The Talisman Trilogy, #3
Other Worlds Than These
by Stephen King and Peter Straub
Contents
Chapter 3
Overview
Jack returns to Nebraska, learns of a Starkweather-copycat killing spree involving Roy Kinneston and Tara Lynne Speckhoffer, and discovers Dale Gilbertson is chasing them toward Wyoming and unreachable. Jack wins cash at the Howana Casino via intuition but is recognized and banned, strong-armed for a charity cut, then secures a ride toward Lincoln.
Summary
Jack flips to Nebraska at night, beds down in a ruined barn, and plans errands: cash at the Howana Casino, a stop at Toren Books, and beers with Sheriff Dale Gilbertson. He dreams of Sophie and wakes to hitch a ride.
Old-timer Jimmy Clanton and his gassy dog Rexie pick Jack up. Over breakfast at Godfrey’s, Jimmy recounts a current killing spree by Roy Kinneston and Tara Lynne Speckhoffer that eerily mirrors the 1950s Starkweather–Fugate murders—ages, methods, notes, and even a Covid “do not enter” sign. Jack realizes Dale is leading the hunt and has raced to Douglas, Wyoming, following the historical pattern.
Concerned, Jack tries Dale’s cell and the sheriff’s office; he only gets a full voicemail and a terse “in the field,” which Jack senses masks worry. Phil Thompson from Iowa-Nebraska Light & Power gives Jack a lift to Wahoo, clocking Jack’s real destination despite Jack’s “aunt” cover story and handing him a pocket New Testament warning against the lust for riches.
At the Howana Casino, Jack primes his intuition, wins modestly on a slot, then runs a hot streak at roulette by following “feelings.” Security Chief Mike recognizes Jack from a prior visit, cites facial recognition and a past blackjack ban, and ejects him—allowing him to keep roughly two thousand dollars but forbidding any return.
Outside, security officer Hilgaire confronts Jack for a “donation” to Food Table. When Hilgaire lunges, Jack uses an old cop hold to disable him, then stuffs several hundred dollars into Hilgaire’s pocket and walks away with the rest for his errands. He meets a couple who profited from his last tip at the wheel, tells them to give half their win to Food Table, and asks for a ride toward Lincoln.
Who Appears
- Jack SawyerProtagonist; flips to Nebraska, gathers intel on a Starkweather-copycat spree, worries about Dale, wins cash at Howana, is banned, and moves toward Lincoln.
- Jimmy ClantonFriendly driver who ferries Jack, shares breakfast, and explains Kinneston/Speckhoffer’s murders paralleling Starkweather–Fugate.
- RexieJimmy’s elderly cocker spaniel; rides along, charms for salami, comic relief with foul gas.
- Alberta (waitress)Godfrey’s server; asserts the killers are demon-infested, echoing local fears.
- Phil ThompsonUtility worker who drives Jack to Wahoo; devout, susses Jack’s casino goal, offers a New Testament verse.
- MikeHowana Casino chief of security; IDs Jack via facial recognition, cites prior ban, ejects him but lets him keep winnings.
- HilgaireCasino security; confronts Jack for a donation to Food Table, attacks, is subdued; receives several hundred dollars.
- PeterCasino security officer; backs Mike during Jack’s brief interrogation.
- Dale GilbertsonHemingford County sheriff; offstage, reportedly pursuing the killers toward Wyoming and unreachable.
- Roy KinnestonFugitive killer; with Tara Lynne, reenacts Starkweather murders’ details, taunts police via postcard.
- Tara Lynne SpeckhofferTeen girl with Kinneston; role ambiguous—accomplice or hostage—mirrors Caril Ann Fugate.
- Charles StarkweatherHistorical murderer; his 1950s spree serves as the template for current killings.
- Caril Ann FugateStarkweather’s teenage companion; her disputed role parallels Tara Lynne’s situation.
- Sophie (Lady of the Marshes)Jack’s late wife; appears in memories and dreams, offering guidance and steadiness.