Dink said. Ruth Rose climbed the steps and knocked on the door. “Anyone in there?” she called out. The trailer remained silent. Pal sniffed the ground near the chair, then began whimpering. He sat facing the trailer and wagged his tail. “Pal smells someone,” Josh said. “Should we wait around?” Dink asked. “I can’t think of anything else to do,” Ruth Rose said, sitting on an aluminum step. “The game is canceled, Mr. Pocket’s baseballs are missing, and Pete’s in jail.” Suddenly the trailer door burst open. A boy appeared with a wild look in his eyes. He resembled Pete Unkenholz, only a lot younger. His blond hair was messed up and he was wearing the flannel shirt. “What do you mean, ‘Pete’s in jail’?” the kid demanded. Pal let out a low bark. “Hush, Pal,” Josh said. Ruth Rose was so startled she jumped off the steps. “Who … who are you?” she stammered. The boy shook his head. “You first. Who are you guys?” Dink took a step toward the boy.
