Chapter 9 Summary

The chapter opens with Jane praying aloud. Jane and Greer have long ago called the police, although they do not expect much in the way of help. Vida has been mildly sedated and a pastor called to comfort her. Jane prays loudly and openly while Greer reads and rereads Betsey's note, trying to imagine what made his daughter feel she did not belong. For comfort, he drums on his congas, inciting Jane's wrath for his heathen, African, low-down ways. She says that if he does not join her in praying, she will leave him. Greer, unable to pray to the white man's Jesus, leaves to search the places he thinks she might run to—clubs where she'd hear the music she loves, Little Richard's favorite fish stand, the spot where "Sugar" Ray likes to get barbecue. Greer wonders how in the world he...