The conclusion of Buck and Mr. Skint’s sordid tangle of cons finally leads Buck to learn the truth about his family, both past and present.
Theme: The Danger of Lies
Eugene is Whit’s dependable, eccentric genius of an assistant. Whether he’s working at Whit’s End, teaching at Campbell College, or developing another big invention, Eugene knows everything about everything (or thinks he does).
After an on-and-off relationship lasting several years, Katrina Shanks finally married the relationally-challenged Eugene Meltsner. His mental equal in every way, she is a softer, non-hysterical version of Eugene. The star-crossed intellectuals were born to be together.
Buck Oliver first appeared in “The Green Ring Conspiracy” as a cunning con-artist, a partner to the wily Mr. Skint, who made a living tricking people out of their money. After Buck’s time in juvenile detention, Eugene and Katrina brought him into their home as their foster son. Eventually, Buck became a true member of the family, adopted forever and always. Now Buck can proudly say that he is a Meltsner, and his best friend Jules couldn’t be happier for him.
Jason is Whit’s youngest son—and in many ways, he is a “chip off the old block.” Most of Jason’s life was spent as an “analyst” and operative (in other words, secret agent) for the National Security Agency, just like his dad. And Jason also inherited his father’s love for inventions and tinkering with gadgets—especially the high-tech kinds. But while Jason possesses Whit’s sense of adventure, he does not possess Whit’s patience and wisdom, which results in Jason’s often reckless, impetuous nature. He is a “man of action” who sometimes leaps before he looks.
