Swindle

Chapter 6 is told from Ben’s point of view. Griffin’s teacher, Mr. Martinez, has placed Griffin and Ben at opposite sides of the classroom for their disruptive behavior while they were arguing about the plan. Ben finds himself sitting beside Logan Kellerman, a child actor who rants bitterly about getting passed over for a heartburn commercial. Meanwhile, Griffin is sitting by Melissa Dukakis, a shy computer whiz. After their argument, Griffin and Ben stop hanging out with each other after school. This is a new, dismal experience for Ben. One day, he bikes past Griffin’s house and sees a woman placing a “For Sale” sign in the yard. Griffin comes outside and tells Ben that his family has to move for financial reasons. Griffin reveals that ending his family’s financial troubles is the reason he was so adamant about selling the card. Ben is shocked. He realizes how much he admires Griffin’s character and decides to go along with his plan.

Griffin and Ben stake out the Emporium to check its security systems. Luthor lunges at them, only stopped by the tall chain-link fence that surrounds the building. The boys realize they will need the help of someone who can control animals to succeed in their plan.