By February, Emily and Rodney have almost run out of their reserves of Peter Steinman’s fat. Their ailments are getting worse again.

As Rodney washes the Harrises’ station wagon, he notices a young girl standing in his driveway, holding a folder of writing samples. She introduces herself as Barbara Robinson and asks to speak to Emily about writing. Emily lets her into the home.

Holly arrives at her mother’s home. She once again goes over the events leading up to her inheritance. Holly met detective Bill Hodges at the funeral of Elizabeth Wharton, Janey’s mother. Bill treated her with kindness and respect despite her emotionally unstable state. He gave her the confidence to “be her own person” (137) despite her family’s doubts. After Brady Hartsfield killed Janey, Holly worked with Bill to catch him.

When Bill died of pancreatic cancer in 2016, he left Holly his investigative agency. Shortly after Bill died, Charlotte called Holly to tell her that Daniel Hailey had absconded with the money, including Holly’s trust fund. Now, Holly realizes that this lie was a ploy to get her to give up her newfound independence and leave the agency.

The estate lawyer Emerson arrives with a witness and notary, and they enter the house.