The pages are blank. Do you think new characters have been released?
But the magic paintbrush literally just went back into its book.
Couldn't just give us a quiet night off, could you, Ghost Writer?
The cover art is cool.
Looks old. Definitely not a new book.
Who's the author?
Uh... there's no author on here.
That's a first.
How exactly are we supposed to figure out who was in the book
if we can't even find the book?
[chuckles] This is gonna be interesting.
Who wants to buy some chocolate?
How is that gonna help you become class president?
It won't. But it will help me pay for my Model UN class trip to New York City.
Shouldn't you be focusing on the election?
Yes, I should. So buy a bar and I'll have more time for it.
Hey. There you are.
Hi, everyone.
I was gonna drop this off at the office for you.
You're lucky I got your text before I left home.
Thanks, Mom. You're a lifesaver.
Amy Reyna?
Oh, my God.
Is that you?
Wow, what a surprise. It's so good to see you.
You two know each other?
Yeah, we went to high school together
-and middle school and elementary school. -Yeah. Yes.
Back when you rode a dinosaur to school instead of the bus.
-Okay. Very funny. Still funny. -[Amy laughs]
I can't believe it. You look exactly the same.
Except your hair isn't blue anymore.
You had blue hair, Miss Reyna?
-Weird. -Cool.
I know, right?
[bell rings]
We should probably get to class.
Right. Me too, since I'm the one teaching it.
Wow, this is wild.
I can't believe I didn't put two and two together
when I saw Ruben had a teacher named Mr. Saunders.
Same here. What a small world.
It's so great to see you, Gregg.
-Gregg? -[Mr. Saunders] Well, you too, Amy.
-[chuckles] Bye. -[chuckles]
Even without the blue hair.
[Mr. Saunders chuckles]
See you all in class.
I can't believe we just found out Mr. Saunders' first name.
You didn't know his first name was Gregg?
I know all of my teachers' first names.
Speaking of, I gotta get to Debra's class. She has zero tolerance for tardiness.
Hey, sweetie. Whatcha doing?
Sewing new sleeves onto my jacket.
What was wrong with the original sleeves?
I got bored with them. These ones just have more pizzazz.
Well, when you get bored of doing that, you wanna help me make banana bread?
Mm. No thanks. I'd rather help out with the finished product. Eating it.
I'll let you lick the bowl.
I stopped licking the bowl
when I learned about the danger of raw eggs in science class.
Okay, no baking. Come on, let's do something.
I only get to see you for like half the week now.
We could play a game.
Or we could go for a walk.
We could get some Froyo instead of banana bread. It's healthier anyway.
I'm sorry, Mom. I just really wanna finish this.
I'll watch Paris Runway with you.
I thought you didn't like that show.
It's okay.
I just don't love how the snarky judges
critique the contestants' clothes and make them cry.
That happens in every episode.
[chuckles] Be right there.
[engine cranks]
Looks good, Ruben.
Grandpa, look at that cab.
What cab?
Uh. It must've driven off. Never mind.
Okay, well, I got work to do. I'm reorganizing the classics section.
[engine cranks]
Hi.
Oh, hey, kid.
I don't suppose you could lend a hand? I gotta hit the road.
Sure, I'm happy to help. I'm Ruben, by the way.
Name's Frank.
Oh, Frank, before we do anything,
we should probably get your cab out of the street.
Let me call a few friends to help.
[grunting]
So, Frank-- Can I call you Frank?
It's my name. What else you gonna call me?
I don't know. Full name, nickname,
CB radio handle when you chat with other cabbies.
I'd love to hear them all.
Just Frank.
Great.
Where were you traveling from today when your cab broke down?
You know, nowhere.
Driving around town, going wherever the fare takes me.
That's helpful.
You haven't happened to see a cobalt mask recently, have you?
A what? Is that some sort of slang the kids are using these days?
Look, I'd love to sit around jabbering, but I gotta get my whip back in order.
Time is money and I can't do my job without my cab.
Maybe we can help you. What year is your cab?
