Summary

In Chapter 7, Ruby and Cole talk about whether Clancy could possibly have real information about Thurmond. Ruby notes that the children have begun making a difference at the Ranch. They have cleaned and created order from the items the agents left behind. Liam has created a work list, calling on every child to help but letting them choose their chores. Ruby joins Liam, Vida, Chubs, and Zu at a table and learns there is not much food remaining. Zu still does not speak but writes everything she wants to say. She reveals that she briefly encountered Liam's mother. Vida interrupts by grabbing Zu's paper and tearing, shouting at her to speak if she has something to say.

Ruby follows Vida, demanding to know why Vida is so upset. Vida feels that Ruby has “replaced” (130) Jude's memory with Zu, saying Ruby acts like Jude's...