Summary

Hinton, like all condemned prisoners in Alabama, is guaranteed a direct appeal to the State appellate courts, but the State does not make it easy. The system is full of limitations, challenges, and obscure procedures, and judges "are elected based on how many people they send to death row" (86). Despite Hinton's conviction, similar robberies and murders continue to happen and Hinton wonders why no ones seems to take notice or care. Ray's mother visits him in prison and he lies to her about the conditions of the prison and his overall well-being, determined to comfort her and prevent her from worrying.

The reality is much more grim. Hinton "had never felt such a darkness in me" (91). He cannot control his thoughts and continues to imagine killing McGregor. Prison conditions are awful with inmates being forced to eat food that smelled of mold at...