Chapter 3 Summary

Joanna Craig is talking with her attorney and family friend, Hal Simmons, in his office in New York. Hal was also attorney for Joanna's deceased mother. Her mother had been the mistress of a widowed John Clarke, who died in the 1956 air collision while Joanna's mother was pregnant with her. He was to marry her after he arrived in New York. On the flight, Clarke was carrying a case full of special-cut diamonds, acting as currier for his father, a rich diamond broker. The most spectacular stone in the collection was for Joanna's mother's wedding ring. The mother is described as "flighty and disorganized," and is said to have gone a bit senile after Mr. Clarke's death and a period of cruel treatment by his family.

It becomes clear that both Joanna and Hal Simmons seek revenge against Plymale, who manages a charity...