Chapter 5 Summary

Lulu Lamartine has never known a shortage of men in her life. After the end of several marriages, through death or divorce, there is always a new man to take the still-warm place of the last one. During a rare love lapse, she has eight sons at home to keep her company. Her youngest son is Henry Jr., born roughly nine months after the death of his father, Henry Lamartine.

Henry's departure came after a drunken night at the bar when he told everyone before leaving that, if "she comes barreling through, you'll never see me again." Lulu wasn't known to complain about his drinking, and yet no one tried to figure out what he meant until it became obvious the next day. Henry drove his car down the tracks of the Northern Pacific and passed out with his car across the rails...