Summary

In pages 122 - 162, Ree and Gail went grocery shopping, discussing prices and money. Approaching the house, they encountered the bail bondsman, Mike Satterfield. He told Ree Jessup did not show up in court, and was therefore considered a 'runner.' Ree assured him that Jessup was dead, and that was why he had failed to appear. He said that what Jessup offered for bail was insufficient. Someone else had appeared at the jail to pay the difference. Satterfield suspected someone wanted him out, which Ree thought verified her theory. Satterfield said the only way he could let her keep the house was if she could prove Jessup was dead.

Despite Gail's warnings, Ree headed back towards Thump Milton's. Mrs. Thump came out with soup for Ree. As Ree drank and started to talk, Mrs. Thump suddenly began beating her up. Other women joined...