Summary

In Chapter 1, Vic Van Allen and his wife, Melinda, attended the Mellers’ party. Vic watched Melinda dance, refusing to dance himself. He also watched Melinda’s newest lover, Joel Nash. Because everyone knew about Melinda’s constant infidelity, they felt sorry for Vic.

What “irritated” Vic about Joel was “his face” (15). He was like all of Melinda’s boyfriends in that he lacked brains (15).

Horace Meller, Vic’s closest friend, asked Vic about the book he was currently printing at his press, Greenspur Press. Horace did not mention anything about Joel, but Vic knew he and his wife, Mary, were aware of Melinda’s affairs.

Later, Joel approached Vic, thanking him for “being so nice” about his seeing Melinda (17). Vic showed no signs of annoyance. Instead, he told Joel that he was the man who had killed Malcolm McRae. Mal had been one of...