EJ glared at her and the dog, but Sam wasn't budging. The boy started to back away with a snort of disgust. "You don't know what you're missing."
"EJ!"
He looked up with another snort as Norville came loping toward them in an awkward-gaited run. "What are you doing here?"
Norville slowed, panting. "Mum said you were supposed to be home an hour ago and sent me to find you. You're still grounded, you know."
"Of course I knot that, you idiot!" EJ yelled at him. "I had to stay late 'cause I'm the new guy! Maybe if you'd ever had a job you'd understand, you lazy bum!"
Norville cowed under his younger brother's wrath as if he were the younger and EJ the elder. He had at least a foot of height on EJ, but he looked small next to his brother. Norville's thin frame didn't help next to EJ's fit, lean one. "I'm just saying what Mum told me..."
"Well now you've said it, so shut it! Brain-dead twerp. Can't believe Mum puts up with you."
Norville said nothing as EJ got on his bike and rode away.
Sam relaxed once EJ was gone, even sitting and leaning against Kitty's leg.