"The Crosswire arrests continue to dominate political discussion in Elwood City," TV-12's morning anchor announced, "Several members of the city council have filed a request that the Justice Department investigate the mayor's well-known ties to the Crosswires. The mayor could not be reached for comment, but a spokesperson at his office strongly denied he had any knowledge -"

Bitzi was only half-listening to the news report as she made dinner. Meanwhile, Buster was upstairs speaking on the phone with Arthur.

"The entire town is run by the Mafia?"

"Yes, Buster, pretty much the entire town. And judging by my school, it looks like they won't be running out of people in the future."

"I can't picture that at all."

"That's because your lucky."

"Maybe I am," Buster mused. "What does Mo think of her parents being mobsters?"

"She hates it, but she can't do anything about it any more than I can. Kate and us are stuck."

"Hmm. Do any of West Falls mobsters have anything to do with Elwood City?" Buster asked.

"Huh? I don't know. Why would they?"

"Oh, I was just thinking about the Crosswires and Mr. Ratburn. Who would have thought?"

"I can see the Crosswire's being criminals," Arthur responded, "but I still can't believe Mr. Ratburn was one."

Back downstairs, Bitzi was watering the plants while dinner was cooking in the oven.

"Authorities have revealed that an airline pilot using Miami as a destination center is believed to be crucial in the Crosswire ring."

Bitzi's head shot up. Her full attention was now fixated on the TV screen.

"...authorities believe this Miami-based pilot is extremely dangerous. If you have any information about the identity about who this pilot is, please call the number on the screen or send an e-mail to the address below. A ten thousand dollar reward has been issued for the name of this pilot -"

Bitzi turned the TV off and poured a glass water, hoping it would calm her nerves.

She knew a pilot who spent time in Miami.

"So, Muffy Crosswire, you state the record that you had absolutely no idea about your parent's true activities?"

"Nothing at all!" Muffy replied sincerely. "I was completely in the dark. Not even a hint. I can't believe it at all!"

"Did you notice anything suspicious at all?"

"No, I swear!"

The stenographer noted Muffy's reply while the judge sighed. "Miss Crosswire, I'm not going to lie. Your in for a lot of pain."

Muffy gulped anxiously. "What do you mean, Your Honor?"

"Your the daughter of multinational drug smugglers, Miss Crosswire. What do you think that implies?"

Muffy froze. "Are you saying that there are people who want to hurt me?"

"Or recruit you. In light of this, I heavily recommend that you enter the witness protection program."

"You mean I would pretend to be somebody else?"

The judge shook her head no. "No, Muffy. You would become somebody else."

David felt a nervous pit as he drove passed the sign saying Elwood City 4 miles. It was his second time back since the fire. Having grown bored of his self-loathing apathy, he was ready to do something he had long dreamed about.

Elwood Culinary Academy.

It was lead by Chef Aline Deem Kamman, one of the most acclaimed chefs on earth. David had driven by the academy for years wondering what it would it be like to be taught by none other than Chef Kamman, and know he would find out.

David parked his car outside and approached the door eagerly. When he entered the building, his breath was taken away. He had never seen such a perfect set of ovens, kitchen tools, and ingredients.

"Hello, everyone," a woman who David recognized instantly called. "I am Chef Kamman. Welcome to my fine academy. Let's go over some basic ground rules."

David listened obsessively.

"First of all, this is a place of intense talent and competition. I have tasted dishes from my students that were pure art. I have also seen dishes that made me want to run screaming to a gas station bathroom. I don't even remember mediocre dishes - what is there worth remembering? Only the brightest cooks shine here. Do you wish to join the greatest?"

David certainly wish just that.

"Today, you will have the first chance to prove yourself. Your first assignment is creating a unique dessert. You have ninety minutes. Go!"

David pondered deeply while his classmates were frantically rushing for ingredients. He had made several unique desserts. But which one would be good enough for Chef Kamman?

Arthur glumly walked through the halls of West Falls Educational Building (What a bland name for a school, Arthur thought). He heard some yelling, and caught a glimpse of someone pulling a knife, but didn't think much of it. It wasn't the first time this had happened.

Arthur finally reached the library. It wasn't much of a library - only a third of so of the bookshelves actually had books- and the lazy librarian, Beatrice, loudly watched soap operas on a small TV while eating popcorn. The library constantly smelled like popcorn; which made him unbelievably hungry; yet Bill had warned him he should never under any circumstances ask Beatrice to share her popcorn.

Arthur was reading Ed Crosswire's autobiography from two years ago. He had picked it up out of morbid curiosity, wondering why it was even in the school library. He had quickly found the book - made up of pure lies - was actually comedy gold. He struggled to contain his laughter multiple times while reading.

He didn't bother checking out books to take home. Beatrice always blamed other people for her getting popcorn butter on the books, and she also frequently entered the computer codes wrong. He had never missed the Elwood City Library more. Still, at least he could read and keep away from the young mobsters. A few other kids were regularly there as well. Arthur noticed that, unlike most of his classmates, none of them seemed to be involved in gangs.

He hoped that they had a better future than West Falls.