In this chapter of It Can't Happen Here, Sissy Jessup is faced with the arrest of her friend Julian, who is accused of being a traitor by the Corpo government. Despite her hatred for the oppressive regime, she tries to maintain a sense of normalcy and even considers marrying Commissioner Shad Ledue in order to survive in the harsh political climate. However, she ultimately decides to betray Shad by revealing his corrupt dealings to Commissioner Tasbrough, leading to his downfall. The chapter also touches on the theme of family loyalty, as Sissy grapples with the actions of her sister Mary, who was killed while trying to assassinate a government official. Sissy's uncle Philip tries to convince her to leave her family home and join him in Worcester, but she chooses to stay and help her friend Lorinda Pike in her resistance efforts. As the political situation in the country becomes increasingly unstable, Sissy's efforts to help her father escape from a concentration camp symbolize the resilience and determination of those who are fighting against the oppressive regime. The chapter ends with the news that Lee Sarason has taken over the dictatorship, signaling a potential shift in power and hope for those who are fighting for freedom.
