Summary

Chapter 18 is a flashback from 1985. Patty and Diane returned home to see if Ben had called or come back. He hadn’t, but the rest of Patty’s children were chaotic. Patty and Diane worked together to restore order to the house. Diane called some of her friends to find out more about the accusations flying around about Ben.

She learned that several other parents had come forward and they were all gathering at Krissi’s home. Patty, Diane, and a younger Libby drove over to confront the parents. Patty was initially invited in, but then Krissi panicked when they arrived. Patty plead with the parents, saying that it had to be some kind of mistake. They made her leave. She still didn't know where Ben was, and she’s warned that the police would be looking for him.

Analysis

Patty’s stress with...