The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

Outside on the porch, Cussy Mary tries to overhear the conversation between Doc and Pa. She can only hear some of it. Pa argues that Frazier would have killed her and that he likely wanted to impregnate her to rid her of the devil, though he was the devil himself. Doc argues that he was an important man to some people and it’s a lot to ask for him to look the other way without getting paid. Cussy Mary only hears a few words, then: “Blue, medical, Bluet, doctors, cure, tests” (117). Doc says that if Cussy Mary goes with him, he’ll ensure she isn’t harmed. Outside, Cussy Mary goes to see Junia. 

Later, Cussy Mary argues with Pa that she’s not sick, she’s just a different color. However, Pa tries to convince her to go with Doc for examinations, saying that she’ll be safe. They argue, but Pa is hopeful that Doc will find a cure for their blueness, as he wants her safe before he dies. Cussy Mary says that Doc knows the truth about what happened with Frazier, but Pa responds that he only knows that there’s a dead Frazier.