Content Warning: This novel contains depictions of child abuse, rape, and domestic violence. This study guide also quotes and obscures the author’s use of the n-word.

Early on Sunday, March 25, 1990, Josie Gamble waits for her boyfriend, police officer Stuart Kofer, to return home from a night of drinking. They live in a house six miles south of Clanton in Ford County, Mississippi. Headlights finally appear in the driveway, and Josie watches as Stuart staggers from his car. She goes to the kitchen, where Stuart kicks in the door and enters the house. He asks why Josie is awake and accuses her of infidelity. Josie tries to convince Stuart to go to bed, concerned for the safety of her children, Drew and Kiera. Stuart slaps her across the face, shattering her jaw. Josie fights back, but he pins her to the wall by her throat and punches her, knocking her unconscious.

Stuart then climbs the stairs and goes to Kiera’s room, where she and her brother hide. Stuart bangs on the jammed door and tries to get into the room, but he eventually gives up, goes downstairs, and passes out on his bed. Eventually, Drew creeps downstairs and finds his mother unconscious on the kitchen floor.