As Heather spit her venomous threats in his face, Kim felt his chances of bluffing his way out of this mess slipping away like beads of quicksilver. Apparently, he could not count on Heather, after all. He was less disappointed, however, than mystified. As he read the brazen challenge written on one girl’s face, then the other’s, he realized that he must have underestimated the extent of Mandy’s unwholesome influence over Heather, who was obviously an enthusiastic participant in this plot against him, if not the main instigator. He stared at Heather, his balls still clasped in Mandy’s hand, knowing he was beaten.
Because of her proximity in age, Heather had always waged an intense competition with Kim in practically every endeavor. Kim frequently lost these contests, in part because he was oblivious to the rivalry.