Cummins opens with a quote from Dr. Richard Ofshe, an expert in the social psychology of police interrogations, which explains that a coercive interrogation depends on the target’s initial willingness to participate. Tom is such a target as he rides with the homicide detectives to the station, thinking he is working with them toward the common goal of catching the four criminals. On the drive to the station, they ask Tom a litany of questions about his background, his relationship with Julie, his vacation in St. Louis, and his background as a fireman, among other topics. Seeking comfort, Tom rubs the flannel of his shirt as he has since he was a small child.

At the station, Gene is not allowed to be present during the interrogation, but he is allowed to inspect the room first. They act as if this is a highly unusual favor, only extended to them as firemen. Tom reflects on how much his life has changed in a matter of hours, and he falls asleep in the interrogation room chair.

He wakes with a start as the detectives enter the room an hour later. The detectives assure him that he is not in custody or being arrested, but they have to read him his Miranda rights before he makes a statement, which they record.