Ashley Walton smacked the assignment down on her desk. Angry red letters bled through the paper, and Zach could plainly read what they spelled.

See me after class.

"Wow," Zach said, "Teachers actually write that. I thought it was just in the movies." He laughed.

She could show Zach a knee slapper. But no. Last time Ashley Walton kicked a guy in the balls, she got suspended and almost lost her spot on the school newspaper but didn't on account of her mother dating Mr. Bristol.

Potbellied and mustachioed, Mr. Bristol rocked back on his heels as the rest of the class packed up to leave.

Zach hadn’t gotten his assignment back. He had another week on account of his arm and all. He gave Ashley one last winning look. "I'm sure it's good news." Then he punched her in the arm and ducked out before ol' Bristol could flog him.