Sofia howls, sinking down into the couch she’s perched on.
I snatch the phone. “We really are-”
“Enough. You think I’d believe that? It’s not even a very good story.”
Sofia snickers.
“He hung up,” I say in frustration.
Sofia stands up, her eyes gleaming. “Enough of this nonsense.”
She hands Danger’s lead to me and walks outside before I can stop her.
She claps her hands. “Enough, there’s no food. Off you go.”
The gulls watch her.
“Go away!” she snaps.
A handful take off. She walks out further, smacking her hands together and ordering them to leave, and, by some miracle, it works. They leave.
I follow her out, unable to believe my eyes. Sofia is magic.
“Are you a seagull whisperer now?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “No, but I did learn how to command a room from Marla.”
Grandma squints as she looks around.
“There’s only one left.”
We all turn and find Sully sitting there unhappily. I can’t tell if he’s looking at us like we’re really dumb or if he’s plotting our downfall. Either is scary, and I really just want him to leave.
Sofia approaches him. “Go!”
Danger barks, and he lifts into the air, screaming before he, too, disappears.
“Well, that was impressive,” Grandpa murmurs. He turns to Grandma. “Why didn’t you think of that?”
Grandma lets out a shrill sound like a boiling kettle. One problem solved, but we still need to deal with the situation with the thief.
“Come on, we need to go inside and talk,” I say softly.
Grandma glares at me. I shift in my seat, unable to sit still while she sends laser beams into my brain.
“I am not a thief.” The words shoot out of her like bullets.
“I’m just asking, I’m not accusing.”
“It sounds like an accusation,” she snarls.
“It’s not. It’s just if it were one of you, maybe there might be-”
“Might be a what?” Grandma shouts.
“A medical reason,” I say gently.
Grandma scowls. “It’s not us. We’re fine.” She pauses, glaring. “I am glad you are concerned, but I’m trying hard not to be offended right now, Devon.”
