56 pages • 1 hour read
Appetite for Innocence
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Chapters 18-34Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child abuse, bullying, rape and sexual violence, child death, mental illness, self-harm, and substance use.
Chapter 18 Summary: “Ella (Then)”
Sarah cuts the ties from Ella’s wrists and escorts her upstairs through a steel security door. Ella steps from the basement into a spotless, heavily secured home with mountain views. John appears, greets and inspects her; Sarah slips away. John forces Ella into a bathroom, locks the door, shows a gun, and orders her to undress and bathe under his direction. He washes her hair and body while she dissociates.
Chapter 19 Summary: “Ella (Now)”
Though her hospital room remains under police lockdown, Ella lies awake at night, feeling unsafe while John remains at large. Jocelyn sleeps nearby. Ella reviews how she described John to Agents Blake and Phil and braces for an upcoming sketch session with Sarah. She worries about Paige and refuses to accept that Paige died in the fire. A scratchy hospital blanket triggers memories of the basement and John’s pit bulls. Ella has heavy bandages and 62 staples from dog bites. She expects to experience lasting trauma.
Chapter 20 Summary: “Sarah (Now)”
Officer Malone escorts Sarah to Ella’s room. She freezes at the sight of Ella’s injuries, and Jocelyn hugs her. Agent Blake clears the room. Steve, a police sketch artist, sets up while both agents observe.
