He ended with: Thanks, Father, for having the courage to leave home and seek a better life in America. Aaron wept when he read it, then he shared it with his friends and Lida’s family.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1)

Importance: While Lance is serving in the military, he sends home a letter thanking his father for having the courage to move to America. While Lance’s father is still alive, Lance keeps his business legal, but after his father is gone, he allows himself to follow his ambitions into illegal activities.

Jesse didn’t resent the clubs and bars and the illicit trade they provided to willing customers. Nor did he resent men like Lance Malco and Shine Tanner and their ilk who profited from the vice. What Jesse loathed was the bribery of those entrusted to uphold the law.
-- Narrator (Chapter 8)

Importance: After Jesse is confronted by the couple who is tricked into gambling away all...