and says he stole a very valuable toe ring. They believe her and he's sent to a juvenile detention center where he escapes. In the last chapter, Roy discovers that Mullet Fingers's real name is Napoleon Bridger Leep. Characters Roy Andrew Eberhardt – The new kid at Trace Middle School and the main protagonist, who quickly makes an enemy of the school bully, Dana Matherson, and makes two unusual friends, Beatrice Leep and her truant step-brother "Mullet Fingers". Beatrice Leep – "A tall girl with curly blond hair and red-framed glasses." She is described as sinewy, tomboyish and aggressive, and is a member of the soccer team. At Trace Middle School, she's known as "Beatrice The Bear." "Mullet Fingers"/Napoleon Bridger – Beatrice's stepbrother, initially known to Roy as the mysterious barefoot kid. His name is not given until the final chapter; the nickname "Mullet Fingers" refers to his ability to catch a mullet with his bare hands. He has a bad relationship with his mother, who had sent him to military school. Napoleon usually runs away from his family to live on his own. Officer David Delinko – A police officer in the Coconut Cove Police Department who is investigating the vandalism at the Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House construction site. Dutiful and ambitious, he develops sympathy for the owls and aids the kids. Leroy "Curly" Branitt – The construction foreman on the Mother Paula's Pancake House construction site, where all of the mysterious vandalism happens. Officer Delinko notes the irony of his nickname, as he is "bald as a beach ball". He is also "cranky," "unsmiling," and suspicious of everyone. Dana Matherson – A boy who torments underclassmen as the typical bully. Just like other bullies, he is an antagonist who finds inflicting pain on others quite pleasurable. His mother fights with him and is a big bully just like him while his father seems to try to discipline him. He was hit in the nose by Roy in an earlier chapter and doesn't forget it. Andrew and Lizzy Eberhardt – Roy's parents. They are sensible and supportive. Mr. Eberhardt works in the federal Department of Justice, and helps Roy by checking Mother Paula's building permits. Mrs. Eberhardt likes yoga and is protective of Roy. Chuck E. Muckle – The "vice president of Corporate Relations" at Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House, and the novel's primary antagonist. He is portrayed