Content Warning: This novel includes domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, the sexual abuse of minors, bullying, and death by suicide.

Flashing back to before the murder, Joey unexpectedly meets Tom in town. She expresses remorse for her previous actions. Tom tells her he was flattered and doesn’t hold the incident against her, transforming Joey’s mortification to elation.

Tom summons Jenna to his office. He confides that his wife believes Jenna’s mother is stalking their family. Jenna explains that Frances is unwell and mistakenly identified Tom as someone from her past. Later, she gets mad at Bess upon discovering that she divulged information about Jenna’s mother to Tom.

Freddie wraps the skirt and leaves it at Romola’s house. Later, he overhears his parents discussing Jenna and Frances. They mention the Lake District holiday, and Freddie remembers the day a woman publicly attacked his father.