“Who wants to make a bet?” Hoop asked in his high, speedy voice. “I bet I can kill that damn bird over there with this ball.” I looked where he was pointing and saw a seagull about ten feet away, walking carefree on the asphalt of the yard, pecking for something to eat. “You guys wanna bet?” Hoop repeated as he jerked his arm back, aiming the ball right at the bird.
