Dickson borrows the basic premise and general structure of James Thurber's 1949 The New Yorker story "File and Forget" (which chronicles the author's losing battle seeking to return some unwanted books sent him by his publisher), but instead of humor weaves his rendering into a dark and forbiddingly cautionary tale.
Child of Panduk, Michigan has a disagreement with his book club in Chicago, Illinois over a damaged copy of Kim by Rudyard Kipling (cost $4.98) that was sent to him.
His account is then turned over to a third party collection agency, increasing the amount owing to $6.83.
Child responds with a letter explaining the matter, but the agency does not believe him and threatens legal action.
Child sends a letter that he will visit the book club offices personally and settle the matter himself.
Child refuses an offer by the warden to let him escape, believing that the pardon will arrive in time.
The pardon is issued by the governor, but a post office routing number error causes it to arrive too late.