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once and for all.” Brett pounded his leg with his fist as he spoke.
    “How are you going to do that?” Johnee asked.
    “I don’t know,” Brett said, sounding deflated. “But Lizard and I will find a way.”
    Johnee shook his head. “You and that board. Maybe you were better off without it.”
    “What does everyone have against this board?” Brett said angrily. “Don’t tell me you believe what W.E.’s been saying.”
    “All I know is, you seem obsessed with it,” said Johnee.
    “No way!” said Brett. Then, in a softer tone, he said, “It’s just an excellent board, nothing more.”
    Brett moved out into the street and stepped onto The Lizard. “Come on, man. Lets do some tricks.”
    “Can’t,” Johnee said, standing up. “I’ve got some chores to do. Maybe later.”
    Brett felt another wave of annoyance wash over him. What was with Johnee? Didn’t he like to skate anymore?
Well, if he doesn’t,
Brett thought,
I’ll go find someone who does. Maybe even Kyle.
    “Later, man,” Brett said, taking off.
    First my mother, then W.E., and now even Johnee. Everyone’s on my back,
Brett thought angrily as he wheeled down the street.
And for what? Just skateboarding. It’s not like I’m selling drugs or anything.
    As he started to go past Mrs. Weatherspoon’s house, a cab pulled up at the curb and she got out, carrying two suitcases.
    And here’s another one, old snitch Weatherspoon,
Brett fumed. He noticed that she was struggling to carry the bags up the walk, but he didn’t offer to help. She could shift for herself. He pretended he hadn’t seen her and went on.
    But she called out to him. “Excuse me.”
    Brett considered not stopping, but then thought better of it. He didn’t want her to get him into more trouble with his mom.
    “Aren’t you Brett Thyson?” she asked.
    Brett nodded curtly.
Yeah, the one you ratted on, remember?
he said silently.
    “I thought so.” She put down the suitcases and walked toward him. “I saw your letter in this morning’s paper.”
    Brett didn’t respond, unsure of what she wanted from him. Was she going to tell him she hated his idea?
    “It was a good letter. Very well written, and from the heart,” she went on.
    “Uh, thanks,” Brett stammered. Was this really Mrs. Weatherspoon, or a twin coming to visit?
    “Oh well, I’ll let you get going. I’m sure you’re anxious to get back on that skateboard.” She smiled and — to Brett’s surprise ― even winked. “You’re very good — I’ve seen you.”
    “Thanks,” Brett repeated lamely. Once he recovered from his shock, he said, “Can I help you with your bags?”
    She looked down at them. “Oh, that would be very nice. I can get this one, if you’ll carry that one.” She pointed to the smaller suitcase, but Brett picked up the larger one.
    “I don’t know why I brought so much for just one week,” she said apologetically as they walked up the steps to the door. “I was visiting my daughter and grandchildren. It was so good to see them again.”
    Brett nodded politely. The visit certainly must have been good for her — it had changed her personality!
    When they reached the door Brett said good-bye and started to leave.
    “Well, thank you, Brett,” Mrs. Weatherspoon said. “It was awfully nice of you to welcome me home like this.” She thought for a moment and then added, “Come to think of it, you ushered me off, too.”
    “Huh?” Brett stopped in his tracks and looked back at her, confused.
    “Just before my cab arrived I saw that little run-in you had with Mrs. Brisby’s dog,” Mrs. Weatherspoon said.
    Brett blushed. “Yeah, my mother told me you called. I’m sorry—”
    “Oh, I’m afraid she must be mistaken. I didn’t call. I didn’t have time. And anyway,” she added with a mischievous chuckle, “I don’t much care for that dog anyway.”
    Brett laughed, in surprise and relief. So it must have been Mrs. Brisby herself who had called. And all this time he