Chapters 1-8 Summary

Padraic Kelly disappeared sixteen years ago as he explored the canyons of Arizona and Utah for treasure. Padraic's children spent what was left of their childhoods and their early adulthood listening to their mother run Padraic down for his dreams.

In chapter 1, Nora Kelly arrives at the old family ranch to check out stories of vandalism her neighbor had mentioned to her. As Nora checks out the house, she begins to smell morning glories. Nora is then attacked by someone dressed as an animal, demanding to know where a letter is. Nora does not know about what this person is talking. The neighbor, Teresa Gonzalez, comes into the house and scares off the two attackers with her shotgun. As Nora leaves, she sees one of the creatures keeping up with her truck despite her speed. Nora is so frightened, she knocks...