12. July 23, 2021

Summary

• Vera Steinman lives on a treeless street in a sparse neighborhood with tract houses.
• A detective named Jerome arrives at her house to discuss her missing son, Peter Steinman.
• Vera invites Jerome into her home, which is tidily kept, although somewhat bare.
• It is revealed that Vera is drinking heavily, with a strong smell of gin on her breath.
• Vera shares that she has not heard from her son since he disappeared and believes he is dead.
• She mentions Peter's case was investigated thoroughly by Detective David Porter, who concluded Peter likely ran away.
• A counselor named Katya Graves provided insight into Peter's behavior before his disappearance.
• Vera provides details about Peter being featured on multiple missing children's websites and search efforts by the police.
• She recounts her history of drinking, and loss of her job, but mentions she had sought help and improved her life before Peter disappeared.
• Jerome questions Vera about details regarding the night Peter went missing (November 27th, 2018) and her subsequent actions.
• Jerome inquires about Peter's belongings, and Vera shows him Peter's room, which is kept as it was, including a skateboard with his contact information written on it.
• It is also mentioned the skateboard was found in a park, debunking Jerome's initial hunch about its location.
• Vera experiences a seizure after drinking more gin, and Jerome catches her before she falls, demonstrating his good reflexes.
• The chapter ends with Vera in the midst of a medical emergency caused by her heavy drinking.