Jasper is taken away by the police, who interrogate him and torture him. Charlie feels helpless and hopeless, but he also feels a surge of courage and determination. He decides to tell the truth and clear Jasper’s name. He goes to the police station and confesses everything. He reveals that Laura was pregnant and that she killed herself because she couldn’t bear the shame and the pressure. He also reveals that the father of the baby was Pete Wishart, Laura and Eliza’s father, who had been sexually abusing Laura for years.
He also reveals that Jasper had nothing to do with the murder and that he was trying to protect Laura and Charlie. The police are stunned and horrified by Charlie’s confession. They release Jasper and arrest Pete Wishart. They also apologize to Jasper and his family for the injustice and the abuse they have suffered.
The novel ends with Charlie and Jasper saying goodbye to each other. Jasper decides to leave Corrigan and start a new life somewhere else. He thanks Charlie for his friendship and his loyalty, and he gives him a gift: a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird, Charlie’s favorite book. Charlie is sad to see Jasper go, but he also understands and respects his decision. He wishes him well and hopes that he will find happiness and peace.
Charlie also reconciles with his father, who supports him and loves him. He also breaks up with Eliza, who is moving away with her mother. He realizes that their relationship was too intense and too painful, and that they need time and space to heal. He hopes that they will remain friends and that they will meet again someday. Charlie also visits Jeffrey in the hospital, who is recovering from his injuries. He tells him that he is proud of him and that he is his hero.
He also tells him that he will miss him and that he will always be his friend. Charlie then returns to his home, where he finds a letter from his mother. She tells him that she is leaving him and his father, and that she is sorry for everything. She says that she loves him, but that she can’t stay in Corrigan anymore. She says that she hopes that he will forgive her and that he will be happy.
