I can't add much to both of the comments above, other than to say the vast, wide-ranging scope of Blaise's abuse, spanning what now appears to be decades, makes one wonder just how he was able to abuse all those boys, without getting caught earlier...It would appear that "turning a blind eye" had to be a chronic, contagious condition.
Good for Tom, he more than paid for his freedom...
"She told me to think about my future, that she'd offer me a job contract if I wanted to stay. Then she fell off her chair."
Dante could only blink.
I find it ironic that I am concerned for Mistress Carolyn. This heart attack, coupled with her ongoing health issue, might hasten Brittany's ascent, and is Brittany in any sort of condition or frame of mind to take the reins? Is it possible that Brittany be passed over?
"Heart attack. If I hadn't been standing by and if Val hadn't still been in the house, she probably would have died. She's here somewhere, in the same building even, if I'm not mistaken."
For a moment Dante could only stare, then nodded weakly. "Three Mitchells in the hospital, one in chains, two about to collapse," he summarized. "Who's holding the scepter at home right now?"
Blaise is probably safer where he is for the moment, unless he is incarcerated in the general population. Once word gets out...all bets are off...
"Alice," replied Tom hesitantly. "She arranged for Blaise to be sent to Townsend prison. I'm almost inclined to say to protect him."
Lastly, what of the 'relationship' between Alice and Dante? Will Alice see the truth in Dante's comments, understand the place they come from? Will they be able to reset their lives, understanding that the past is a place to occasionally visit, but can never go back to?