With 179 days until the trial, “[a] dull, constant anxiety [sets] in” (154), and each of the Barbers copes in their own way. Laurie makes a family dinner every night to maintain a sense of normalcy for herself, and this annoys Jacob. As they engage in an argument, Laurie receives an abusive phone call and leaves the table.

Jonathan tries to prepare Jacob for his trial with mock questioning. He asks Jacob about the knife, as well as the details of the scene: Were the leaves dry or wet? Did he stand or kneel? How did he feel when he found Ben? Why didn’t he call 911? Jacob struggles to answer the questions. Andy realizes that Jacob cannot go on the witness stand; they will need to come up with another narrative to give the jury. Jonathan tells him they have no choice but to use the cards they were dealt.

Andy finds and questions Sarah. He comments on her body (to the reader): “she was not thin enough for the tight T-shirt she wore” (168). She tells him it makes sense he thinks Jacob is innocent—he’s his father. She also tells him that Ben bullied Jacob, calling him gay and a loser.