Big Lies in a Small Town: A Novel

Anna checks out some art books from the library for Jesse, who has explained, “Ain’t no colored library here, Miss Anna” (187). While working on the “cartoon” sketch, Theresa’s father, Riley Wayman, barges in and demands to know why Anna has “kicked” Theresa out in favor of Jesse. When she explains that Theresa left of her own volition, Wayman tells her that she will never be welcome in Edenton and that awarding her the commission was a “mistake.” He leaves in a huff. Later, Peter and Jesse arrive, followed shortly thereafter by Martin, who helps the boys to assemble the stretcher. Despite feeling conflicted over Martin’s presence, she is grateful that he is able to lend his expertise.

On her way to the gallery, Morgan passes a car accident. The sight of an injured victim on a stretcher triggers memories of her own accident, and by the time she reaches the gallery, she is deeply unsettled. She tells Oliver the full story, and he is livid to learn that she took the blame for Trey. He also believes that the trauma she shares with Anna makes Morgan the ideal candidate to restore the mural.