Part I, Chapters 1-4 Summary

Peter and Mary Jackson are driving a car through the desert of Nevada, on US Highway 50. The car belongs to Peter's sister, Deidre. Peter and Mary are headed towards their home in New York. As they are discussing the vast wilderness and the nature of people who would choose this part of the country to make their home, Peter sees a dead cat nailed to a speed limit sign. Mary reminds him that one of their acquaintances warned there were strange people living out in this desert, and perhaps it was a black cat, and there was witchcraft involved.

A few minutes later, a police car passes them wildly a few minutes later, then turns around and begins following them. Mary criticizes Peter for worrying about the officer, and when the cruiser's lights direct Peter to pull...