Summary

Chapter 26 is “William.” Stanley leaves William at the shop with instructions to “shoot anyone who tried to come through the door” (241). William knows he will obey. William drives the truck to the shop. He calls his mother to hear the reassuring sound of her voice and to let her know he is safe. A short time later, he hears gunshots to the north. A while later, he hears someone at the storeroom door and finds Joseph trying to get in, hoping that Ruby is there. Joseph and William are united in their worry about Ruby, who has been missing since noon. William says he will help search, and points out that he has the gun. Joseph asks if William would be able to use it to protect Ruby, and William knows that he would. He notes that their relationship changes at...