œJoey Washington’s muggers,” said Birgit. “Agreed?”
    The boys nodded.
    Birgit turned to Mickey. “You talked to Joey, Michael. Does he know who these scumbags are?”
    â€œOnly one. Guy named Gordie Tweed,” said Mickey. “He didn’t know the name of the other one. But they’re a pair. They go everywhere together. They pick on Asian kids and gays. Shouldn’t be difficult to find out the second name.”
    Birgit smiled. “Gordie Tweed. I know that creep. Tenth grader. Let’s find out who his psycho friend is. We meet here Friday lunch hour. Okay?”
    â€œGino Bibby. He’s our number two man,” said Whisper, cracking his knuckles.
    Mickey said, “I had Joey ID Tweed and Bibby, just to make sure we get the right guys.”
    Birgit said, “Joey’s back at school?”
    Mickey nodded. “Got bored watching TV.”
    Whisper continued quietly, “Bibby and Tweed won’t be easy to take down. They’re big and they’re tough. They work out four or five hours a day at the gym. They’re body-builders.”
    Peter said, “So what are you saying? We need more muscle?”
    â€œNot if we take them one at a time,” said Mickey.
    Peter boasted, “I know them and I know we can handle them. No problem. There are only two of them and four of us. Three, not counting Birgit.” He smiled winningly at her. “We don’t want to see Birgit get hurt.”
    Mickey cringed inwardly. Peter was beginning to have a painful effect on him.
    â€œIf we try to take them together, three bodies won’t be enough,” said Whisper. “We need at least four.”
    â€œI’ve got a friend who can help us out,” said Mickey. “Why don’t you leave the muscle problem to me?”

Chapter Ten
    Heck liked to take a turn at kitchen cleanup after supper, but he only got in the way. Or he broke something in his ham-sized fists.
    The kids were watching TV; the Hobbits were reading.
    It was Mickey and Candy’s turn for the dishes. Mickey dried and Candy washed. Heck came in, filling the kitchen with his bulk. Mickey usually left it to Candy to getrid of him. Candy had a way with her. She knew how to do it nicely so his feelings weren’t hurt.
    As soon as Heck had gone off to join the kids in front of the TV, Candy was angry. “I can’t believe what I’m hearing, Mickey. Tell me it’s not true.”
    Mickey’s heart sank. Play the innocent, he thought. “What’s not true, Candy?”
    â€œYou asked Heck to help out in some funny business. He won’t tell me what. Says it’s a secret. I’m warning you, Mickey, if you get Heck into any kind of trouble you’ll have the Hobbits to answer to. And me.”
    Her eyes flashed. Candy was really something when she was mad. Wild hair, flashing brown eyes, pink cheeks. That was the trouble with Heck: he couldn’t keep his big mouth shut. Well, at least he hadn’t told Candy anything more.
    â€œIt’s nothing to get upset about, Candy, just a harmless little caper. One evening’s work, that’s all.”
    â€œTell me what you’re up to. I don’t wantHeck mixed up in something illegal. If he goes to jail again it’ll be for serious time.”
    â€œCandy, I told you. It’s nothing.”
    â€œOkay. I’ll tell the Hobbits and they’ll ground him for the next month. He won’t even be allowed into the backyard.”
    Mickey groaned. “Aw, come on. There’s no need—”
    â€œSo tell me what it’s all about.”
    â€œI can’t tell. I