Professor Andrade tied on his apron, glancing back. “No fireworks are allowed in the neighborhood.”

Hope blinked. “But the little supermarket owner said these eco-friendly fireworks are allowed this year!”

“He lied to you,” Professor Andrade shook his head. “You’re usually so sharp, how did you fall for that so easily?”

Mrs. Andrade chuckled. “That batch of fireworks has been sitting there for five years. I guess today, they finally met their benefactor.”

Hope, confused, looked at her “benefactor”—Easton. She hadn’t expected they’d been tricked!

Penelope, smirking, said, “Heh, heh. See? You got played! If I had gone to the store with you, this wouldn’t have happened!”

“Really, ‘Pick-a-nose Pretty...