Patch is brought to Warden Riley's office and waits while a secretary handles a court call about recusal and a change of judge. Once inside, Riley has Patch's cuffs removed and treats the meeting with forced cordiality.

As Riley settles behind his desk, Patch sees the painting hanging on the wall and realizes it is one of his own, his first sale from nearly twenty years earlier. The sight jolts him into memories of Monta Clare and the people tied to his past, especially Charlotte, whom he tries not to think about while enduring prison life.

Riley turns to Patch's written request to provide library service to men on C Level. While Riley cites Bureau of Prisons recommendations, Patch reflects on the price he has paid to survive prison quietly: he has endured beatings, broken ribs, and pressure from other inmates because he refuses to get involved in prison hustles.

When Riley questions him about his daughter, chapel attendance, and willingness to deliver books himself, Patch gives the argument he has practiced, insisting that reading is not a privilege but a necessary escape for men serving time. He adds a biblical appeal about kindness and forgiveness. Riley accepts the request, and Patch spends a sleepless night knowing that the next day he will go to C Level: death row.