Chapters 16-20 Summary

In chapter 16, The body of Horace Slaughter is viewed, and Myron points out bruises on his face and a broken nose. McLaughlin is not happy when Myron tells her they are leaving. Outside, Myron explains to Brenda that the police had tried to trap her into confessing, then using the evidence of the bruise to lock her into a confession. Tiles had checked Myron's hands for signs of bruising, suggesting that he might have been the person that had assaulted Horace. Brenda is shaken and asks to stay with Myron.

In chapter 17, Myron and Brenda arrive at his parent's house. A neighborhood picnic is going on with relatives and friends. Myron's mother Ellen teases him, and Brenda settles in with the group comfortably. Ellen invites her to spend the night, then goes to bed. Myron and Brenda walk and talk. The...