Prior to Chapter 10 beginning, the small italicized passage is focused, again, on Brandon Exley, who has finished concocting “his masterpiece” (99). The boys all “drink, long and deep” (99).

Chapter 10 starts with Jordan’s uncle, Bruce Bockus, finding Richard on his way home from classes. Uncle Bruce introduces himself and asks to speak privately to Richard, without Jordan present. Richard tries to get out of talking to him, but Uncle Bruce insists, and they sit in the common room of Taylor House. Richard feels frustrated by the whole situation, feeling annoyed that “he’s getting sucked into the black hole of Jordan’s mess” (102). Richard tries to explain that he isn’t involved at all, and Uncle Bruce explains that Richard is only one of two people who Jordan confided in about having had sex that Saturday night at the party.

Richard reiterates what he said to Jordan, telling Uncle Bruce that he won’t lie if directly questioned, and Uncle Bruce reveals the true reason for his visit: if Richard will serve as Jordan’s advisor, then he will be able to act confidentially and be protected from testifying. Richard feels angry and protests, despite Uncle Bruce’s insistence that he is just trying to keep Jordan “out of jail” (105).