Content Warning: This section features discussion of childhood sexual assault.

Wednesday morning, Schroeder sends an email to Robbie Flak. Without violating penitent confidentiality, Schroeder reveals that he has reliable information about the murder of Nicole Yarber. Flak calls back and confirms what Schroeder already knows: Boyette’s testimony is only valuable if it helps recover Nicole’s body.

Meanwhile, in Slone, a noon rally against the execution is broadcast on local television. Angry denunciations decry the approaching execution as “legal lynching” (162). Speech after speech calls out the Texas legal system for this travesty, though one Black minister pleads with the restless crowds not to turn to violence as a response to this injustice. The high school football team pledges to boycott games if the execution is carried out. DA Paul Koffee watches the rally on television—he has no regrets over his part in the trial and is sure he has prosecuted the right person. After having his reputation tarnished by his affair with Judge Grale, he sees Donté’s execution as his vindication, “the shining moment that the people of Slone, at least the white ones, would appreciate” (169).