Nelson spun around and strode across the park, yelling at one of the firemen. The four of us looked at one another and burst out laughing. Gertie clutched my arm, laughing so hard she was sobbing, and we both sank onto the ground in a delirious pile. “That couldn’t have been more perfect if we planned it,” I said. “I know,” Gertie said. “I’ll never forget the look on his face.” “Yes,” Carter said. “He’s probably as confused as I am. Why exactly do the two of you have handcuffs?” Gertie and I looked at each other and started laughing again. Gertie waved a hand in dismissal. “Shouldn’t you be asking Ida Belle why she doesn’t?” Ida Belle wiped the tears from her eyes. “I thought I took your handcuffs away,” she said to Gertie. Gertie nodded. “You did, but I had a spare set stuffed in my bra.” Carter looked pained. “This conversation has gotten really uncomfortable. And since I know I’ll never get a straight answer out of any of you, I’m going to call it a night.”
