Chapter 24

“It’s called Frenchman Creek and it might be totally dried up, but I don’t think so.”

“What about snakes? Ned asked, hurrying along in Peter’s wake.

“Yeah, we should have brought the dog, huh?”

“Or the fucking cat,” Ned muttered, rubbing his head.

They pushed between trees and bushes, grabbing a few blueberries as they passed. “You don’t have bears here, do you?” Ned asked fretfully, getting hotter with each passing step.

“Sure!” lied Peter, who really didn’t know for sure, but he was in a happy mood, and loved to tease Ned, because Ned bit every time.

“See ya,” said Ned, turning around.

“Oh no, you don’t. I’m too hot now to lose you.”

“Prove it.”

“Oh, don’t you dare me. I’ll strip to the bone right here.” And he did just that.

“Do you have poison ivy here?” Ned asked fearfully, starting to unbutton his shirt.

“Yes indeed,” replied the naked Peter, unwisely. “Poison ivy, poison oak, and ta-da, poison sumac too!”