Contents
Part Four — Chapter Nineteen
Overview
Police descend on the Grove after Theo’s accusations, and Chief Inspector Steven Allen opens an investigation. Christian is led away for questioning while Theo cooperates. Theo then discovers Yuri supplying drugs to Elif, raising internal corruption concerns. Finally, Theo learns Jean-Felix waited to see Alicia but has mysteriously vanished.
Summary
Police flood the Grove following Theo’s allegations about Alicia’s apparent overdose and his suspicions of Christian. Chief Inspector Steven Allen takes charge, listens to Theo’s account, and collects his supervision notes. Theo makes an official statement and anticipates further questioning.
As Theo waits, Christian is escorted to the office, looking frightened and guilty, reinforcing Theo’s belief that charges may follow. With little more to do, Theo prepares to leave but passes the goldfish bowl and witnesses Yuri slipping Elif drugs in exchange for cash.
Confronted, Elif responds with hostility and departs. Yuri stammers an excuse, claiming he was merely providing forgotten medication. Theo, now doubting earlier defenses of Yuri, resolves to keep a closer watch on him and consider broader staff misconduct.
Yuri then mentions that Jean-Felix arrived that morning to visit Alicia and has been waiting for hours. Concerned about Jean-Felix’s intentions and timing, Theo hurries to reception to speak with him, only to find the waiting room empty, leaving Jean-Felix’s purpose and whereabouts uncertain.
Who Appears
- Theo FaberNarrator; gives a police statement, sees Christian led for questioning, catches Yuri dealing to Elif, and seeks the vanished Jean-Felix.
- Chief Inspector Steven AllenLeads the police investigation at the Grove; takes over Diomedes’s office and records Theo’s account.
- Christian WestPsychiatrist; escorted by police looking uneasy as a suspect following Theo’s accusations.
- YuriOrderly; caught slipping drugs to Elif for cash, then claims it was forgotten medication.
- ElifPatient; receives illicit drugs from Yuri, confronts Theo with contempt, then leaves.
- Jean-Felix MartinAlicia’s former gallerist; reportedly waited hours to see her but disappears before Theo arrives.