Contents
Chapter Thirteen
Overview
In the courtyard, Theo and Alicia share cigarettes as Alicia resumes her account of the night of the murder. She describes a masked intruder who had already taken Gabriel’s gun, toyed with her until Gabriel’s call confirmed he’d be late, then tied her with wire. Alicia says what followed was worse than death, refusing Theo’s caretaking impulse and ending the conversation.
Summary
In the Grove courtyard, Theo lights Alicia’s cigarette and, despite feeling watched and transgressive, smokes with her. They circle the perimeter as Alicia agrees to continue describing the night of Gabriel’s death.
Alicia explains she tried to retrieve Gabriel’s gun from a kitchen cupboard, but the intruder had already taken it and pointed it at her. She frames his behavior as sadistic, comparing him to a cruel cat playing with prey, implying he was deliberately prolonging her fear.
As Alicia watched the clock, the phone rang: Gabriel said his shoot was running late and she should eat without him; he wouldn’t be home until ten. The intruder used this to assert control, demanding rope or tape; lacking that, he used picture wire to tie Alicia to a dining chair, cutting into her ankles and binding her wrists.
Convinced she would be killed, Alicia declares that death would have been preferable, stating that what the intruder did next was worse. Theo admits a protective urge to “take care” of her, but Alicia rejects this and walks back inside, leaving the revelation hanging.
Who Appears
- Alicia BerensonPatient recounting the home invasion; reveals the intruder had Gabriel’s gun, taunted her, and bound her with wire.
- Theo FaberTherapist smoking with Alicia; guides her narration, feels protective, but is rebuffed when he offers caretaking.
- Masked intruderAntagonist in Alicia’s story; disarms her plan, wields Gabriel’s gun, toys with her, and ties her up.
- Gabriel BerensonHusband who calls to say he’ll be late, enabling the intruder’s prolonged control over Alicia.
- Christian WestColleague whom Theo imagines watching; earlier sedated Alicia, raising Theo’s suspicions.
- Aunt LydiaReferenced in Alicia’s cat anecdote illustrating the intruder’s cruelty.