Summary

Chapter Fifteen begins with the narration of Bill Hybrinski, who is lamenting the failure of his business. He realizes he must disclose the unavoidable closing of his business with his wife, Marianne. She suggests he ask Scott Browne for help but Bill feels humiliated. The normally agreeable, supportive Marianne demands he go so that they can remain in the prestigious Brandywine Hunt, as “everything centers around this house” (83). Bill acquiesces, but when he meets with Scott he is fairly dismissive of him, telling Bill he is only prolonging the inevitable: “Your business is dying, and a transfusion isn’t going to keep you alive” (107). However, Scott does give him three months’ rent. In Chapter Sixteen, Barb Gallagher is trying to acclimate to her new life after discovering that her pediatrician husband is a child molester. Barb witnesses him fondling a toddler while working...