Actually, I admire Axle for asking Harry directly if he did it. Tho' Harry thought Axle had some nerve, I'd put a different interpretation on it. Axle wasn't willing to blindly believe rumors-- he gave Harry the chance to speak for himself, and that says a lot for Axle's character. Over 15 years ago, a supposed friend told lies about me to people, and not a single one of them ever asked me for my side of the situation. Instead, they literally turned their backs on me, choosing to believe the groundless lies. That was one of the most devastating experiences of my life, and I can relate so well to how Harry must feel. I just wish he could see Axle's query in a different light. Great story so far! :-)
Author's Response: Thanks. Yeah, I actually had the same thing happen to me, twice. Someone like once and the other time someone was mistaken and said something that wasn't true about me, and both times my best friend believed them without even asking me my side of it. It caused HUGE problems. That's exactly why Axle did ask. He was trying to make up his own mind, just like Ernie was.
Thanks for the review :)