Part 3, Chapter 31 Summary

After five years of renovation work, Willie's house was complete. He was financially broke from the whole affair, but happy with the results. He decided to have a party to show off the new house. He invited three hundred people to his party. That many and more showed up. All of his friends, including Harry Rex, Bubba Crockett, and Mr. Mitlo, along with his grandma BeeBee and her friends, attended. It was called the best party Clanton had seen in twenty years.

Darla, the court reporter in the Padgitt trial, drove five hours to give Willie a news tip. She had seen Danny Padgitt strolling down the street with a friend and eating lunch in a diner in her hometown, Broomfield. Danny had moved to a work release "ranch" that was supposed to be for non-violent criminals. Willie and Wiley investigated...