Guy worries sleeplessly that he has already implicated himself too much in Miriam's murder to tell Anne. Bruno's plans run through his mind. Contemplating going to the police, Guy anticipates Bruno framing him for Miriam's murder. He shifts his thoughts to his new project, the Shaw Building, but is interrupted by a call from Bruno. Guy loses a commission after Bruno sends a letter to the firm suggesting that Guy had a hand in Miriam's murder. Guy goes for a drink at a bar after Anne cancels lunch plans with him. He reflects on the distance between them. Guy feels that "nothing in the world made sense" (139), and contemplates performing the murder for Bruno in order to free himself. Guy accepts a gift from Bruno and stays drunk rather than working. Myers, Guy's work colleague, notices Guy is out of sorts, but Guy rejects his invitation for a drink.

Guy thinks he has seen Bruno, and does not want to see Anne, or attend the Verdi opera to which they have tickets, because he is exhausted by his double life. Guy hopes Anne is busy and she cancels. Guy feels unsettled about his relationship with Anne, who asks for the third time whether there have been more letters.