Needful Things

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains descriptions of suicidal ideation and drug use.

October 14 is unseasonably warm. As Buster stands in his underwear, obsessing over the mysterious appearance of the pink slips, Mr. Gaunt calls to tell him that Alan Pangborn is the guilty party.

Everett Frankel obsesses over his new pipe at Needful Things. Mr. Gaunt hands him an envelope, reminding him of his commitment to play a prank on Sally Ratcliffe. The envelope says “Lovey,” and he is supposed to put it in Lester’s car, which Sally is currently borrowing. Everett feels horror and disgust as Mr. Gaunt starts to put an arm around him.

Albert Gendron, the dentist, finds an anti-Catholic note posted on his door. He calls Father John and tells him about the mounting tension from the Baptists. Mr. Gaunt posts a “Help Wanted” sign.

A lime green Dodge Challenger pulls into town. Bill Fullerton and Henry Gendron watch Ace Merrill and speculate about his return to Castle Rock. It is implied that Ace has a history of causing destruction in Castle Rock. They debate calling Alan to warn him that Ace is back.

Ace is in considerable debt with gangsters. His upbringing in Castle Rock was marked by escalating crime and drug-dealing.