Chapter 16 Summary

The events of Williams' trial unfold in this chapter. The small, enclosed courtroom is full of curious locals. Williams' attorneys have listed Danny's mother, Emily Bannister, as a witness in a roundabout way to make certain she remains outside of the courtroom. Judge Oliver, an older, distinguished gentleman, enters, and opening statements begin. Lawton argues that Williams attempted to cover up the crime he committed, and Cook claims Danny had a history of violence and was the one at fault. A nameless man, who seems to be taking great pleasure in watching the lawyers, approaches the narrator outside the courtroom and informs him that the case is not about murder. He says it's about hermaphrodites.

Lawton calls several people to the stand, including the police dispatcher Williams called on the night of Danny's death, Joe Goodman, and other witnesses who speculate what may...