Part 1, Nets Summary and Analysis

The book opens on August 9, 1970, when Angela Davis and Helen are hiding from the police. She had learned of the death of Jonathan Jackson two days earlier. He, along with two San Quentin deputies, James McClain, and William Christmas, had been killed during a revolt at the Marin County Courthouse. Helen had brought a wig to Angela, who is trying it on. Angela is forcing herself to wear the wig because she must look common and not attract attention when they go out. They are planning to leave as soon as it is dark.

They are both nervous while they are waiting for nightfall: "I don't know how long we had been sitting in the dimly lit room when Helen broke the silence to say that it was probably not going to get any darker outside. It was time...