It's a 1952 Checker Standard. Got it a few years ago, brand-new.
Brand-new, huh?
Yeah.
That's why it's so puzzling the darn thing won't start.
All the parts should be in working order.
Well, you can leave your cab here until you get it fixed.
No one's gonna touch it. Trust me.
I don't get it.
We can't find a trace of The Cobalt Mask anywhere.
And Frank had no idea what we were talking about
when we tried to ask him about it.
Why would The Cobalt Mask be blank if he's not from it?
Good question.
Okay.
We do know Frank's clearly from the 1950s since he said his cab's practically new.
And he called me an ankle biter.
That narrows it down
to him being from a book written sometime between then and now.
Which hardly helps us.
We need to find out more about him.
He was wearing a wedding ring, so we know he's married.
But that doesn't exactly help us either.
Maybe Donna and I can offer to help him fix his cab.
How do you know how to fix cars?
My dad has a really old convertible that he inherited from his parents.
-It's cool but it never works. -And he makes us help him work on it.
Perfect. That'll give you a chance to get to know him better.
-Well played. -I know.
I mean, thanks.
So, what should I do?
Actually, I could use your help filming my campaign speech after school.
Ruben. Just read your paper on the Pantheon.
Would love to chat about it later.
Great. Can't wait.
What does he mean he'd "love to chat"?
Why would he wanna chat? Did he like it? Did he hate it?
I guess you'll find out later.
Really helpful, Donna. Thanks.
Isn't your game after school?
We just got our new uniforms and I couldn't wait.
Aren't they cool?
How did the basketball team raise enough money for uniforms
when Model UN can barely sell enough chocolate for one little out-of-town trip?
I have no idea.
Coach said we needed new ones and we got them.
So the school paid for them? Are you kidding me? That's so unfair.
You guys aren't even good.
Okay, that's hurtful.
And a little uncalled for.
So, Frank, where'd you grow up?
All over, really.
Better question is, where didn't I grow up?
What are your friends like? Are they mostly like you
or do you have any unusual friends?
You know, a talking bear or something.
You sure have a colorful imagination, Donna.
[Amy] Donna, Curtis. What are you doing?
Uh... Miming.
Yeah. We're practicing our miming.
You never know when Cirque du Soleil will be hiring.
Okay then. Have fun with your... miming.
A healthy imagination is always a good thing. I guess.
Um, oh! Do you know where Ruben is?
Oh. He's upstairs helping Chevon with her campaign video.
Or should I say...
[chuckles] Okay.
[Donna sighs]
Should I stay here or stand up?
[Ruben] Definitely sit.
Okay. And...
Go.
-Hello. My name is Chevon Redmond and I-- -[Amy] Hey, you two. What's up?
We were trying to film Chevon's speech for the student council election.
Right, sorry.
Why don't you try standing next to the fireplace? It's more presidential.
Sit. Trust me.
Leaning against the fireplace will make you look like you're trying too hard.
Okay? Ready and...
Go.
My name is Chevon Redmond and I'm running for student council president.
I pledge to take away special treatment for sports teams.
It's unfair they get new uniforms paid for by the school
while academic clubs who contribute actual value, like Model UN,
have to raise their own money for class trips.
What's more important: sports or academics?
We both know the answer, but I'll let your vote speak for itself.
Vote Chevon for student council president.
Okay.
So, how'd I do?
Well, you certainly had a strong point of view.
Thanks.
But...
Curtis is on the basketball team.
Don't you think he might get a little offended?
It's not personal.
Come on. You don't actually think it's fair
that the basketball team's getting special treatment?
You both are my friends, Chevon. I don't wanna pick sides.
Nice work, Donna, Curtis.
Thanks.
Most kids your age don't know their way around a torque wrench.
I guess your father is a pretty handy guy who taught you well.
Actually, our mom taught us how to change a tire.
Well, how about that?
It's cool you could tell that our parents taught us how to fix a car
just by watching us work.
There's a lot you can learn just by observing.
