He lifted his boot again, setting his heel right over the last stake.

I crossed the lawn at a steady, even pace and stopped three feet short of the property line.

Trent slowly lowered his boot.

He stood over the crushed plant with his arms folded across his broad chest, rocking from toe to toe.

His three gym buddies moved up behind him, making a tight half circle along the edge of the grass.

“Lose something out here, neighbor?” Trent asked, grinning back at his friends.