68 pages 2 hours read

David Baldacci

A Calamity of Souls

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024

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Chapters 11-28

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 11 Summary

Jack goes to the courthouse to get a copy of the documents from Jerome’s first court appearance, as well as to file paperwork to submit himself as Jerome’s lawyer. The clerk, Sally, attempts to talk Jack out of taking the case. She says that Connelly waived the request for a preliminary trial, did not argue for bail, then promptly withdrew himself as Jerome’s lawyer. Annoyed and angry at Connelly, Jack takes the paperwork, which reveals Jerome was indicted for two counts of first-degree murder.

Chapter 12 Summary

Jack goes to meet with Justin Reed, the prosecutor in Jerome’s case. Jack raises his issues with Connelly’s handling of the case in court but is met only with annoyance from Reed. Reed questions why Jack would take the case and seems disinterested in discussing bail or the proceedings.

Reed hints that this could be Jack’s last case. He mentions the entire South’s annoyance at integration and the new laws being put in place to protect the rights of Black people, implying that there will be a lot of backlash toward Jack.

Chapter 13 Summary

At the Randolph house, Jack is surprised to learn that—just since meeting with Reed—the case has been turned over to the Attorney General of Virginia, Edmund Battle.