There's plenty waiting to be seen
if you just look up and pay attention to what's around you.
[Ruben] Hey.
How's it going out here? Making any progress?
Slowly but surely. You mind telling me what time it is?
It's a little after three o'clock. Why?
I could really go for a milkshake right about now.
I think I saw a diner a few blocks away.
Oh! We'll come with you. I want a milkshake too.
Okay. Great. Let me just clean up.
Do you know the diner he's talking about?
It's a '50s diner. It's like he wants to go back to his era.
Maybe it means something.
I think it means that he has a sweet tooth.
Two vanilla milkshakes, one chocolate, and two strawberry, please.
There are only four of you. Why do you guys want five milkshakes?
Oh. Um, great question.
Chevon?
Because they're so good, one is never enough.
Coming right up.
So, Frank, tell us about yourself.
What do you wanna know?
Uh. Anything. You married?
Yeah. I met my wife on the job. Funny story actually.
-I had just had a egg cream. -What's that?
You don't know what an egg cream is? Where you been living?
I feel that's a loaded question. Go on.
An egg cream is just like a milkshake.
Anyway, I'm driving the city, picking up fares
and this lady hails my cab.
I open the door for her,
which I don't normally do 'cause I'm nobody's butler,
but there was something about her. She had the sweetest smile.
That's so nice.
And then suddenly, I felt a little woozy
and I dropped my egg cream all over her red shoes.
[Ruben] Hey, everyone. Shake time.
And one strawberry milkshake for you, Frank.
It was awfully nice of you two to get the milkshakes, but I insist you let me pay.
After all, you're helping me fix the cab.
Keep the change. My treat.
-Thanks, Frank. That's really generous. -[Donna chuckles]
What's on your mind, Chevon?
Huh?
Oh, nothing.
You sure?
You're picking at your nails.
I noticed earlier you seemed to do that when you're anxious.
I do?
It's what we call a "tell."
It's like a behavior that gives away what you're thinking.
You wanna talk about what's on your mind?
I guess...
I'm a little annoyed that the basketball team got new uniforms
while I'm trying to sell chocolate bars to raise money for an academic trip.
Well, here's my tell because I'm telling you
I'm a little annoyed that you're taking it out on me.
It's not my fault the school bought us new uniforms.
Okay, but it would be nice if you stop wearing it everywhere.
You're just rubbing it in. Plus, don't you have to wash it at some point?
Hey now. Why don't we take these milkshakes on the road and head on back?
I got a car to fix.
Hey, Frank, I was thinking.
Maybe we should take another look at that clutch cable.
Huh.
You dropped this.
It's okay. Leave it.
Ace of spades. Good luck for whoever finds it.
By the way, nice work topping off the oil on the cab earlier.
[chuckles] My mom taught me well.
That she did.
[Donna chuckles]
Okay. So far, we know he's a cab driver from the 1950s
who likes milkshakes and is very observant.
And what was up with him leaving a card on the table?
He said it was for good luck.
But don't you think it was strange the way he left it so deliberately?
It was like he did it on purpose.
So, Frank is from the 1950s
and the cover of The Cobalt Mask looked like it could be from the 1950s.
Frank must be from that book.
That has to be why G.W. painted it and released it.
But then why can't we find out anything about it?
Donna's right. I searched everywhere online
and there's nothing about a book called The Cobalt Mask.
-[Grandpa] Hey. -Hey.
Grandpa, we're looking for a book. It's called The Cobalt Mask.
Hmm, doesn't ring a bell.
Is it new? I can order for the store.
No. I think it's an older book.
Well, if I haven't heard of it, it can't be very good.
See? Even Grandpa hasn't heard of it.
And he's heard of every book.
It's definitely strange.
[Curtis] Here we go.
[Donna] Looks like G.W. is trying to help us out.
Respectfully, G.W., it would be great to give us a clue that made more sense.
[Curtis] "Rhyme equals reason."
What rhymes? Song lyrics?
Or like a nursery rhyme.
Though, Frank doesn't seem like a nursery rhyme kinda guy.
