Abigail realizes that the banshee was predicting her own death. She and Jackaby reclaim their things. The clerk complains that it takes ages to catalog everything in Jackaby’s pockets. As they exit, Charlie leaves to get some rest; Jackaby tells him to make sure he’s “safe and secure” (209). Abigail expresses relief that Charlie isn’t the killer, but Jackaby isn’t so sure. He says that Mrs. Morrigan was killed because she served as a warning system to the killer’s victims. He leads them back to the apartment building, where they meet Marlowe. Marlowe tells them that Jackaby is a bad influence on Charlie and that Charlie was the first to realize Mrs. Morrigan was dead.

They go inside and find Mona sitting in shock. Jackaby takes on two coins and sets them on Mrs. Morrigan’s eyes in a ritualistic gesture, reciting a Latin prayer. Marlowe admits he needs Jackaby’s help. Jackaby proposes a plan and asks Marlowe to bring every police officer to the town square. Buoyed by his idea, Jackaby returns home feeling victorious.

At the house, Jackaby hastily looks through his books, now having a concrete objective in mind. He tells Abigail they need lead and firewood. After selecting several books to bring, Jackaby and Abigail make their way to the square, where several police officers are waiting.