"FOR THE LOVE OF puppies!" piped Ruthie as she strolled out to the parking lot with Zander and me. After Mrs. Jackson's very public insinuations, my nerves were already on edge. And, the scene in front of me didn't help ease the spiraling tension in my shoulders. Zander followed my gaze, his face going still. Several cars away stood Phoebe and Peter, talking. No, make that flirting.