Wait! Poems can rhyme. What if G.W. means poetry?
Maybe Frank isn't from The Cobalt Mask after all.
Maybe he's from a poem.
-There are a lot of poetry books here. -Yeah.
And a lot of poems in each book. How are we gonna find it?
This is gonna be like finding a needle in a haystack.
Hey! Thanks, Ghost Writer.
Well, now it's a needle in a smaller haystack.
I think I found our needle.
It's a poem called Ode to a Taxi Driver by Kwame Alexander.
Hey, I know that guy.
He has a whole book of poems about basketball.
Coach Tillman gave it to us.
[Kwame Alexander] "It was all jazz, jive, and jam, back then, after the war.
That's when the food stuck to you good.
Like your daddy's Saturday night laughing and your momma's Sunday morning singing.
Today, the food's just mostly okay."
Wow. I was not expecting that.
Who knew poetry could be so cool?
-I did. -Of course you did.
Just saying. It's not all rhyming.
Plenty of poems are really interesting and have great rhythm. Like this one.
But what is the poem about?
Well, it seems like it's from the perspective of the cab driver
and the things he observes around the city as he drives people around.
So, Frank is the cab driver in the poem.
But why would Ghost Writer release characters from The Cobalt Mask and this?
-There has to be a reason. -We should listen to it again.
"So, I take my time, drive slow, you know, give 'em the tour.
Let the rhythm color the day like the crimson skirts in that window over there."
Hold on.
Does that mean...
[door opens]
Quick! Get down.
What's your deal?
Mr. Saunders is here.
So? He's a teacher. They like books.
That's like the number one thing teachers like.
What if he's here because of my paper? I didn't do that badly, did I?
Granted, I could have spent a bit more time researching.
Ruben. We won't be able to figure it out if you're panicking.
-No. -I know. Yeah, they couldn't dig it.
If he's talking about your paper, she doesn't seem very upset.
[sighs] When are they gonna get to my paper?
-[Amy] I know. -[Mr. Saunders] So...
Yeah, he's not here for your paper. I think he likes your mom.
[Michelle] Hey, honey. Whatcha doing?
Just some schoolwork.
I didn't know that you were into Kwame Alexander.
I didn't know you were either.
So, I was thinking...
Since Curtis has basketball practice tomorrow night,
I thought that we could have a girls' night. Just the two of us.
We could go bowling or we could go to a movie. We could grab sushi.
-Sure. Sounds great. -Mm-hmm.
But can we decide later though? I'm kinda busy right now.
Sure. Of course.
I just thought you'd be excited to defend your high score,
Miss Three Strikes In A Row.
Mom, I honestly can't think about it right now.
Well, give it a thought.
-I'm game for whatever. -Okay. Awesome.
Great speech, Chevon.
-Thanks. -No offense.
It's not even a fair comparison. Uniforms are required for basketball.
You can still have Model UN without going to New York City.
The people have spoken. Clearly they agree with me.
Apparently not everyone.
[Ruben] I don't get it.
I've read it ten times and I still can't figure out
why G.W. picked this specific poem.
Glad it wasn't just me.
We need to keep talking to Frank. It's the only way we'll figure it out.
It's gonna be tough to talk to him if he's not here.
Maybe he went back to the diner for another milkshake.
That won't go well.
Well, let's just look around the cab and see if there's any clues inside.
Donna, keep an eye out for Frank.
Okay. If he comes, I'll say, "Pineapple."
Or you could literally just say, "Hey, Frank."
I like my plan better.
[Curtis] Look.
Is that gum from the 1950s?
Gross.
Cool. I want a piece.
Whoa. It's not gum. It's like a tiny tape recorder.
[Ruben] I bet this ink's invisible.
[Curtis] Check out this mini camera.
[Ruben] Whoa. A spy radio.
Why would a cab driver have all this spy equipment?
Pineapple! Pineapple!
Quick! Put it back!
Hey, kids.
Whatcha up to?
Nothing.
[Donna sighs]