Summary

While Robyn was out with Beckford, Ptolemy dug out Coy’s treasure from a trapdoor “three feet” under the “concrete” floor (164). He removed the chest and withdrew the bag filled with coins dating “back . . . to the Civil War and before” (164). He still saw himself as “the guardian” of the treasure, obeying a long-ago command from "Coy the thief” (164). He then withdrew a pistol also hidden inside. Afterwards, he called Hilly, asking him to drop off ammunition for the gun. During the conversation, Ptolemy’s mind drifted to memories of Coy talking about the past and justice. Ptolemy asked Hilly who Reggie’s closest friend had been. He wanted to talk to someone who knew Reggie’s secrets. Hilly gave him the name Billy Strong.

Since the coma, Ptolemy existed in “a world both new and old to him” (168). He had visions in which the...