Chapter 21 Summary

Mark, Diane and Ricky lay in Ricky's room. Mark thinks about the fire and slowly comes to the realization that the fire was no accident. He wonders how much insurance will cover, and whether or not his mother has been paying the premiums. He remembers how his father was always the one to handle the family finances, and how his mother often messed up bill payments after the divorce.

A couple of cops and some nurses show up at the hospital room. Mark feels something is wrong. The cops explain that they have to take Mark into their custody and take him to a summons at court. Diane goes crazy with anger and fear. She yells and curses at the cops and tells him there is no way they will take Mark from her. Diane slaps one of the cops. Security guards hold...