Chapter 13 Summary

Pat has been out of prison for three weeks and his sense of foreboding continues to increase. Seeking possible further enlightenment, Pat visits Hardesty. Pat explains that Lila's constant flirtations are threatening to compromise his situation with Doc. Pat has noticed that Lila appears to respond to Hardesty's advice and, therefore, he asks Hardesty to influence Lila to leave him alone. Hardesty agrees and then strangely explains that Doc has arranged for a large illicit money-making deal that will involve a sensational media disclosure. The media reports will be designed to divert public attention from political graft to sway an upcoming election. Hardesty tells Pat that part of Doc's plan involved obtaining Pat's parole, but he will not explain the details of the situation. He hints around that Doc's plan will involve Pat returning to prison. Hardesty then suggests that Doc's plan will...