Chapters 16-20 Summary

In chapter 16, Dismas Hardy is summoned to Gonzalez, a small town. Steven Cochran is in a clinic there. Found on the side of the road beaten, the boy is in bad shape. Hardy identifies him and Erin and Big Ed are called. Munoz, the local sheriff tells Diz that Steven had been sexually molested, and then most likely thrown from a moving vehicle. After calling Steven's distraught parents, Diz gives Big Ed and Steven a ride home. Along the way the two men discuss things while Steven sleeps. Ed tells Diz about Cavanaugh's relationship with Erin, as well as his difficulties as a young priest. At the Cochran home, Diz speaks briefly to Frannie, verifying the time Eddie left on the night of his death.

At home, Diz waits for his car to be dropped off, and speaks to Abe, wondering...