After Ginger’s mistrial, Lance and the other criminals on The Strip relax: “The mistrial calmed The Strip like a gin martini” (235). However, Jesse’s mission isn’t finished. His undercover man, Haley, is working his way up at Red Velvet. Meanwhile, Jesse meets with Judge Oliphant and reveals his suspicions that the jury was tampered with in Ginger’s trial. The Judge does some investigating and confirms Jesse’s suspicions: Three jury members—Joe Nunzio, Paul Dewey, and Chick Hutchinson—were bought off.

It’s December 1973. Jesse reflects on the work he’s done so far as DA: “Jesse’s first term was almost over and he considered it unsuccessful” (242). He realizes that he needs outside help beyond Biloxi. Jesse and Keith manage to secure a meeting with the governor, a former prosecutor named Bill Waller. Governor Waller is aware of Biloxi’s criminal world and even knows that Fats is complicit with the criminal activity, telling Keith and Jesse, “Fats Bowman belongs in prison” (244). Governor Waller asks Jesse how he can help him in his mission to “clean up the Coast” (61). Jesse requests the support of the state police. The Governor agrees.