Dark Places

Libby and Lyle drive to Manhattan, Kansas, to find Trey. Lyle found his address through his business, Teepano Feed. When they arrive, the store seems deserted until Trey emerges from the back. He is dark and muscular, with a long, dark ponytail and an edginess that makes Libby uneasy.

Trey recognizes Libby as Ben’s sister. He admits that he was a bookmaker and Devil worshipper: “Sure. You gotta believe in something, right?” (294). He knew Runner, who owed him money, but he says he didn’t really know Ben. Trey blames the racism in Kinnakee for why his name became entangled with the murders. He does not know what happened to Diondra but doubts she is dead; she used to use a fake name, Polly Palm, when she ran away, so she is probably out there, living under an assumed name. It’s a “porn” name: the name of her pet plus the street she grew up on. Trey does not give an opinion on whether he thinks Ben is guilty.

Suddenly, Lyle gets nervous, thanks Trey for his time, and hurries Libby toward the door. He tells her to hurry up and drive away. When they get five miles down the road, he tells her to pull over.