Chapter 15
by Chris

Summary:

Mr. Harvey we learned already had a hard childhood. In this chapter, Susie explores more of his relationship with his estranged mother. George Harvey was taught how to steal from others and how to be a scavenger from his mother. Obviously this woman was a kleptomaniac and showed her only son the tricks and trades of getting what you needed and wanted. One night Harvey and his mother were pulled off on the side of the road to sleep in the small old truck, when three drunken men saw an opportunity with the young female. Harvey witnessed and unknowingly helped his mother run over the men with his father’s truck; it was then that he first began to realize that women and children are not meant to live.

Since Lindsey flew out the window, Mr. Harvey had a moment to collect himself and take of business. He knew what he would say to the police when they came searching and asking questions, he had the right answers. So he knew that first and foremost he had to hide the few pieces of evidence that linked him to any kind of murderer, the charms of his victims, the knife with Susie’s blood on it….all hidden away under the basement floor in a handkerchief hooked to a piece of metal. After his few minutes of hiding his precious belongings and the killer in himself, he called the police to report the break in.

Characters:

Susie
Mr. Harvey
Jack
Abigail
Len

Places:

Mr. Harvey’s childhood truck
Mr. Harvey’s home
The Mall

Memorable Quotes:

1. “You have to be able to look past the dead”, Sometimes there are good trinkets to take away from them.” – George Harvey’s mother page 188

2. “He had had a moment of clarity about how life should be lived: not as a child or as a woman. They were the two worst things to be.” – George Harvery page 190

3. “To find a doorway out of her ruined heart, in a merciful adultery” – Susie page 197

Questions for consideration:

1. Now knowing a little more of Mr. Harvey’s childhood, is it easier to justify his problems, his disturbing addiction?

2. Why do you think that the cops bought into Mr. Harvey’s story? Was it really that easy to believe, if you (the reader) hadn’t known it was him or suspected?

3. What do you think about Abigail at this point, does she have some deep right to escape? If not, can you at least understand what she could why should would do the things she has done so far? Tell us how you interrupt her behavior, right or wrong?

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