Summary

Just as things are going “swimmingly for Cliff,” Chapter 70 launches what he refers to as "The Great Unravelling" (429). His father receives an anonymous tip that Cliff’s manuscript is plagiarized and cancels the book deal. Cliff drinks in sorrow. He assumes it was Miles, and goes to look for Rusty. Chapter 71 turns to Miles, who visits Joey in a New York hotel room after Joey calls him frantically. Joey recounts how he was questioned by the F.B.I. after receiving an anonymous tip suggesting he was “an admitted homosexual” (440). In Chapter 72, Joey’s paranoia grows and is desperate to see Miles. In response, Miles pushes him away, insists he is marrying Janet and requests he “leave us alone” (447).

In Chapter 73, Miles receives a call notifying him that Mister Gus died and left him in charge of the arrangements. He goes to his house...