Chapter 12-13 Summary

Spenser drives to Springfield and calls on one of the two thugs, Sal Pelletier. Sal remembers Spenser and tries to run away, but has to stop because he is not very athletic. Spenser asks Pelletier who sent him to bully the college kids, and Pelletier hesitates to tell the detective, but once Spenser punches him in the face, he give a name: Louis Nolan. Pelletier also tells Spenser where to find Nolan—in his nearby home. Spenser drives to Nolan's home and tells the man that Vinnie Morris sent him. Nolan invites Spenser in and Spenser confirms that Vinnie Morris, acting on Joe Broz's authority, asked Louis Nolan to hire some muscle to send Alexander a message. Nolan believes that Spenser is working with Joe Broz, and is visibly nervous around Spenser until the detective departs.

Spenser returns home and...