Part Four, Summer: Chapters 29-31 Summary

In Chapter 29, Willa fights with Ham who refuses to come in from the heat. Afterward Ham asks for his check intent on quitting because Willa embarrassed him in front of Billy. Tess finds Willa brooding on the porch and Willa shares her worries. Tess tells Willa that it will work out and suggests they meet for a swim later.

Ham arrives and the two argue again until Willa confesses that she was worried, afraid to lose the man that was more a father to her than Jack Mercy. Ham is a bit ashamed and the two make amends. Ham goes inside and shares some ice cream with Willa and then heads for the bunkhouse. The killer is cutting a calf and Ham finds him. Striking out without thought the stranger is saddened, having true affection...