Emmett the shamus reveals the history and metaphysical mechanics of the ritual of self-nullification, an epiphany he achieves whilst walking the canal with his buddy Stretch. Then he shifts the reader's focus to Atlantic City's history as a premier seaside resort and mobster hangout. Along the way, Enoch's origin story, the nullification of his self in the service of the Interworld. The narrative winds its way around the New York, New Jersey and Philly mobs as they size up Atlantic City for control. The deep dive is Philly, where lie Emmett's roots, the home of the most vicious contender for ownership of The Boardwalk Empire, Little Nicky Scarfo.