A few days after Dingley Park reopens in late June, Holly waits at the picnic table where she and Izzy often eat lunch and reflects on the aftermath of Donald Gibson's rampage. The park still shows signs of the softball riot, John Ackerly is recovering from a broken jaw, and the burned-out Holman Rink has been reduced to rubble. Investigators found Gibson's notebooks, including letters indicating that Annette McElroy was his first victim and suggesting that Gibson believed his father murdered his missing mother, Bonita Gibson.

The wider consequences continue to spread. Kate McKay has become nationally famous after surviving the attack, her image fueling political momentum and renewed support for abortion rights, while rumors circulate that she may seek office. Holly has resigned as Kate's bodyguard, Corrie has returned home, and Buckeye City's police and fire departments are under scrutiny for the riot, though Holly believes most participants will escape serious punishment. Jerome, recovering from burns, has returned to his writing, while Betty Brady and Barbara Robinson have grown close after surviving the ordeal together.

While Holly waits, she privately considers the four people she has killed and concludes that fear and duty, not guilt, define those memories, especially Gibson's death. She also learns that Barbara is coping with new nightmares but is doing relatively well, helped by writing poetry again and by comparing Gibson to the even worse horror she once survived. Holly's thoughts show that the recent violence still affects everyone, even as life begins to move forward.

Izzy arrives injured but lively, with her arm in a sling and her shoulder full of pins. Over lunch, Holly asks about the Real Christ Holy Church, and Izzy relays what Lew Warwick learned from federal authorities. A former member, Melody Martinek, told police that Christopher Stewart had long been known within the sect for dressing in women's clothes, and that she left after the church refused proper medical care for Stewart's mother. Her statement led to a search warrant, and agents found a large cache of military-style weapons in the church basement, proving the group had been preparing for violent action. However, Andrew Fallowes remains untouched because he is heavily lawyered up, even though Holly is convinced he manipulated Christopher Stewart into action.

The conversation turns to recovery and small hopes. Izzy admits she will never pitch again, struggles with pain, and needs Holly's help with medication and lunch, but her humor remains intact. Holly confirms that Betty Brady will reopen the Mingo in August with a special show and that Barbara will appear as an honorary Dixie Crystal. Later, at the Mingo, janitor Jerry Allison is finally allowed back into his basement cubicle after the forensic search. Carrying the ceramic horse he stole from Gibson's desk, Jerry hears a low voice ask, "Where'd you bury her, Daddy?" and finds the room empty, ending the chapter on an eerie note.