Freak the Mighty

His father makes Max stay quiet and put on his clothes. Max always knew this would happen; still, he feels numb. Kane insists he didn’t murder anyone. He takes Max upstairs and out into the snowy night.

Under a street light, Kane looks Max over and says, “You really are a chip off the old block, you know that?” (102) He forces Max to agree. Kane is huge, bigger even than Max, who thinks, “He doesn’t need a suit of armor” (103), nor a horse or king or fair lady. He’s too powerful to be defeated.

They head for the New Testaments. A fresh coat of snow makes it look better than before. They knock on Iggy and Loretta’s door; they’re expected, and they go inside. Kane clearly is in charge; he’s annoyed that Loretta is drunk; he orders them to bring food. Iggy, the feared leader of a motorcycle gang, attends to Kane like a cowardly servant. The burgers are greasy but Max chokes one down.

Iggy offers to show Kane “that place”; Kane agrees and orders Max to come with him.