Summary

In Chapter 9, Nick calls Billy to tell him that Allen should be coming to Red Bluff by next Wednesday. Nick repeatedly asks Billy if he understands because Nick is using coded language.

On Monday, Phyllis knocks on Billy’s door. It appears she has been crying. She asks him if he will take her to dinner. She says that her boyfriend dumped her. They have dinner and then go to Billy’s house for sex. The following morning, Phyllis tells Billy that she will probably not see her again socially.

Meanwhile, Billy has more and more trouble with his claim that he only kills bad people. He has come to realize he will hurt the good people he has become acquainted with when they find out why he was there.

On Wednesday, Billy receives a text from his editor, Giorgio, telling him the...