Summary

Chapter 37 is “Linchpin.” Caleb and Bobby Gene confront Styx, saying they called Marcus Pike. Styx wants to know what he said. He says Marcus “owed me” and that they shouldn't worry about it. Styx becomes angry and walks away but Bobby Gene becomes angry in return. He says they have followed Styx and have not told on him because “that's what friends do” (206). Styx is surprised when Caleb and Bobby Gene remain. He offers a vague explanation, saying Marcus is an old “friend,” then reveals that Marcus was his foster father for about three years until “He didn't want me anymore” (207).

Cory reveals that he is going to be babysitting and mowing for his Uncle Greg, and that Greg does not own a lawn mower. Caleb and Styx exchange a look, knowing this will work with their plan of what to do with...