Content Warning: The source material contains depictions of racism and ableism, as well as references to suicide and alcohol addiction.

The complex of Sunset Towers stands on the shore of Lake Michigan. On the Fourth of July, a 62-year-old delivery man distributes six invitations for six families to come view the new luxury apartments. The Wexlers are first to arrive, and the man who signed the letters, purportedly named Barney Northrup, shows them the apartment; however, the narrator clarifies that Barney Northrup does not exist. Mrs. Grace Wexler throws “an approving glance in the mirror” before taking the elevator upstairs with her husband (3), Jake. Her inner dialogue reveals that she sees this new apartment as a way to impress her friends and gain social influence.

Sydelle Pulaski is the next tenant to view Sunset Towers. She’s a secretary looking for a lake view, but she’s told she will have to settle for a view of the parking lot. She’s suspicious about who can see into the apartment, spotting the old Westing mansion up on the cliff. Barney assures her she will have her privacy.

The tenants’ names are already listed in the lobby. However, Barney has made a critical error: He “rented one of the apartments to the wrong person” (5).