Ellis knows that the Millstones have both the resources and the connections to take Ruby, but he thinks that they would not risk betraying Max. But when Ellis goes into the Millstone’s home, he enters a volatile scene. Sylvia is upset, her fingers cut and stroking a broken picture frame. So, when Sylvia yells for Ruby, Ellis knows he can no longer wait for Max; Sylvia is ready to leave. Alfred tells Ellis to wait outside because Sylvia is upset. But Sylvia is losing control: She is accusing Albert of wanting Victoria out of the way; of making Sylvia take the blame for the accident because he had been drinking. Alfred is upset because Victoria’s death was an accident. Sylvia yells for Claire to bring Ruby.

When Ruby arrives, Sylvia calls her Victoria and tells her they are returning to California. But Ellis steps in and Ruby runs to Geraldine, who has followed Ellis in. Sylvia then aims a gun at Geraldine. Alfred tries to get the gun when Sylvia yells that no one is taking her daughter from her. When Sylvia then cocks the gun, Ellis runs for it and in the fight, “a red-hot poker pierced his side” (315).