Book Three: Double Feature — 14.

After lights-out, Donna’s TV abruptly turns on, showing a garage where Joe Valentine addresses her via a ceiling camera. He accuses Donna and Donovan of hiding allies who can contact King Sorrow. Guards Mr. Salem and Little Rock drag a naked, trembling Donovan in and force his head into a keg of ice water.

Valentine threatens prolonged dunkings unless Donna gives names. He mutes the audio to question Donovan privately, then claims Donovan offered two names and escalates the threat. Desperate, Donna blurts fictional names, which Valentine rejects, insisting both twins are lying and increasing the pressure.

Donna taunts Valentine that King Sorrow knows his true name and is coming, provoking his fury. As the guards hold Donovan under past three minutes, a door opens and Mr. Francis enters with two men. Despite Francis’s presence, the guards delay lifting Donovan until Valentine reluctantly signals them.

Donovan is finally yanked from the water, limp and unresponsive, and lowered to the floor. Francis speaks to Valentine off-mic. Valentine then kills the feed; Donna’s TV dissolves into white static and roaring noise, leaving her with the terror that Donovan may have drowned.