Chapters 25-26 and Epilogue Summary

In Chapter 25, Rusty thinks that his plan to fake his death to escape making payments is perfect. He drives to the hotel where he dropped off the drunk tourist hours before. Rusty sees himself as a lady's man and someone who needs to be free. This is why Rusty killed Maxine. Rusty could not stand the idea of spending the next few years with Maxine constantly at his side. On the other side of town, Hardy manages to survive his plunge into the ocean, suffering only minor cuts and scratches. Hardy walks back to his hotel and tends his injuries with a first-aid kit. Hardy then calls Glitsky and insists he comes to Mexico to help him with Rusty. Hardy then goes to the hotel where he and Rusty dropped the drunk girl the night before and...