Chapter 17 Summary

Rumors abound that Williams is receiving special treatment in the county jail, but officials deny the claims. Though there is a possibility Williams will go to the state penitentiary, the judge releases him on a $200,000 bond pending appeal. Williams returns to his normal activities in the antiques business but receives fewer invitations from friends. He speaks bitterly about the treatment of Mercer House by police and the public immediately after Danny's death. Williams says he is different from other members of Savannah's society, because he isn't part of the pecking order. He has earned his way to the top. He says if the appeal fails he plans to either transform Mercer House into a rehabilitation center for drug addicts, or blow it up so Danny's mother will not be able to live there.

The chapter concludes with Bobby Cook receiving an anonymous copy...