Sylvia studied its narrow windows and high walls. "It looks like a detention facility."
"It was highly regarded."
"That does not contradict me."
Marianne looked pleased. "He hated it."
"I did not."
"You dismantled part of the western gate."
"The lock was defective."
"You were nine."
"I identified the defect."
"You also left the gate in twelve pieces."
"I repaired it."
"Three days later."
Thomas looked through the window as the school disappeared behind them, declining to continue the defense.
A few streets farther, Daniel indicated a bakery beneath a red awning.
"Thomas broke their front window when he was twelve."
Sylvia looked at the building, then at Thomas.
"There was a fight," he said.
Marianne folded her arms. "You threw another child through it."
"He frightened my grandmother."
The explanation ended the matter as far as Thomas was concerned.
