Act 5, Chapter 25 Summary

Mom asks about Vernon's bowels and the sweet cripple who is his competition in the next vote. She wishes Vernon would not look so impassive. Death Row always hushes, when Mrs. Little phones; she is more entertaining than TV-land. The Girls are going out canvassing votes for Vernon. After they hang up, Vernon thinks about the human needs expressed by The Girls, Deutschman, Mom, and Vaine, and cannot guess what each would like from him. Taylor wants a big story, Vaine needs a homicidal maniac for the SWAT team to practice on, and Lally has everything, but Vernon wants to give him some token. Vernon does not suspect Mar. 28 is his execution day, when paperwork accompanies his breakfast. All the cons probably receive it. A brochure tells about how to act for the cameras, suggests last statements, and lists musical choices...