In the Heat of the Night

On a hot night in Wells, South Carolina, white police officer Sam Wood patrols the city. Sam feels a sense of pride performing his nightly duties; he knows he serves an important role for the townsfolk. He fills out a section of his report, and then debates whether to take a break or patrol the poor part of town. Sam’s reluctant to go to the poor side where the Black residents of Wells live, but he presses onward: “That was the only part of his job he actively disliked, but it had to be done. Reminding himself again of the importance of his position, he decided to let the break wait for a bit” (1-2). He crosses the highway, and the road becomes uneven. After driving through the Black neighborhoods, Sam visits a poor white area. He spots Delores Purdy, a 16-year-old girl visible from her bedroom window. She’s completely naked, and Sam admires her youthful figure but her unkempt appearance is off-putting. Sam considers telling Delores people can see her from the street, but it’s very late, so he continues his patrol instead.

Sam stops at an all-night diner. He converses with young counterman Ralph about the results of a recent boxing match.