Daniel imagines his father’s thoughts as the date of his trial approaches. Paul looks to history for examples of others who have been accused of treason. At court, he is accompanied by his lawyer, Ascher. During the jury selection process, he scrutinizes the judge. Judge Hirsch is also Jewish and has ambitions of being appointed to the Supreme Court in the future. The prosecution is led by Howard Feuerman, nicknamed Red, who is a similar age to Paul and who is enjoying a “meteoric” rise in the legal world. As he watches the potential jurors, Paul cautions himself to remain calm. He reiterates the humanity of the jurors to himself as he and Rochelle pass reassuring notes to each other.

Daniel begins to imagine his mother’s thoughts during the same period. She is concerned for Paul as she meets with Ascher to talk about the trial. Ascher tries to reassure her, but Rochelle is worried about Paul’s weight loss and uncharacteristic resoluteness. Due to the unique nature of treason charges, she believes that their conviction is “foreordained.” The night before the beginning of the trial, she writes to Paul. Daniel includes her letter as part of his

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