January Summary

The second chapter is called "January." The chapter opens at the ski resort town of Towerhill, Colorado, where Bill Chalmers and his family are vacationing. In an avalanche apparently caused by the sonic boom from a supersonic airplane flying over, the resort where they are staying is suddenly crushed by snow.

Pete Goddard, who has spent the day investigating the communal "wat" as part of the investigation of the death of Decimus Jones, who had been the leader of the compound, returns home to his wife, Jeannie, who has been working at the Bamberley hydroponic plant. He receives a phone call about the avalanche, and is called in to help with the rescue efforts.

Philip Mason, who is under some stress after his dinner with Chalmers, his wife, and his annoying son, turns on the television and sees the news of the avalanche...