Definitely a pivotal chapter. I was hoping for some Lois/Clark interaction, but even though we didn't get that, the plot definitely advanced in this part. I'm highly relieved that Moyne seems to be out of the picture, at least for now, and that Scardino seems to understand exactly what happened between Moyne and Lois. He might not want to make waves with his superiors, but his reaction when Lois told him about Moyne's rape threats proved he's taking her seriously now.
I'm also very pleased at Lois's conversation with her two assistants. Even though they are still afraid of the prisoner, they seem to both be relieved that Moyne is gone for good and are willing to work with Lois on the changes she's making in the prisoner's care. Very positive signs! I can breathe a small sigh of relief now that at least Clark won't be beaten anymore. And Lois will have 8 hours every day where she will be completely alone with him! Surely she won't be able to resist communicating, right?
As for why Clark isn't talking, I'm starting to wonder if a previous reviewer was correct when s/he theorized that perhaps the "surgery" mentioned early on was to cut Clark's vocal chords or otherwise incapacitate him. It would certainly match up, time-wise, with when Clark stopped talking ... so is it a psychologic barrier or a physical one at this point? And now that he's being allowed to heal, will he be able to regain this ability? Can't wait to find out.
More, please! Or as my 9 year old says, "Please with an extra helping of please on top?"
Kathy
