Summary

In Chapter 40, Xavier is put in a holding cell. Carl Harrington arrives, a young black lawyer Valerie hired for Xavier. He tells Xavier he is charged with assault, rape, and kidnapping and that he should plea for a lesser charge. Xavier angrily refuses saying he is innocent, but Carl says there is no proof. There is only the photos Brad took, showing distressed Juniper and Xavier’s knife, as well as the word of Brad, local HVAC celebrity, against his. He tells him the jury will not trust him because he is black and that Juniper herself does not have to testify because she is a minor.

In Chapter 41, book club occurs at Ellen’s, without Valerie, as the woman debate on Xavier’s innocence.

In Chapter 42, Valerie takes a loan out on their home to pay Xavier’s bail. Valerie apologizes to...