Summary

Chapter 38 takes place in the Arizona Desert. Reece finds an uninhabited place for target practice. His rifle was custom made, a gift from Reece's father who personally loaded the ammunition by hand. Reece takes note of his father's notes about the rifle and the ammunition and a handwritten note that reads: “James – Precision with a rifle requires precision in thought. Don't miss, Son” (187). Once he is sure the rifle is operating correctly, he fires the M4 assault rifle followed by the Mk 48 machine gun. Once he is satisfied with the weapons, he returns to the highway.

Reece stops to see his mother Judy at the Mount Eldon Assisted Living and Nursing Center in Flagstaff. He signs the guest log with a fake name. Judy has had a stroke and suffers dementia, meaning she seldom responds to anyone or anything. Reece, feeling sure she...