Cass and Max-Ernest run into Amber on their way back from the library; they learn that while they were busy with the magician’s notebook, Benjamin Blake went missing. Amber gives Cass her cotton-candy Smoochie, which Cass accepts unenthusiastically. Cass and Max-Ernest stop to examine Benjamin’s paintings more closely; the paintings are mostly abstract pieces that appear to be a random blend of colors and shapes, but Cass realizes that the titles all relate to music, such as “Rain Song” or “Music of Cricket and Cars” (153). Cass realizes that Benjamin must have synesthesia, and his paintings reflect the colors he sees when he hears these sounds.

Cass deduces that Benjamin must be the boy she saw in the limousine earlier, kidnapped by Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais. Cass wants to rescue him immediately, but Max-Ernest stops her, saying they don’t have any evidence to prove her theory correct. Cass accuses Max-Ernest of not caring about the danger to Benjamin’s life, and Max-Ernest retorts that he doesn’t think Cass really cares either. He goes on to say that his most recent doctor theorized that Cass clings to survivalism and rescuing others because of what happened to her father.