Summary

In Chapter 23, which is set in the present day, James and Marcus return from a trip to the toy store to find Julian shooting hoops with Natalya’s father, Gale Hayes. They are greeting one another when James’ mother pulls up behind James. Gale asks who she is and Marcus speaks up, saying that she is James’ mother. Julian criticizes Marcus but then realizes that by the way the adults are acting, his younger brother is right. Julian glares at James and then runs away. James recognizes the look of betrayal he sees on Julian’s face.

When James catches up with Julian the boy is crouched on the beach, crying. Julian asks why James did not tell them the truth James explains that at the time he did not know who she was. He makes sure to point out that he did...