Chapters 1–4: The story starts with a recounting of Sam’s involvement in the bombing in Greenville, Mississippi. It then shifts its focus to Kramer and his two sons as they enter his office moments before the bomb explodes. Kramer’s sons are killed instantly, and Kramer loses both his legs. Sam is also injured by the blast—he is walking towards the office when the dynamite goes off. The police find him in his car later, and after they ask him some questions, they arrest him on suspicion that he had been involved in the bombing. Sam is found guilty of murder and sent to prison, where he will eventually be put to death in the gas chamber. Adam takes on Sam’s case—even though Sam wants to represent himself—and at their first meeting, Sam figures out that Adam is his grandson. He finally agrees to let Adam represent him.