Gerald, who arrived promptly at seven, wore his light hair combed into a Bass-like curl low over his forehead. He speared Amanda with a penetrating stare, making her shiver as she led him to the Wall room.
Kippie sulked angrily on the Wall seat.
Amanda introduced them, and they looked at each other, their glances revealing no interest.
"You're trying to comb your hair like Bass," Kippie accused.
Gerald grinned. "Sure thing, sweetie-bug."
"Then you should dye it. It's the wrong color. Bass doesn't have blond hair. And why is your name still Gerald? Don't you ever want to be Bass?"
Gerald looked slapped. "I tried. Honest, I really did. But you know there's a limit, and the man at the bureau said there were too many Basses already." His face brightened. "But my parents call me Bass all the time."
"Oh."
Gerald shuffled his feet. Gingerly he sat down.
"Uh, did you see them last night?" he asked.