Summary

In Chapter 31, “Hanging Up,” Barber receives a collect call from his father just as the family is finishing dinner. His father asks how the trial is going. He tells Barber that he heard his name came up in court. Although Andy Barber tells his father the trial is none of his business, Billy Barber argues that the possibility of being used as a witness makes it his business. Billy Barber asks about Patz, and Andy Barber tells him that Patz is the person whom he believes killed Ben. Billy Barber asks Andy Barber to make sure and keep his grandson out of jail. Andy Barber hangs up on his father. Laurie and Jacob have been listening to the call. They agree that next time Billy Barber calls, whoever answers is to hang up on him.

In Chapter 32, “The Absence of Evidence,” the...