The neighborhood police officer is very anti-Catholic and harbors some prejudice against Polish immigrants as well. He seems to be on the street nearly every time Carl ventures out, and corners him to ask questions concerning the whereabouts of Adam. Carl is frustrated by Adam's failure to hide out, and the fact that he always seems to want more money from Carl; money that Carl is working two jobs to earn. The boys' uncle is a poor man who tries his best to do right by these nephews he has inherited, but times are hard and the current political situation makes life even more difficult.

Carl makes friends with a newspaper reporter, and chases down clues about the robbery, trying to clear his brother's name so that they can both go back to Baltimore. But when the trail leads Carl to a murder, and it seems that Adam has changed right before his eyes, the suspense builds to an exciting, unexpected conclusion.

This is Libby Sternberg's first young adult novel, but she has definitely found her niche.  I would like to see more of the intrepid Carl Matuski, he's an exciting new character that you have to love.