Chapters 25-27 Summary

Vernon watches daily for a surprise visit from Miss Murphy and warns Maxine to stay clean. Miss Annie continues to monitor Maxine's case through his contact in the department. She learns that questions are being asked, but no complaint is filed.

Then, Maxine gets very drunk and throws a fit in the neighborhood, threatening bystanders and breaking bottles on the sidewalk. Vernon intervenes and offers to clean up if the owners don't press charges. Maxine wonders off, drunk and unpredictable. Vernon assures Miss Annie that he will go in through the window to check on Robert if needed.

The next day, Vernon finds no one home but a very hungry looking dog. Vernon feeds the dog and leaves a note for Maxine. Them, Sunday Maxine and Robert come into Vernon's church. She causes quite a scene in front of the congregation...