Summary

In Chapter 17, Grant approaches Falk and Gretchen in the pub and once again attempts to pick a fight with Falk. Falk manages to defuse the situation. The owner, a Scottish immigrant named David McMurdo, thanks Falk, since Grant often brawls in the pub. Falk then receives a call from Gerry Handler, who says that he needs to tell Falk something in person. In Chapter 18, Falk arrives at the Hadler farm where he finds Barbara sobbing as she collects Luke’s possessions. Falk comforts her and says that he will take care of it. In the living room, Gerry and Barbara speak to Falk about Mal Deacon, who has been hoping for years to acquire the Hadlers’ land. They mention that Mal has begun to suffer from dementia. They also hint that Mal was physically abusive, which they believe caused his wife to run away...