Chapter Ten
The next morning, Clarence tapped on the chicken wire enclosure of the aviary in the entrance of Hillcrest Homes. "They had to remodel the finches' house for you, didn't they?"
The hawk dominated the cage. Massive. Its tail feathers caught on the wire floor, curling. Even though its wings were tucked, they still commanded the space. Beady eyes stared at Clarence. Talons gripped a branch too big for finches. "I'm sure those silly birds don't mind loaning it to you for a while."
Miss Henningway walked up to the temporary birdcage positioned beside the aviary. Red, yellow, brown and green finches fluttered around a lone blue and white speckled parakeet. The tiny birds pecked at the larger bird. Their wings flapped against its head and body.
She clucked at them. "Poor little
