Chapter 1 — Grandfather Accuses Grandson of Destroying Kitchen Pantry — Then Father Finds Clues Proving the Family Dog Did It
Ten-year-old Toby stood in the center of the kitchen floor, tears streaming down his face as he stared at the mountain of scattered brown dog kibble.
His grandfather, George, towered over him with a stern expression.
George pointed an accusing finger straight down at the chaotic mess surrounding the boy’s sneakers.
I didn’t touch it, Toby sobbed uncontrollably, trembling with frustration and fear.
You were the only one in the house when this happened, George snapped back, his voice echoing off the tile backsplash.
Look at this floor, George demanded, gesturing broadly to the ruined food spread across the hardwood.
You clearly knocked the entire container over and tried to walk away.
I swear I was in the living room playing with my blocks, Toby cried, wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his blue sweater.
I didn’t even come into the kitchen until a minute ago.
George crossed his arms tightly over his chest, refusing to believe the boy’s desperate denials.
Stories like that don’t fix a ruined pantry, George muttered, shaking his head in deep disappointment.
Heavy footsteps echoed down the hallway just outside the kitchen archway.
Paul stepped into the room, drawn instantly by the loud arguing voices and the sound of his son’s crying.