How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"What happened to the other boy? Wasn't he disciplined, too?"
"I don't know, Dad."
"Because this is assault," Mr. Eberhardt said. "You can't choke another person. It's against the law." (3.64-66)
This conversation between Roy and his father comes after Dana tries to choke Roy on the bus. We learn two things from this exchange. One, that there is an expected penalty for lawbreakers and two, Dana doesn't care much for laws.
Quote #2
Although Officer Delinko liked the town of Coconut Cove, he had become bored with his job, which mostly involved traffic enforcement. He had joined the police force because he wanted to solve crimes and arrest criminals. (4.38)
Delinko is itching to get in on some action. Which is probably why he jumps at the chance to solve the Mother Paula's mystery. But he also has good intentions: he wants to rid the streets of the bad guys.
Quote #3
At breakfast the next morning, Roy asked if it was against the law for a kid his age not to go to school.
His mother said, "Well, I'm not sure if it's an actual law but - "
"Oh yes, it is," his father cut in. "Truancy is what it's called." (6.1-3)
Unfortunately this part of the book is not fiction. Truancy is a real offense that could get you in some real trouble. But Mullet Fingers doesn't have time to concern himself with such trivial matters when there are owls to be saved.