The Handmaid's Tale, #2
The Testaments
by Margaret Atwood
Contents
30
Overview
Nicole learns she is the infamous Baby Nicole, her Canadian identity is fake, and Gilead still claims her. Elijah and Ada explain planted false leads and the risk of recognition. George reports Melanie and Neil were removed from their shop before a planted bomb destroyed their car. Under heightened danger, they relocate and prepare an escape with Garth’s help.
Summary
Nicole reels as Elijah confirms she is Baby Nicole, describing the identity shock and fear of deportation. Elijah clarifies that Gilead claims her through an official father, though her biological father is likely not a Commander. Ada states their aim is ending Gilead and keeps the focus on next steps.
Elijah and Ada explain Gilead’s persistence and Mayday’s countermeasures: years of false leads across cities and countries to keep Nicole hidden. Nicole blames herself for the march exposure, but Ada and Elijah say Gilead already suspected Melanie and Neil’s involvement and may have infiltrated Mayday and possibly SanctuCare.
George arrives with a crucial eyewitness account: three suited men escorted Melanie and Neil out of their closed shop, staged it as casual, and left moments before the car exploded. Ada and Elijah debate whether anything was extracted in the shop, acknowledging the Eyes’ harsh tactics. The revelation intensifies the threat level and urgency.
Following Elijah’s warning to stay inside and off phones, Ada feeds Nicole and keeps watch. When the risk of surveillance increases, Ada orders a rapid move. They shift to a nearly identical apartment downstairs, sparsely prepared with essentials and a backpack, indicating a safe-house network.
Ada identifies the place as Garth’s and says he will serve as their transport. With danger pressing and answers limited, they remain quiet and ready, waiting for the next move.
Who Appears
- Nicole (Baby Nicole)Learns her true identity, fears deportation, and processes guilt after Melanie and Neil’s deaths.
- AdaPractical Mayday ally; steadies Nicole, outlines risks, relocates her, and readies escape with Garth.
- ElijahExplains Nicole’s identity, Gilead’s claim, and Mayday’s false leads; coordinates security measures.
- GeorgeEyewitness to Melanie and Neil’s extraction before the car bombing; prompts urgent relocation.
- MelanieNicole’s guardian; posthumously revealed to have been removed from the shop before the bombing.
- NeilNicole’s guardian; taken with Melanie before their car exploded, confirming targeted killing.
- GarthSafe-house contact; his apartment becomes a fallback location, slated to provide transport.