Contents
Chapter 56
Overview
News breaks that Mr. Loukas died in an accident while changing a tire. Elsie realizes he was a predatory teacher, then, confronted by Cess and Ness, admits their relationship and that she saw him the night he died. She denies killing him and receives fierce, protective support from Cess.
Summary
At a school assembly, Brother Stanislaus announces that Mr. Loukas died when his car fell from a jack as he changed a tire. Daphne mutters “good riddance,” claiming a bad instinct about him, which prompts Elsie to confront her own realization that Loukas was a teacher exploiting students—and that she wasn’t the first.
After school, Cess and Ness summon Elsie to the front room. They note the radio report, Elsie’s connection to Loukas, and her disheveled, dirty state with scratched forearms. Their careful questions imply suspicion without accusation.
Pressed about whether the relationship exceeded normal bounds, Elsie admits it did, reveals the scratch came from Loukas’s fiancée, and recounts learning he had pursued other students. She states she didn’t kill him but is glad he’s dead.
Cess’s posture softens; Ness paces, absorbing the revelation. Cess then hugs Elsie fiercely and darkly quips that otherwise they would have had to kill him, signaling unequivocal family loyalty despite the scandal and suspicion surrounding Elsie.
Who Appears
- Elsie (Mabel)Learns of Mr. Loukas’s death, acknowledges his predation, admits their affair and seeing him the previous night, denies killing him.
- CessConfronts Elsie with concern and evidence; ultimately embraces and supports her with a darkly protective remark.
- NessGently questions Elsie about the relationship; reacts with concern and pacing, aligned with Cess’s support.
- Brother StanislausAnnounces to the school that Mr. Loukas died in a tire-changing accident.
- DaphneResponds “good riddance,” asserting a bad instinct about Loukas, prompting Elsie’s realization.
- Mr. LoukasHistory teacher who dies in an accident; posthumously revealed as a predator of students.
- TessaMr. Loukas’s fiancée; previously scratched Elsie during a confrontation and revealed his pattern with students.