Chapters 21-24 Summary

Chapter 21 continues in 1969, with Dominick waking up guilty. In Ma and Ray's room, phoning Dessa, who does not answer, his memories are sparked by photographs and mementos. Thomas ignores his attempts at making peace, but he says that Dessa has called. Dominick is sick of Thomas' game, and is torn between hitting Thomas and comforting him. Smiling serenely, Thomas tells Dominick, "You are me." Chapter 22 continues. Leo picks up Dominick to go fishing, suggesting that they buy marijuana from Ralph and sell it on campus, and driving him to look at Dell's used car. Dell lowers his price only when Leo threatens to say that he and Ralph, who lives there, are gay. At the trestle bridge they mellow on wine and dope. Their hypothetical talk about having sex with men is interrupted by the police.

Chapter 23 follows the police interrogation...