The Season of Styx Malone

The brothers arrive home safely. Bobby Gene is still upset and hugs Mom emotionally. They allow her to think that they worked and picnicked with Cory. Getting cleaned up in the bathroom, Bobby Gene tells Caleb they must be done with making trades and working toward the moped; their actions were foolish and immoral. Caleb, feeling better now that he is home safely, insists that they made a deal with Styx and must carry it through. He states he will be meeting Styx the next day with or without Bobby Gene. Bobby Gene says he will go only to keep Caleb safe.

Bobby Gene slacks off during chore hour the next day because he is still angry at Caleb. Caleb does his and Bobby Gene’s share of the work and evades Cory’s questions. After lunch, Cory stays to play with Susie. Dad gets home and Mom leaves for work; when Styx arrives, Caleb wants to talk to him but cannot because Cory is still there. Styx knows their deal is in trouble: “We good? […] Or you bailing?” (196).

Dad suggests playing sports. He, Bobby Gene, and Styx throw the football while Caleb, who is not very athletic, sits on the porch with Cory and Susie.