Chapter 12 Summary

In this introductory chapter of Part Two, the sequence of events at Mercer House is summarized. Danny Hansford had been found on the floor of the study at 3 AM, shot in the head and chest. Many of Williams' antiques and collectables had been broken. Williams was taken in on a $25,000 bond, but an unidentified person with a paper bag full of money came to release him. While no information was given in the newspaper article about Danny besides his age, Williams is identified as an antiques dealer, giver of parties, and a restorer of historic homes.

According to Williams, Danny fired a shot at him but missed, so Williams fired back. He claims Danny had been drunk and high, and went into a rage, yelling about his mother and girlfriend while destroying several things in the house. Danny went into a different room...