Finn Finnegan by Darby Karchut Page A

“What kind of ceremony?”
    â€œLike an initiation. First step into manhood, and all that. They used to have the teenage boys of the tribe kill a real lion to demonstrate their bravery. Nowadays, we just spend the night in the bush by ourselves with nothing but a campfire and a spear. Grandfather said it was still a test of bravery. So, I did this summer while I was there. And he gave me this afterwards.”
    Like the tore we earn when we bag our first: Amandán , Finn thought. “Was it scary? Or just boring?”
    Rafe hesitated for a moment. “Okay, don’t laugh, but I almost pissed myself when a herd of antelope wandered by in the middle of the night. They were making all this noise in the bush on their way to the watering hole. I couldn’t see them. All I heard was this loud breathing and snorting and branches breaking.” He fingered the bracelet. “But I stuck it out. I must have fallen asleep under that tree, because the next thing I knew, it was getting lighter and birds were squawking. And then I watched the sun rise over the savanna.” He looked up at Finn. “It made me feel…” His voice trailed off.
    â€œMade you feel like you were part of something. Something really old, but really powerful.”
    â€œYeah.”
    They looked at each other. An unspoken recognition passed between them. With a grin, Rafe gestured toward his house.
    â€œHey, do you want to see my African stuff? I got to bring back the spear and even a shield.” He snorted. “After we filled out about a million forms and promised not to hijack the plane with them.”
    Finn glanced at his empty driveway. Gideon won’t be back for awhile , he thought. I’ll just: stay a few minutes . “Sure. But then, I’ve got to finish up here.” Leaving the pliers and the coil of wire by the gate, Finn followed Rafe across the street.
    The boys hurried up the walk toward the tall brick house and through its front door. Finn eyed the stylish foyer, complete with an antique entryway table and gleaming marble floor. It’s sure fancier than ours. Must be nice to have a lot of money .
    â€œRafe?” called a woman’s voice. A tall, dark-skinned woman, her face elegant with high cheekbones, appeared. She pulled on a white lab coat as she approached, heels clicking in a rapid staccato. “I’m needed at the hospital and your father ran to the hardware store, so I want you to—” She stopped, noticing Finn.
    â€œMom, this is Finn MacCullen. He moved here while we were gone. I was going to show him the stuff I brought back.”
    â€œHello, Finn. I’m Susanna Steel,” Mrs. Steel introduced herself, her smile warm. “Welcome to the neighborhood. Rafe will be thrilled to have another boy around.” She picked up her purse from the table and began rummaging for car keys. “Which house is yours?”
    â€œThe small green one with the stone wall around it. Kind of across from here.”
    Mrs. Steel paused in her search. “Gideon Lir’s house?” A faint line appeared between her eyebrows.
    Finn nodded. “He’s my guardian. Do you know him?”
    â€œWe’ve spoken a few times.” She studied him intently for a moment, then her face relaxed. “And how do you like Colorado, so far?”
    â€œOh, I’m from Denver. I used to live with my aunt and uncle up there.” Finn shifted from foot to foot. An odd reluctance to give more details crept over him.
    â€œWould you mind me asking what happened to your parents?”
    â€œThey died when I was five. In a hunting accident.”
    â€œOh, I’m sorry, Finn.” Mrs. Steel tilted her head to one side. “And so, now you live with Mr. Lir? Not your aunt and uncle anymore?”
    â€œMom!” Rafe rolled his eyes. “What’s with the third degree?”
    â€œNo, it’s okay.” Finn glanced over at Rafe, then back to his