Chasing the Falconers

Hiding out in the house in suburban Chicago, Miguel tells Aiden and Meg that they need to disguise themselves so that they don’t look so much like their mugshots. He cuts Meg’s hair, and upon seeing the result, she jokes that Miguel “should stick to murder” (86). Enraged, he lunges at her neck with the scissors, angrily insisting that it was manslaughter—after all, the truly violent criminals wouldn’t be sent to Sunnydale Farm. The siblings try to placate him, though they both wonder whether they are in more danger from Miguel or from the police. Eventually, though, all three of them alter their appearances through new haircuts and dye.

Just as they are finishing their transformation, the police arrive at the house. Realizing that they have no chance of escape, Meg opens the door to the cop, who mistakes her for a young boy. Meg plays along, and the officer tells her to watch for older kids on the run and leaves. Miguel looks at Meg with newfound respect for her bravery and quick thinking.

Miguel goes through the family’s belongings and verifies that they are out of town. The trio watches television, and Miguel brags that his brother’s screen is much larger.