Contents
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Overview
Barbie Hellmann arrives at the Grove, bulldozing reception to see Alicia, and chatters through a one-sided visit while Alicia remains expressionless. Afterward, Barbie claims Alicia confided major secrets the police ignored and invites Theo to her home. Theo agrees, setting up a potential breakthrough in understanding Alicia’s past.
Summary
At the Grove’s reception, Theo witnesses Barbie Hellmann loudly protesting new appointment rules to Stephanie Clarke. Recognizing Barbie as Alicia’s neighbor who phoned police the night of the murder, Theo intervenes, and Barbie shifts her deference from Stephanie to him. Yuri arrives and escorts Barbie to a visit with Alicia.
In the sparse visitors’ room, Alicia is brought in by nurses and sits impassively. Barbie launches into rapid, superficial chatter about her life and travels, declaring herself Alicia’s best friend. Alicia shows no reaction and remains silent throughout the encounter.
After about twenty minutes, Yuri leads Alicia away, unchanged by the visit. Theo approaches Barbie as she leaves. Barbie complains the police ignored her and asserts that Alicia confided in her “about everything,” implying she holds crucial, undisclosed information.
Barbie refuses to elaborate on-site and invites Theo to her house at six p.m. to talk. Despite misgivings about visiting her privately, Theo agrees, hoping her claims may yield vital insight into Alicia’s motives.
Who Appears
- Theo FaberTherapist observing Barbie’s visit; leverages situation to secure a private meeting for potential information about Alicia.
- Barbie HellmannAlicia’s outspoken neighbor; forces a visit, claims Alicia confided major secrets, and invites Theo to hear them.
- Alicia BerensonSits through Barbie’s visit in silence, displaying no reaction or engagement.
- Stephanie ClarkeWard manager enforcing new appointment policy, sparring with Barbie at reception.
- YuriNurse who escorts Barbie and supervises Alicia’s visit.