Mrs Johnston pulled the station wagon into the family driveway, parked, stepped out of the car, and told everyone to help carry the groceries into the house.
“When we’ve finished bringing in all the groceries, I want to see everyone down in the living room. I have something important to say. There’s some family business that needs to be taken care of, and I want everyone to listen and pay close attention.” Then, speaking directly to Josh in a firm voice she pointedly remarked, “And that means you too, mister.”
Josh was a good kid really. All of the Johnston kids were good kids, most of the time. The twins seemed to get into more mischief than the others but they often paid a price for that mischief. All of the Johnston kids knew that misbehaving carried a price.