Summary

At the suggestion of Judge William Clark, Berry considered settling with the company in Chapter 31. Berry was more concerned with the women receiving their money before their deaths than completing the lengthy case. Clark, a federal judge, became the controversial and unofficial mediator between the two parties. When the women were consulted about the initial settlement offer from the USRC, however, they rejected it. Instead, Berry changed the terms, asking for a lump sum, pension for life, and the payment of all medical expenses (230). The five women gathered to sign the deal. Despite the settlement, the USRC adamantly defended their innocence.

The settlement required the women be regularly examined by three doctors: Krumbhaar, appointed by the women, Ewing, appointed by the USRC, and Craver, mutually agreed. Berry became concerned with this detail upon learning that Clark had business ties with members of the USRC...