“I didn’t pick this fight, gentlemen. The first move is yours,” Grandmother growled. “And the final one, I assure you, will be mine.”

“I've only picked a handful of fights in my life, but we are about to meet lucky number six.”

“We’ll be back,” he said. I had to admire how well he controlled the abject terror in his heart. “I’ll be waiting,” Grandmother replied.”

“The baker certainly didn’t need to tell me twice. I had no intention of staying to be abused by a crazy old lady.”

“You overplayed your cards,” he said. “I can spot manipulation a thousand miles away. I invented the concept.”

“But no matter,” Grandmother said. “Let’s let small-minded people live within the confines of their small-minded assumptions while the rest of us carry on with our lives.”

“Because suddenly I knew that Graham could boss me around only if I let him. No one has power over me unless I surrender it.”