Chapters 5 and 6 Summary

As the puppy scratches on the attic door, Beth stands over her answering machine wondering how it got turned off and who answered her phone when she called earlier. She grabs her pistol when she hears a car pull up, but it turns out to be Nick. Beth met Nick a few days earlier when she interviewed him about the children's home. Although she barely knows him, she trusts him and feels safe with him.

She tells Nick the interview with Marlene went well and that she taped it. She says Marlene confirmed Bill is using boys from the home in his burglary ring. Marlene also says Bill has some of the police and government officials on his payroll. Nick questions Marlene's authenticity, but Beth assures him she seemed genuine and frightened.

Beth tells Nick about the person following her. She...