House Rules

Part 7 begins with an overview of the Christopher Hightower case. In 1991, Hightower was convicted of murdering his best friend Ernest Brendel, along with Brendel’s wife Alice and daughter Emily. Hightower was arrested when his fingerprints were found on a 50-pound bag of lime, which had been buried in a shallow grave, along with the bodies of the Brendel family. Hightower had used the lime to speed up the bodies’ decomposition.

The story’s action resumes with Theo’s perspective. As he processes the fact that his brother is currently on trial for murder, Theo reflects on his obligations to Jacob. Theo has known for years that he will be responsible for Jacob’s care after Emma passes away. Therefore, the possibility that Jacob might be sentenced to life in prison represents a spark of hope for Theo: If Jacob is in jail, Theo will be free to live his own life without caring for his disabled brother. Theo is both excited by this prospect and disgusted with himself.

The story is then narrated by Oliver as Jacob’s trial begins with Rich testifying for the prosecution. Rich testifies that Emma made him aware of Jacob’s autism. However, Rich also says that Jacob consented to being interviewed and made an informed decision to waive his rights.