The Secret Battle of Evan Pao

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of emotional abuse, bullying, and racism.

Evan opens the door and finds Brady Griggs outside. Brady swears he did not take Mochi, and Evan tells him he knows. Brady offers to help Evan find his dog. Evan questions why Brady would help, and Brady explains that he likes dogs and knows how to work with them. Evan presses further, and Brady admits the other students are threatening him with permanent silent treatment because they think he is responsible for Mochi’s disappearance. After some hesitation, Evan agrees to Brady’s help. He retrieves a towel with Mochi’s scent, and Brady instructs his dog, Nero, to track the scent. Together, they follow Nero through town.

Nero loses the scent near the fire station. A man named Mr. Catten asks what the boys are searching for and points them toward Miller’s Field. The boys head there, and Evan admits he has already searched the field. Brady asks if Evan called for Mochi while walking through it. Evan confirms he did but insists Mochi would come to him if she were nearby. Brady explains that Mochi might be too scared to approach and more likely to run.