A glance around showed pieces of broken water balloons all over, in addition to the bucket she’d tripped over still full of the rubber water grenades.

She picked up her bag and laid it and her jacket on the nearby bench. The trickle of the fountain and smell of sweet flowers eased something inside her. As did the cautious look on both teenagers’ faces.

“We’re allowed to do this here,” Rylan said, going on the offensive.

“Oh?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “You have a permit, I take it?”

Sam looked at her with big brown eyes full of admiration. Apparently the little guy still had a crush. “I do.”

“Where is it?”

Rylan scowled “That’s ridiculous. You don’t need a permit for a water fight.”

“Oh? Did you sign the same rental agreement that I did? It clearly states you can’t have more than 500cc’s of water in any recreational sport involving water.” She had no idea what she was talking about, but it sounded good. “Otherwise the landlord, via the superintendent, can suspend your lease. Now, I’ve met Top. He’d probably only give you a warning, but I doubt your uncle would like that. He’s a policeman, isn’t he? They don’t like breaking the law.”

“That’s stupid,” Rylan scoffed. “There’s no law against water fights.”

“No, but there are codes and regulations for privately owned dwellings and apartment complexes.”

Rylan seemed less certain. Sam kept his mouth closed and appeared worried.

“Look, just make sure what you’re holding is less than 500cc’s.”

“I don’t know how much that is,” Rylan admitted. He still looked at her with suspicion. “And besides, who would know we’re even having a water fight? You have to prove it.”

“I got hit by a water gun, first of all.” She pointed to her wet, spattered blouse and hair. “And secondly, you have balloon pieces everywhere. I don’t know Top well, but I know for a fact he’ll lose it if he sees his garden messed up.”

“We’ll clean it when we’re done,” Sam assured her. “Please don’t tell.”

“Well, maybe. Let me make sure your water volume meets code.” She motioned for Rylan to hand her the water balloon he still carried.

He looked unsure but deposited it in her hand. “I still think you’re lying.”

“I am.” She threw the balloon at his chest and watched him gape as he got drenched.

Sam laughed really hard until she scooped another balloon and tossed it at him. Smack. Right in the head.

“Ha. Suckers.” She grabbed two more and raced away, using part of the fountain as cover.

The boys whooped and raced away after grabbing more ammunition from the bucket. Sam started shooting at her whenever she got free, and she got wetter and wetter as their fight progressed.

Until she hit Adam—in uniform—in the chest with a balloon. Benji, behind him, got wet from Sam’s water gun.

Everyone froze until Adam yelled about making arrests. Benji, to her surprise, darted for the bucket and launched a few balloons at Rylan with poor aim. Then Xavier walked out of the stairwell and got beaned in the head. Sam laughed so hard he cried, and Benji stole his gun and shot him with it.