Contents
Chapter 59
Overview
Veronica receives another violent phone threat she believes is from Naomi, this time from a visible number. Jeremy suspects a burner and reveals a photo of Dominic’s stuffed elephant stabbed and bloodied, allegedly found in Naomi’s apartment. The couple grows more resolute about protecting Teddy and further distancing him from Naomi.
Summary
At night beside Jeremy, Veronica answers a call from a visible number and hears the familiar threatening voice promise to burn the house with her inside. The call ends immediately, leaving Veronica shaken.
When Jeremy wakes, Veronica finally admits she has been receiving threatening calls for weeks and believes they are from Naomi. Seeing the visible number, Jeremy dials it and hears an automated message, suggesting to him that Naomi may be using a burner phone.
To show what he believes Naomi is capable of, Jeremy reveals a photo he took: Dominic’s stuffed elephant stabbed and smeared with red sauce, which he says he found in Naomi’s apartment. The image horrifies Veronica, confirming her fear that Naomi’s harassment could escalate.
Jeremy frames the incident as the reason he has felt trapped and insists they must keep Teddy away from Naomi. Veronica, fixated on the desecrated toy and the latest threat, internalizes the danger and agrees, further entrenching their plan to protect Teddy by excluding Naomi.
Who Appears
- Veronica (Ronnie)Receives another threatening call, tells Jeremy, is shown Dominic’s stabbed toy, and fears Naomi; agrees Teddy must be kept away.
- JeremySuspects Naomi uses a burner; shows photo of Dominic’s stabbed elephant found in Naomi’s apartment; insists on protecting Teddy.
- NaomiAlleged caller making violent threats; implicated by a photo of Dominic’s vandalized toy, heightening concerns about Teddy’s safety.