Chapter 45
Contains spoilersOverview
Polly, still shaken by Tegan’s basement fire, lets Sadie in and discovers the child is hungry and neglected, prompting Polly to feed her. A glimpse of a long-kept teddy bear rekindles Polly’s fixation on taking Tegan’s baby. When Polly returns with cookies, Sadie has vanished and the basement door stands open, threatening exposure of the captive.
Summary
Polly spends the afternoon on edge after extinguishing the basement fire Tegan set, berating herself for not having confiscated the lighter earlier and resolving to keep stricter watch. A knock at the door alarms her—she fears Dennis or the police—but the visitor is Sadie, the neighbor girl.
Seeing Sadie underdressed and hungry, Polly invites her in despite her vow to keep others out. Sadie admits they are out of crackers, and Polly hastily makes sandwiches and pours orange juice. Sadie explains the school bus didn’t come because of snow; Polly thinks Hank should shovel but refuses to leave Tegan alone.
When Polly goes to the pantry for Oreos, she notices the untouched teddy bear Hank once bought, recalling their disappointment and feeling renewed certainty that a baby is finally within reach. She returns intent on giving Sadie cookies.
Polly finds Sadie’s chair empty. Stepping into the hall, she notices the basement door wide open, implying Sadie may have wandered downstairs and threatening to reveal Tegan’s captivity and upend Polly’s plan.
Who Appears
- Polly
Wary after Tegan’s fire; feeds Sadie, reminisces over a teddy bear, then discovers the basement door open.
- Sadie
Hungry neighbor girl; visits for food, eats quickly, then disappears as the basement door is found open.
- Tegan
Pregnant captive off-page; recent fire attempt heightens Polly’s vigilance and risk of discovery.
- Hank
Polly’s husband; remembered bringing a teddy bear and as the one Polly plans to ask to shovel snow.
- Mitch Hambly
Sadie’s caretaker; implied neglect as Polly questions heating and unshoveled bus stop.