Chapter 18

           AfewweeksbeforeBilly’sparole,KathyhadmovedbackhometoLancaster,returningtoheroldjobatAnchorHocking.Theonlythingthatmadethejobtolerablewashernewfriend,BevThomas.Theyworkedtogetherintheselect-and-packdepartment,examiningglasswareasitmovedalongtheBelt,talkingabovetheroarofglass-firingburnersandairblowers.WhenKathyquitAnchorHockingtobegincollegeatOhioUniversityinAthens,thetwogirlskeptuptheirfriendship.

           BevwasanattractiveyoungdivorceeaboutBilly’sage,withbrownish-blondhairandgreeneyes.KathyfoundBevindependent,tolerantandblunt.Bevwasinterestedinpsychology;shesaidshetriedtounderstandthemeannessinpeopleandwhatintheirbackgroundscausedthemtoactthewaytheydid.

           Kathytoldherhowherownfamily—especiallyBilly—hadsufferedfromChalmersviolence.SheinvitedBevtohermothershouse,showedherBilly’spaintingsandtoldheraboutthecrimesthathadsenthimtoprison.Bevsaidshe’dliketomeethim.

           KathyarrangedforBillytogoforadrivewiththemsoonafterhisreturnhome.Inthelateafternoon,BevpulledupinfrontoftheSpringStreethouseinherwhiteMercuryMontego,andKathycalledtoBilly,whowasworkingonhisVW.Sheintroducedthem,butBillyjustnoddedandturnedbacktowhathewasdoing.

           "C’mon,Billy,"Kathysaid."Youpromisedwe’dgoforadrive."

           HelookedatBev,thenattheVWandshookhishead.