Chapter Eleven: Hologram

At dawn after a night in her wicker chair, Lark wakes to Lachlan’s instant coffee and uncharacteristic concern. He relays Leander’s demands of the Montagues—four contracts a year, a $500,000 retainer, and Ethel’s homemade muffins—while Lark deflects deeper questions about her past.

As they trade barbs, Lachlan notes her sleeplessness and quietly helps: he walked Bentley and offers breakfast. Lark, feeling unexpectedly seen, relaxes enough to discuss convincing-couple trivia—favorite movie, stage fright, and a dream honeymoon volunteering with orangutans in Indonesia. Lachlan reciprocates, admitting a shared draw to the water and diving.

This tentative intimacy unsettles Lark, who recognizes she can “turn the hologram off” around him. Despite lingering resentment over his past actions, she allows the connection to stand for their shared goal: facing her family without triggering lethal scrutiny.

They collect Aunt Ethel from Shoreview Assisted Living; Ethel warms to Lachlan and teases them about “stirring shit up.” On arrival in Providence, Lark’s nerves spike, but she and Lachlan keep holding hands. He promises to handle it; she warns him about “batch ovens,” underscoring real danger. Together, they approach the front door, united for the impending confrontation.