Summary

Chapter 16 – Victor is shaken by his violent actions and begins to question what he is doing. He explains how Texas left the American Union in 1964, an action which resulted in an 11-year civil war between Texas and the United States, “a useless, nasty war, and nothing to do with me” (108). Victor returns to his hotel and overhears Martha arguing on the phone with someone, seemingly upset by a request being made of her. Victor tries to calm her, feeling surprised by his own warmth toward Martha and concern for her son. Martha demonstrates a strong concern for the racism she sees throughout America, pointing out that despite slavery being illegal in most states, “People think it’s far away, but it’s not. It’s here. It’s everywhere. Clouding over everything. Hanging over everything. Don’t you feel the...