Summary

Chapter 5 is titled “Anything Man,” and Bobby Gene and Caleb tell Styx about their situation. Styx offers to take the fireworks so that Bobby Gene and Caleb “never have to lay eyes on them again” (25). He seems relieved when neither boy agrees, saying there is “hope for you yet” (25). He produces a business card with his name and the words “Anything Man.” He says he can mediate the situation with Cory. Then, he has to define the word “mediator.” He adds words, including parlay and negotiate to further describe his service. He offers to sell the fireworks and divide the money into thirds with Bobby Gene and Caleb.

Chapter 6 is titled “Chores with Cory Cormier.” Caleb's feeling that Cory is just a bully is reinforced when Cory immediately begins trying to push Caleb around. They are doing their first morning of chores at...