Chapter 23 Summary

The chapter begins with Mrs. Mooreland, Williams' longtime friend, pondering news in the paper as she waits for Mrs. Williams' luncheon to begin. The paper publishes an article that claims Sonny has two promising witnesses, who can testify that Danny offered them money on two separate occasions to seduce and kill or injure Williams. Mrs. Mooreland is fascinated and shocked by this news, and now views each young man she sees with suspicion and curiosity.

At Mercer House, Mrs. Williams welcomes the luncheon guests. Her son has planned all the details of the party and continues to call the house periodically to check in with the bartender, foreman, caterer, and his mother. As they arrive, guests wish Mrs. Williams the best in regards to her son's appeals case. In attendance are Joe Odom and Mandy, Emma Kelly, and Minerva, who is posing as...