Part Four — Chapter Twelve

The next morning, Alicia arrives more guarded, ready to describe the day of Gabriel’s death. She initiates the conversation, explaining she was alone, debating painting in the heat, and took a small fan to the garden studio. Gabriel phoned to say he would be late returning from a shoot.

Theo probes whether Gabriel’s call might have been to check on her mental state. Alicia, surprised, concedes it’s possible. She then describes seeing the reflection of a man in the studio window behind her: tall, strong, wearing a black mask that hid his face, “dark holes” for eyes, and holding a knife.

Alicia says the man refused money, laughed harshly, and pressed the blade to her throat before ordering her into the house. Crossing the lawn, she saw the street gate nearby and tried to escape by kicking him and running. For a few seconds she felt free, but he leaped onto her back, covered her mouth, threatened to kill her, and dragged her inside.

Once inside, Alicia says he locked the door, leaving her trapped. Her breathing grows heavy as she recounts this, and Theo offers a break, concerned about pushing too hard.

Alicia insists on continuing but asks for a cigarette, revealing she used to smoke and can smell smoke on Theo. He agrees and leads her outside, pausing the session at this pivotal moment in her account.