Ali Cross

At school lunch, Ali tries again to explain to Ruby, Mateo, and Cedric that he withheld information from them because Gabe asked him to. This still doesn’t satisfy them—especially Ruby, who’s done more than anyone except Ali to try to find Gabe.

In the hall, he encounters Kahlil, who calls him “Sherlock Homie” and says his dad told him Ali was a burglary suspect. Ali says he’s wrong, and Kahlil gets in his face and pushes him. Instead of fighting, Ali says, “We’re kind of alike” (236). Kahlil looks confused. Ali explains that they both get on a project and won’t let go: Kahlil never stops badgering Ali, and Ali never stops searching for Gabe. He steps around Kahlil and keeps walking.

After school, Ali continues to hand out flyers on the street. He then takes the bus to his church, where he sits in a back pew and prays. He thanks God for keeping Gabe safe, and asks if Mr. Qualls can cease causing trouble for Gabe. Ali looks up and finds Nana staring at him. She’s there praying for Alex. She sits with him, and they pray for Mr. Yang.

They stop at Lola’s for takeout burgers, and then they Uber home, which is rare for Nana, who’s careful with money.