Larry Schiller reads a Newsweek cover story on Gary Gilmore and identifies five people whose rights he must secure: Gary, Nicole, April, Brenda, and Vern. After hearing of the joint death by suicide attempt, he flies to Salt Lake and seeks backing from ABC, proposing multiple story angles depending on which rights he can obtain. Unable to reach Gary, he waits at the Provo hospital to contact Nicole’s family and leaves a written offer of at least $25,000 for her rights.

Meanwhile, David Susskind and Stanley Greenberg pursue film rights through Dennis Boaz. Boaz claims to control releases but faces skepticism about their legality. After the death by suicide attempt, Boaz reverses his position on execution during a televised interview, stating he can no longer support the State carrying it out. As media pressure grows, officials report that Gilmore remains hospitalized and will face tighter prison security upon return, while Nicole remains in “critical condition.”

Tamera Smith’s front page story is syndicated, and reporters contact her for background on Nicole. In the hospital, Gary is taken off a breathing tube. When awake, he becomes hostile and must be restrained. In one newspaper account, Nicole’s mother publicly compares him to Charles Manson.

Kathryne keeps vigil at the hospital and is approached by men seeking a better photograph of Nicole. She provides a swimsuit photo under the condition that only Nicole’s face be used, then learns one of the men misrepresented his affiliation and obtained the picture without payment. Separately, Earl Dorius is summoned to federal court when the Salt Lake Tribune seeks access to interview Gary. In an expedited hearing, Judge Willis Ritter declines their request.

Larry Schiller meets Vern Damico and presents a firm offer of $75,000 for the combined rights to the story, arguing that Nicole’s participation is essential and urging Vern to involve an hourly lawyer rather than share proceeds with Dennis Boaz. He also sets aside money “for the families of the victims” (618).

Gary is returned to prison under escort and is placed under constant watch in the infirmary. Cline Campbell urges Gary not to die by suicide, while prison officials keep the drug inquiry open to maintain pressure on Boaz and restrict physical contact visits. Nicole regains consciousness in intensive care, reacts angrily, then speaks with Sue and Kathryne. She expresses regret about the dosage and remains distraught.

Vern visits Gary, and Brenda confronts him by phone about the attempt to die by suicide and Nicole’s condition. Boaz faces interrogation and distrust from corrections leadership, is limited to monitored calls with Gary, and argues to the press for a plan that could keep Gary alive, while also attacking Schiller. Susskind and Greenberg consider withdrawing as the bidding and publicity escalate, but they keep limited contact in case conditions later stabilize.

Gary again asks Vern to replace Dennis Boaz and says he intends to turn everything over, keeping only “a few thousand dollars” for personal obligations (631). Vern hesitates but contacts local attorney Bob Moody, who agrees to help and recommends Ron Stanger to handle the legal defense. Vern meets both lawyers and brings them to the prison. Gary appears gaunt, fasting, and suspicious. Stanger states he opposes capital punishment but will follow Gary’s wishes. Gary says he will fire Boaz. Nicole remains unstable in Intensive Care, demanding cigarettes and speaking ambivalently about living. Doctors secure signatures declaring her incompetent and suicidal. She is committed to Utah State Hospital. She regrets signing and reacts angrily to the ward’s restrictions. Psychiatrist John Woods objects to placing her in Maximum Security but accepts that constant supervision is required, even if it interferes with the treatment of his other patients.

Boaz meets Gary, accepts his dismissal, and says he only wants to write about the case. Barry Farrell contacts Larry Schiller, who says negotiations remain unsettled.

Larry Schiller moves from Salt Lake City to Provo and arranges meetings with Phil Christensen, attorney for Kathryne Baker, and with Robert Moody. Discovering both lawyers are in the same firm, he proposes structured payments totaling $75,000, allocating $26,000 to Nicole and additional funds for medical bills and other family members, contingent on court approval and guardianship arrangements. He seeks simple releases from relatives and presses Vern to gather signatures. Vern warns that Gary will not sign without meeting Schiller.

As bidding intensifies after a national magazine cover story, David Susskind attempts to secure support through prominent attorneys and negotiates separately with ABC. The TV network withdraws exclusive backing from both producers, so that whoever secures the contracts first will “get the money” (654). Universal expresses interest but conditions payment on the execution occurring, which angers Gary. Moody and Stanger arrange Schiller’s prison visit under the pretext of an estate consultation.

In a long meeting, Gary alternates between charm and volatility, berating guards over minor issues yet speaking candidly about the murders. After further negotiations, Gary agrees to sign, except for restricting access to his letters without his consent. Contracts are finalized. Gary begins distributing money—including $2,000 to Gibbs—and invites friends to his execution.