The Talisman Trilogy, #3
Other Worlds Than These
by Stephen King and Peter Straub
Contents
Chapter 4
Overview
In Lincoln, Jack confirms via a state-led press conference that Sheriff Dale Gilbertson is missing, likely tied to the Kinneston/Speckhoffer spree. Jack secures rare books, buys Coke for Youngblood, and suffers ominous health signs. He flips back to Pernil, where his sickness recedes, and moves to rein in Pay Orville.
Summary
Jack hitchhikes into Lincoln with the Briscoes, distracted by worry over Sheriff Dale Gilbertson. After a fruitless round of calls, he eats, recalls a trusted contact, and phones teacher Damon Cornell, who reports Dale’s cruiser was found abandoned on Goshen Road with the keys in the ignition and no signs of violence.
Jack crosses to Toren Rare & Used Books, prearranges a signed Marlowe paperback and buys a signed Avon They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? He avoids traceable rides, then hires a cab to Dick’s to purchase a waterproof duffel. At a hotel bar, he watches a press conference where State Patrol officer Jerome Gaithers publicly confirms Dale is missing, while a flustered Deputy Walter White adds emotional pleas.
Knowing he can’t surface as a former LA cop without causing chaos, Jack forms a plan: finish Youngblood’s errands and return to help if possible. He buys seven twelve-packs of Coke at Family Dollar for the Governor, but his heart stutters and lesions appear on his hands. He swaps cash for a bottle of Thunderbird from two drifters, finishes the dregs, and steadies.
Jack slips into an alley and flips to Pernil. His gear transforms—phone to a prize box, cans to Cooa-Cooa bottles, duffel to a totesack—and his lesions fade in Territories light. Hearing rowdy singing that includes Pay Orville’s voice, Jack heads into the Pernil Saloon to collar his wayward ally.
Who Appears
- Jack SawyerProtagonist; worries over Dale, arranges rare books, gathers Coke for Youngblood, suffers heart/lesion scare, flips back to Pernil to find Pay.
- Dale GilbertsonHemingford County sheriff; goes missing. Cruiser found on Goshen Road with keys in ignition, no obvious violence.
- Jerome GaithersNebraska State Patrol Criminal Division lead; confirms Dale’s disappearance at press conference and outlines investigation.
- Damon CornellLocal teacher and Gilbertson friend; tells Jack about Dale’s abandoned cruiser and urges discretion.
- Walter WhiteNervous deputy; botches the briefing, then pleads publicly for prayers for Dale.
- Karl TorenBookseller; sells Jack a signed McCoy and arranges a signed Gold Medal Marlowe.
- Payton OrvilleJack’s ally in Dezi; heard drunkenly singing in the Pernil Saloon, likely misusing funds.
- Edward Youngblood“Governor” of Dezi; Jack gathers Coke to satisfy his demands before returning to help Dale.
- Todd BriscoeDriver who gives Jack a ride to Lincoln; offers money Jack declines.
- YasirzTrip driver; shuttles Jack to stores and the bar while Jack monitors news.
- Widge JeffersonDeputy; informs Damon Cornell of Dale’s abandoned cruiser and heads to Elm County.
- Roy KinnestonTeen killer on the run; suspected link to Dale’s disappearance but no confirmed sightings.
- Tara Lynne SpeckhofferKinneston’s partner; part of the murder spree that triggers the statewide manhunt.
- Mr. Christian BusinessmanBar patron; voices fatalistic commentary during the press conference.