The novel flashes back to 1935, showing Cecily’s attraction to Fujiwara grow as she continues to work for him. She not only becomes a better spy, but also a better mother and neighbor. One morning, Fujiwara comes over to discuss their plan to infiltrate a government meeting at a dinner party welcoming the new British resident general.

During the dinner, Cecily endures the irritating company of Mrs. Yap, the wife of a local gang leader, Kapitan Yap. Mrs. Yap notices Fujiwara, indicating that she has never seen him before. Fujiwara quickly endears himself to the wives at the dinner by talking about the latest European fashions. Cecily can’t help feeling envious of them, but she knows that Fujiwara is merely playing a role.

The men break into groups with Gordon, at that point a senior superintendent, presenting his findings on the viability of a local port to serve as a repair station for Royal Air Force (RAF) airplanes. Cecily pretends to faint, giving Fujiwara an opportunity to take photos of Gordon’s plans while the other men attend to Cecily.

Abel wakes up again in the chicken coop and is given water by Freddie, another boy at the camp whose skin is even fairer than Abel’s.