That night, Avery studies Toby’s cipher disk and keeps returning to Blake’s A Poison Tree, especially its image of hidden wrath growing when left unspoken. Avery cannot determine what Toby used the disk for, but the poem keeps Toby’s possible anger and secrecy at the center of her thoughts.

The next morning, Libby checks that Avery is awake for school, which is unusual enough that Avery immediately suspects another motive. Libby admits she wants to talk about their father, Ricky, and insists he did not realize he was speaking to a reporter. Avery refuses to let Ricky use Libby as a go-between and states that Ricky wants money and will not get any from Avery.

Because Avery’s new stylists and media demands make her morning routine much longer, Avery skips a proper breakfast and hurries to the kitchen for a banana. Mrs. Laughlin greets Avery coldly and implies Avery is entitled, making it clear that Avery has somehow angered her.

When Avery mentions Mr. Laughlin throwing the group out of Toby’s wing, Mrs. Laughlin tells Avery to stay away from him and accuses Avery of hurting Nan. Avery realizes Nan must have told Mrs. Laughlin about Avery’s claim that Toby may be alive, meaning the secret has spread beyond the boys.

Mrs. Laughlin does not believe Avery. Because Mrs. Laughlin loved Toby and believes the whole house mourned his death, she sees Avery’s investigation as a cruel lie that torments Nan and desecrates Toby’s belongings. Avery insists she is not lying, but Mrs. Laughlin remains unconvinced and sends Avery to school.