Angels Unaware

Rodney Rathbone plans the Bones of Wrath's most destructive act yet: burning the baseball field at Odyssey Middle School with kerosene and matches, then tearing down the backstop and batting cage. Butch has already returned Sam's and Lucy's stolen bicycles, and Sam follows him from the gang's hideout to confront him. Sam knows Butch is uneasy with the Bones and insists that something new has happened that they need to discuss.

That evening, Butch arrives late for the attack on the school. He points out police cars positioned around the grounds and claims he spotted them by chance. Rodney praises his sharp eyes and cancels the plan, unaware that the police have received an anonymous warning about the attack. Butch has protected the school while preserving his place in the gang.

The next morning brings reports of other mysterious events. Alma Stump, an older woman whose arthritis and limited money have kept her from repairing her fence, awakens to find the entire fence mended. At a dangerous intersection, overgrown bushes and branches have been neatly cut back and hauled away, although the city lacked the money and workers to do the job. Sam's and Lucy's stolen bicycles have also been returned. Anonymous telephone calls reveal the results, but no one claims the credit. A city worker calls the trimming “a random act of goodness,” echoing a phrase Jack has used.

These good deeds act like the little pools in Jack's dream, countering destruction with kindness. They also disrupt a hidden plan. Bart angrily tells Rodney that people are beginning to believe everything is all right again. Someone above Bart is pressuring him for results and may replace both Rathbones if they fail. Bart has become involved because he signed a loan agreement to get his store, but he now regrets the whole arrangement. Rodney begs for one more chance and promises a new action that will send Odyssey reeling.

Connie suspects Jack is connected to the good deeds, but he avoids giving her a direct answer and says there is nothing appropriate to discuss yet. Lucy has her own suspicions about Sam. The telephone call that returned her bicycle closely resembles the call Alma received, while Sam gives an awkward account of finding his bicycle in a forest cave. When Lucy questions him, he grows defensive and ends the conversation by returning to his lawn work.

Connie and Lucy compare what they know. Jack and Sam are both keeping secrets, both have connections to the unexplained acts, and both disappear for mysterious projects. Lucy proposes following Sam. Connie warns that spying can cause trouble, but her curiosity wins. They hide near Sam's home at dusk and see him hurry toward the woods carrying a backpack.

The girls follow, but darkness and the need to remain quiet cause them to lose sight of Sam. A sound in the woods makes them stop. Flashlights suddenly shine into their faces, and unseen people tell them not to be afraid. When Lucy demands to know what is happening, a voice gives only one command: “Just come with us.”