In the hot summer of 1976, Johnny tutors the son of a rich local businessman. Chuck Chatsworth struggles with his reading, but as the captain of the high school baseball and football teams, he needs to pass his SATs to get into college. As a live-in tutor, Johnny escapes the constant mail from desperate people seeking his help. With Johnny’s help, Chuck makes a breakthrough. 

Sonny Elliman, the grizzled biker who does Greg Stillson’s dirty work, threatens people who discuss Stillson’s corrupt real estate deals. Sonny works to ensure that Stillson wins the upcoming election for the House of Representatives. Everyone is too scared of Stillson to risk speaking out against him. 

Johnny relaxes at home, thinking about his greying hair, his father’s romantic prospects, and the upcoming Presidential election. When shaking Jimmy Carter’s hand at a campaign event, Johnny had a “sudden, electrifying snap of knowledge” (299), indicating that Carter will become President. Chuck’s father Roger visits Johnny and congratulates him on Chuck’s progress. Johnny has a frank conversation about the best route forward for Chuck, partially informed by his supernatural insights into Chuck’s mind. Roger is pleased with Chuck’s progress, so he gives Johnny a large bonus. He also reveals that he knows about all Johnny’s history.