Chapter 8 Summary

John arrives back at Muddy's, where he is met by Wallace. Carl is in the bar waiting tables again, and he thanks John for the boxing lesson. Fay congratulates John on Franklin's return and asks if Marion and he are getting back together. Wallace takes John aside and gingerly tells him to be careful with the Tafts: Carl is a drug dealer. The new patrons at Muddy's are mostly his clientele, and the bar is developing a reputation. Moreover, Carl and Cyndi may be involved.

John orders Carl up to his office, where he forces the boy to empty his pockets: among the contents are Quaaludes, cocaine, and hundreds of dollars. Carl is incensed that John would take his product; he has it on advance. John tells Carl he will not turn him into the police. Carl tries unsuccessfully to punch John, who...