How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
She shrugs. "We're allowed to take the boat whenever we want. What could we get in trouble for?"
I try to figure out how this could get us in trouble. I can't come up with anything. Nothing at all. (21.37-38)
Piper is finally able to weasel her way into an adventure that doesn't break the rules. Would anyone's parent be thrilled that the kids are stalking Al Capone's mom on the ferry? No. But there's also no rule against doing so. So there.
Quote #8
"I don't think it's safe for Nat to follow me around," I say.
My mother stares at me like she can't believe what I've just said. "But Moose… she's doing so well. Carrie Kelly thinks we shouldn't change one thing, because being out with you kids and working one-on-one with her is the best possible—" (28.24-25)
Rules are meant for safety, but here, Mom's rules seem like they might be unsafe for Natalie. After the incident with 105, Moose tries to convince his parents that Natalie isn't safe wandering around the island with him all the time. But his mom is following the therapist's rule, which is that nothing in Natalie's routine should change.
Quote #9
He sighs a long and labored sigh. "First off, that's doubtful. But even if he could, do you really think I'd allow it? I've built this place on fairness. On treating all of the convicts the same. If I were to ask Al Capone to do me a favor, what kind of precedent would that be setting?" (37.57)
The warden is a wise man at times. Moose is asking for his help finding someone who might have some influence to help Natalie get into school, but the warden points out that rules have to be fair in order for them to work. He can't run the prison if he makes exceptions to his own rules—even if it is for a good cause.