Summary

In Chapter 5, "July 1998," on the day Robbie was meant to be released from prison, Lacey and Hank planned a beach trip with the girls. Lacey stalled all morning, hoping to catch Robbie when he returned. Though she had been reluctant to move in with Hank, the arrangement had worked. She had also "been grateful to move to the northern edge of the county" (76). Because the area was mostly white, townspeople gave Lacey's girls funny looks, especially Diane, who had the darkest complexion. Meanwhile, Lacey "was renting the old house to two Brazilians" (77).

Robbie arrived just before Lacey and the family left. He was upset that Lacey was with Hank.

Lacey, Hank, and the girls went to the beach while Robbie tried settling back into town. He felt strange entering the local supermarket. He went out for a drink. When the bartender offered to...