The narrative jumps back to Roman’s youth, when at 15, as Bobby Ray Dean, he is first taken to Masterson Ranch. Sam Carter, who drives him out, informs him that he’s being placed there until he turns 18 in two and a half years. Upon arriving at the ranch, he meets Chet and Susan Masterson, the husband-and-wife team who run the establishment, and their two German shepherds, who are there to provide both security and an incentive against running away. Bobby Ray still entertains thoughts of escape, even though his new roommate, José, warns him against it. Little by little, however, he begins to see the futility of striving against the system, and he gives himself over to the rotation of chores and instruction by the boys’ mentor, Jasper Hawley. Hawley and the Mastersons notice Bobby Ray’s artistic inclinations, and they encourage them, giving him readings on the great masters and even coining the new pseudonym “Roman Velasco” for his future artistic career.

The time has come for Grace to move into Roman’s guest cottage, and she has to break the news to Ruben and Selah Garcia that she eventually hopes to have Samuel there with her full-time.