Finley does not offer Erin an explanation as to why Russ is walking to school with them. Finley feels bad about keeping secrets from Erin because he knows he can trust her, but he also feels like people should make up their own minds about Boy21. Erin informs Finley that Coach—who was Rod’s basketball coach back in the day—had gone to the Irish Pride Pub to ask Rod for protection for Russ. This information surprises Finley because black people don’t usually go to that pub. Finley realizes that Coach has probably also visited Terrell Patterson’s older brother, Mike, who controls “the blacker side of town” (57).

Erin asks why Coach would go to this trouble for someone who doesn’t play basketball, to which Finley evasively suggests that they’re like family. Erin is suspicious but then forgets and twirls to show off her new dress. Mr. Allen interrupts Finley and Erin kissing, and a brand-new Russ—clad in prep-school clothes and a clean haircut—steps out of the car. Erin asks Russ a few questions, to which Russ gives normal, if evasive, responses, making Finley realize sadly that either Russ has been cured or Boy21 has gone incognito.