Roy Eberhardt

Roy Eberhardt is a middle school student whose parents move frequently because of his father's promotions within the Federal Justice Department. Roy was happy at their last location, Montana, therefore he is exceptionally unhappy moving to Florida. This unhappiness is compounded by the attentions of the local bully who is determined to make Roy's life miserable. Roy sees a boy running away from the bus stop one day and becomes fascinated with him, curious why a boy who appears to be his own age would not be going to school.

Roy makes several attempts to meet the running boy, but his efforts are hampered both by the boy himself and his stepsister, Beatrice. However, Roy proves he can be trusted, causing Beatrice to finally allow him to meet the running boy, known as Mullet Fingers. When Roy meets Mullet Fingers, he finds himself drawn into the boy's...