Chapters 9-12 Summary

Adam's first meeting with his paternal grandfather is nerve wracking. The prison itself is massive. It has so many units that one has to drive between them. It is settled among soybean and cotton fields. With the exception of the maximum security unit, the rest appears almost scenic. The Death Row building is surrounded by tall fences, razor wire, double gates, and watch stations at all four corners of the property. It is stifling hot and lacks air conditioning. The forty-seven inmates of Death Row are all condemned to solitary confinement. When Sam finally emerges, his stare is intimidating.

Sam does not appear pleased to have a visitor. He is abrupt, if not downright rude. He chain smokes Montclair cigarettes and insults the Kravitz and Bane law firm. He makes it clear that he does not think a young lawyer like...