Summary

Chapter 22 takes place in 1985. Patty and Diane spoke with a police officer about Ben. The police told the women that several girls had come forward about Ben and that when they searched his locker they found animal remains. They believed the remains to be part of some satanic ritual. Patty and Diane argued with the police, but they wouldn't listen.

When Patty returned home, Runner was there with the kids. Patty thought about how rough Runner was with the kids, a trait that she thought Ben had inherited as he grew older. Runner pressured Patty to give him money so he could go to Texas, but Patty made him leave. Runner angrily departed, and Patty readied her shotgun just in case Runner decided to come back later.

Analysis

Runner’s abusive nature toward the kids and his wife is shown in this chapter. This...