No one ever meets Joe. And I wondered why.
-- Aven (chapter 3)

Importance: When Aven's family arrive at the theme park, they are met by Gary the accountant, who tells them that they will likely never meet the owner, Joe Cavanaugh. Aven's desire to solve the mystery about Joe's whereabouts is instrumental in the formation of her friendships with Connor and Zion. Although she views the mystery as just a fun way to pass time and a way to connect with her friends, the answers to the unsolved mystery contain the truth about her early childhood, including the identity of her mother and grandmother. As the narrative unfolds, Aven slowly collects clues, until at last she discovers that Joe Cavanaugh is the old lady named Josephine who works in the steak house. Josephine tells her the story of her birth and her decision to adopt her to a better family. Aven's initial interest in...