Chapter 12 Summary

As Tracy and Brad travel toward New Mexico, Sally Carver worries over Doug's long absence while she remains at the restaurant with friends, Kerry and Kenneth Mahrer. She says her brother Gavin is too attached to "Cricket," as she is nicknamed. Sally also describes his marriage to Laura as a mistake, describing Brad's mother as helpless. Sally explains that Gavin wanted to have Mindy with Laura to help their relationship, but all her brother appeared to be was a "wage earner."

Cory and Irene Stevenson wonder if the odd phone call they received was from Tracy, but their efforts to reach her at the Carvers' home are futile. Irene theorizes that perhaps they have tried to be too strict, but Cory reminds her that Tracy considers them to be landlords. Irene says that Tracy has embellished her mother's memory to be more than...