Ryan quietly turned and moved back down the trail. When he was far enough away, he started to run back toward
Carter's house. That's where they'd start their search for him.
He made sure no one was in Carter's yard and then he headed toward the back gate in the picket fence. He would
change back into a jockstrap as he straddled the gate as if he had been climbing it when Vinnie's spell
reasserted itself. He had just stowed his shorts and shoes under a box in Carter's garden shed. Then he
checked to make sure no one was coming from the house and he slipped out of the shed. Naked Ryan straddled the
gate, and started to change. He dropped out of the air and his right leg strap hooked on one of the gate
pickets. It was perfect, just like he had planned.
Almost.
He had forgotten to check the alley to which the gate opened.
"My, my, what do we have here," said a voice from the alley. "I'd heard rumors that Ryan Standish was a dumb
jock, what do you have to say for yourself, Ryan?"
A hand reached out and lifted Ryan off the picket. He was too weak to change. All he could do was experience
the grubby hands that were fondling and probing him.
"Can't wait to try you on. Hm, cannot change here in the alley, maybe that shed?"
He had just gotten into the shed and was banging into tools and pots as he struggled out of his clothing
hurriedly to put Ryan on.
"Hey, there's a noise in the shed!" Carter said leading the trio to investigate.