On a rainy Friday, Robin goes to an interview for a job she is not enthusiastic for. Strike gets a call from Wardle confirming that his information was good and arranging to drop off the Lula file that evening. Strike goes through it, making his own commentary and comparing the documentation to things Wardle said when they met. When reading Evan’s testimony, Strike reflects on substance use disorders, which include his own mother’s death by heroin overdose. When reading Ciara’s testimony, Strike learns that the afternoon of her death Lula asserted that she planned on leaving her possessions and money to her brother. Lula also repeatedly tried to call John and Tony the day of her death. He reads some of her emails and is struck by her seemingly cheerful nature.

Strike arrives at his sister’s house for his nephew’s birthday, where he avoids questions about Charlotte. Strike is repeatedly questioned about his prosthetic and his relationship with his father. Overwhelmed, Strike goes inside and uses Lucy’s DVD player to play the CCTV footage of the Runner and his apparent companion. Strike’s nephew, Jack, enters the room. Strike gives him his birthday gift before Lucy forces them to return to the party.