The Candymakers

Philip is starving and wonders if they can get food from the cafeteria before he explains everything. They stop for food before heading back to the Tropical Room. Daisy reveals that she’s a spy who was hired to steal the secret ingredient. Philip confesses that his dad is Daisy’s client. He says that he was only stealing the secret ingredient to keep it away from his father. Miles realizes that Daisy was the girl whom he thought drowned. This realization changes everything for him. He can’t stop hugging her in joy.

Philip tells them about the deal he made with his father. Logan wants to believe him, but it’s difficult because “believing Philip meant that he’d have to give up his own dream of winning” (355). The newfound friends join together and decide to help Philip win to save the factory. Suddenly, AJ appears. He tries to take Daisy home since the mission has been compromised, but she explains why she needs to stay. He says that he’ll cover for her at home. 

The four friends work long into the night to perfect Philip’s candy, with each person working on a specific piece. The experience makes Logan feel purposeful: “new determination [rose] up inside him” (366). Suddenly, the Candymaker interrupts their efforts. He brings them a snack, and although he questions how Philip and Daisy were able to get inside the factory undetected, he allows them to keep working on the candy. 

It’s decided that Miles and Daisy will have to drop out of the contest to give Philip a better chance at winning. Before falling asleep for the night, they’re trying to name Philip’s candy, when Miles thinks of “Harmonicandy” (377). 

That morning, the contestants pretend to prepare their candies in front of Max, but secretly they are all hoping that Philip’s candy will function like a real harmonica. The four contestants put on fresh clothes, and AJ brings a peach cobbler for Miles to use as his entry. It’s the best way to ensure that Miles is kicked out of the contest, since pies aren’t allowed.