The Young Landlords

To get adults to treat them seriously, the Action Group decides to hire an adult to represent them. The group calls the New York State Employment Service, which refers Mr. Jonathan Pender to them. Pender is an older fellow described as “short and very neat. He wore a gray suit that looked very spiffy, and he carried a briefcase. […] He didn’t look like an accountant to us. In fact, he looked like an ad for tea or something” (55). The young people find it difficult to take Mr. Pender seriously. Pender accepts the job and says he will return the next day to set up an accounting system.

When Pender arrives the next day, Gloria quizzes him about his prior employment. Pender replies that he has worked for many companies and nonprofits. He has his own investment business that has been in operation for nearly four years. The name of his company is Financial Banana. Paul decides he likes Pender and feels protective of him. Paul asks Pender about his fastidious dress and manners, and Pender explains to Paul that everyone does things in his or her own way.

After Paul goes home, he gets two calls within one minute.