Poor boy.

Poor boy?

Jessa replayed Francis Jackson's words over and over.

How could he say that? Lynch believed laterals were scum.

She thought about everyone she knew who was a lateral. Her parents. Her sister. Her friends from primary school. So many people.

What kind of person would be so hateful to an entire population?

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An evil one.

Disturbed, they said.

But he was in so much pain.

Sad people do terrible things. Sadness is never an excuse.

He needed help, Francis had said.

Nobody wanted to help him.

Nobody gave him a chance.

The creaking of the stairs told Jessa her parents were going to bed. She turned her pillow over and smooshed her face into the cool side.

Her eyes gazed into the darkness.

The two men came to get the book.

She tried to call up the rational side of her brain.

They could have been anyone.

No, you know it’s him. He’s still alive. You saw him. You felt him.

Annora’s in danger.

Mr Fletcher said he’ll protect her. That’s what he’s here for.

Is it? He’s still keeping secrets from us. We need to find out what he’s hiding.

Could this really all be connected?

Yes. Listen.