Gamache hurries toward the maximum-security prison, phoning ahead to demand that the head guard meet him as soon as he arrives. After Jean-Guy inspects the iron ring that Gamache found in his basement and records tiny numbers engraved on it, he hurries to join Gamache at the prison. Before Jean-Guy arrives, Gamache meets with the man who is supposed to be Fleming but who is actually someone impersonating the murderer.

Gamache immediately alerts prison officials and orders them to search the prison for Fleming. Confusion breaks out, as no one initially believes him. The head guard has been in charge for more than two years; he started the job when the previous guard left abruptly. He agrees to help Gamache because he is aware of how heinous Fleming’s crimes were. The investigation is further complicated by the fact that Fleming’s file has been replaced with a fake file containing photos and prints for the man impersonating him.

The warden refuses to cooperate, claiming there is no way Fleming could have gotten out, and Gamache eventually becomes enraged and physically threatens the warden: during this confrontation, Gamache is “practically screaming. Shaking with fury and on the verge of tears” (274).