Part One: November 20-23, 1973 Summary

Barton George Dawes and his wife Mary have lived a long time at 1241 Crestallen Street West. Bart is reminded of Charlie, their son who died three years earlier, everywhere he looks. A year ago, Barton and Mary had been given a year's notice under Eminent Domain to move to make room for a highway extension. This grates on Bart, and something in him revolts against the whole idea.

Bart buys a gun from Harry, the owner of Harvey's Gun Shop. Bart lies about why he's buying a gun, pretending its for a cousin, then spends time talking to Harry. He tells him that he works at the Blue Ribbon Laundry, spinning a series of half truths and outright lies before finally buying a .44 Magnum and a .460 Weatherbee. Harry says that ammunition for the Weatherbee will be available...