Chapter 2 Summary

Shortly after Sam's departure from the house, a young man arrives at Molly's door. The man asks if her husband is home and if he can come in. Molly mistakes him for a salesman at first, and is continually cool with him even when he says that he is not. Molly and the reader now learn that the man's name is Aspinall, as he shows his badge. Their conversation remains awkward for some time, as the man persists with questions about Sam. To her surprise, Molly's attitude is uncharacteristically cold, sarcastic, and unfriendly towards Aspinall. He urges her to tell him where Sam is, going as far as threatening to involve the neighbors. She eventually answers "yes", out of curiosity as to what has happened.

Aspinall asks to see the upstairs of the house and to use the phone. He leaves the room...