Chapter 1 Summary

Carl Nussman, a lawyer and jury selection consultant, introduces the reader to juror number 56, Nicholas Easter, as he presents Easter's dossier to the lawyers at Whitney & Cable & White. They have very little information about Easter, but they notice that he has been talking with a woman in the store who lit up a cigarette. The lawyers also discover that she was recording the conversation. Carl then moves on to juror number 57, Traci Wilkes, who is a doctor's wife, mother of three, exercise junkie and closet smoker.

Upon moving on to juror number 58, the intimidating figure of Rankin Fitch bursts into the office and demands to know why there are still potential jurors that remain a mystery. He then orders the team to continue to work many hours into the weekend until the job is done. Fitch leaves the office and interrupts three other...