Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying and ableism.

Grams deduces that Sammy went to the hotel because she smells like cigarette smoke. Sammy recounts her conversation with Officer Borsch, and Grams wants to berate him, but Sammy says that that would only exacerbate the situation. Grams has a surprise for her granddaughter, and she hopes that it’s “a new skateboard or a decent backpack or even a watch” (120), items that she would never ask for. Instead, Grams takes out some wool and shows her how to knit. Grams starts a new embroidery project, which will depict a pair of cowboy boots instead of her usual floral designs. She attempts to conceal the design from Sammy.

When Grams mentions that she would like some cookies, Sammy volunteers to purchase some from Maynard’s. At the store, Sammy overhears T.J. telling someone that he has acquired some money. After buying the cookies, Sammy visits Graham, who explains how the commodities market can quickly land investors in debt. He suspects that that explains T.J.’s money troubles. Sammy considers Graham’s new renter another suspect, so she asks him what he knows about Bill. Graham astounds the girl by revealing that Bill is Rockin’ Rick, a popular radio DJ.