Summary

Part 1 is titled The Previous Tenant. Chapter 1 opens with Virgil being released from the hospital after suffering a concussion resulting from an accident in which Virgil drove into the lake. Virgil does not have much memory of the accident, but knows he is lucky to be alive. His friend Tom Beeman takes Virgil home and Virgil learns that there was a rumor around town that Virgil died in the accident. Virgil lives in an apartment above the Empress theater that he runs. Virgil goes to the waterfront and sees a man he does not recognize flying a kite. The man does not introduce himself at first, but tells Virgil that his name is Rune and that he son was Alec Sandstrom. Rune asks if Virgil knew him.

Chapter 2 opens with Virgil reflecting on Alec’s life. Alec was a promising baseball player...