Having read this book I too suspected this. You knew he was not leaving any witnesses or that a rage had built up and it was time to move on. How a child could endure just this is enough to make one shudder. The real truth will make you wonder how Sue even grew up to be normal and truly loving and caring. However, you must first read the book to understand what so many like me find a remarkable story of child abuse and survival. Once you read it, you will wonder even about your neighbor. Which is good because the point is that we all take our heads out of the sand and stop child abuse and open our mouths no matter who we see that is the abuser. Father, Mother, brother or sister....best friend. It doesn't matter. Your silence is why there are stories like this to be told. Open your eyes and your mouth then and only then will you open your heart to help a child.

Thank you for your comment ML - You are so right in everything you said. People must become aware of what's happening so close to them.....this is the only way to put an end to child abuse.