Contents
Chapter 44
Overview
Naomi prepares to permanently disfigure the bound Veronica in the cellar, intent on making her suffer for the affair and custody plot. A relentless doorbell and banging interrupt, forcing Naomi upstairs. The visitor is Ezra, whose arrival threatens to expose Naomi’s crime and halts the imminent violence.
Summary
Naomi returns to the cellar to find Veronica has inched herself across the floor toward the stairs. Interpreting the escape attempt as defiance, Naomi drags Veronica back toward the wine racks, determined to make her an example for the affair and custody battle.
Naomi brandishes scissors and contemplates blinding or otherwise disfiguring Veronica so she cannot escape and will “watch” the punishment. Veronica’s muffled screams confirm her fear, and Naomi’s resolve hardens as she raises the blade.
Before Naomi acts, the doorbell rings, then sounds again with forceful banging. Weighing the risk of a neighbor calling police, Naomi decides to check the door, reassures herself she can resume afterward, and leaves Veronica bound in the cellar, shutting the door to muffle sounds.
At the front door, the knocking continues until a voice calls out for Naomi. She recognizes Ezra, realizing his unexpected arrival could expose what she has done and abruptly halts her planned mutilation of Veronica.
Who Appears
- NaomiProtagonist; drags bound Veronica back to the cellar and prepares to disfigure her before being interrupted.
- VeronicaBound and gagged; attempts to scoot toward escape, then faces Naomi’s raised scissors and impending mutilation.
- EzraArrives unexpectedly, banging and calling for Naomi at the front door, interrupting the planned attack.