Summary

Chapter 22 is set in “Thousand Oaks, California, 1994” (222). Levi's parents were divorced. His father allowed Levi to spend some time each summer with his mother, Jacqueline. But in the summer of 1994, he forced Brody to accompany Levi. Brody was to begin West Point in the fall. Jacqueline was not Brody's mother, but they liked each other. The summer was filled with parties, drugs, and alcohol. Jacqueline starred in a soap opera and friends often dropped by. By the end of the visit, Brody had become determined not to attend West Point, and he pleaded with Jacqueline to help convince his father. She refused, saying she cannot do anything to endanger the small amount of time she had with Levi.

In Chapter 23, Levi picks up the story, saying he went to Jacqueline's room after overhearing the conversation between his mother and brother. That night, Levi...