Contents
Part Four — Chapter Two
Overview
Theo confronts Christian with Alicia’s diary and forces a confession: Christian secretly treated Alicia before the murder at Gabriel’s request, was paid in undeclared cash, and concealed this during the trial and at the Grove. Theo withholds exposure to gain leverage and compels Christian to share everything he knows about Alicia.
Summary
Theo interrupts Christian at lunch and asks if he treated Alicia before her admission to the Grove. When Christian deflects, Theo produces Alicia’s diary, stating she mentions him by name. Christian is shaken, realizing Theo has proof.
Theo accuses Christian of wanting Alicia silent to protect himself. Cornered, Christian pleads that it’s “not what it looks like.” Theo refuses to hand over the diary and presses him about why he never came forward during the trial or disclosed their prior connection.
Christian explains he knew Gabriel from university and agreed, reluctantly, to see Alicia because Gabriel said Alicia would cooperate with a friend. He says the sessions were unofficial, rare, and held at his girlfriend’s house. Under questioning, he admits Gabriel paid him in cash and he did not declare the income.
Theo highlights the professional risks—job loss and the Medical Council—while withholding immediate exposure to maintain leverage. Christian, desperate, thanks Theo and agrees he “owes” him. Theo then demands full disclosure about Alicia, setting the stage for Christian to reveal everything he knows.
Who Appears
- Theo FaberConfronts Christian with Alicia’s diary, exposes his secret treatment and leverage, and demands full disclosure about Alicia.
- Christian WestAdmits to secretly treating Alicia at Gabriel’s request, paid in undeclared cash; begs Theo to keep it quiet.
- Alicia BerensonAbsent but central; her diary implicates Christian and drives Theo’s confrontation.
- Gabriel BerensonRevealed as the one who asked Christian to treat Alicia, paying him in cash.
- Professor DiomedesMentioned as a threat to Christian’s job if the secret surfaces.