Content Warning: The Chapter 12 Summary references drug addiction, and the Chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15 Summaries contain violence and/or gore. The Analysis alludes to both violence and drug/alcohol addiction.

Richard moves across the sand spit towards the island with a group of dangerous heavies, including Blue Eyes and Tool. The speed at which Richard is moving means that Nailer, Pima, and Nita must find cover fast; Nailer’s father is probably high on slide amphetamines, and if the group catches the three teens, there is a chance they will kill them. Nita asks Nailer, “But aren’t you family?” (134), leading to Nailer and Pima attempting to explain what slide, or methamphetamine, is. In Nita’s world, the drug is only used on half-men—what she calls “animals”— to heighten their violent instincts. When Nailer replies, “Just a bunch of animals here, making money for you big bosses” (134), Nita is embarrassed. Nailer again asks about her people, and Nita tells him they won’t be there in time to rescue her from Richard.

The three return to their makeshift camp, but Nailer is feeling much worse, shivering and dizzy. Since he saved Nita, Nailer has taken on the role of the leader, but he cannot give Nita and Pima instructions about evading Richard because he is too sick.