Part 1: Chapters 1-2 Summary

Bruce Mason is a diplomat who has been caring financially for his elderly aunt for many years. Bruce is not close to his aunt and the news of her death does not cause for him any feelings of grief, only relief that he might now be free of his family obligations. Bruce has, however, taken the time to travel to Salt Lake City, Utah in order to take care of his aunt's funeral arrangements himself because it is an opportunity to see the city in which he spent many of his years of his life.

In chapter 1, Bruce Mason arrives in Salt Lake City, Utah and immediately checks into his hotel. Bruce then walks to the funeral home where his aunt's body is being prepared for her funeral in the morning. As Bruce walks, he thinks of a woman...