Tales from the back seat

One afternoon last week, when Alison and Alex Ogden piled into the back seat of Karin Ogden's car, they spied a pair of handcuffs.

For a split second, there was dead silence as they both just stared as if they'd discovered a pile of gold coins. Then, they dove at the same time, scrambling for possession.

"I want them!"

"No, I want them!"

"No, I want them!"

Another split second of silence. Then, simultaneously, they said, "Let's hook ourselves together."

Now, I don't know what Mrs. Ogden, who blushes whenever I even hint at an off-color joke, was doing with a pair of handcuffs in her back seat.

Frankly, I'm afraid to ask.