Contents
Day 9
Overview
Luca receives a taunting letter written from the Eurostar, plus a lock of Telma’s hair, confirming the stalker’s proximity and control. Reviewing corridor footage, he sees a disguised man deliver the envelope. A chain of intermediaries relays the message “You know everything,” leading to a failed chase. During the pursuit’s chaos, Kamal is struck by a car, and Galwenny forces Luca to leave.
Summary
Luca reads a new letter from the stalker, written on the Eurostar as the stalker watches him through the carriage window. The envelope includes a long lock of hair, presumably Telma’s, escalating Luca’s dread. He recalls Telma’s childhood hair and Uncle Tonino’s jokes, deepening the emotional weight.
Back at the hostel, Luca reviews the corridor camera footage. He watches a capped, dark-clothed man approach, listen at Luca’s door, and slide the envelope beneath it, then retreat. Although the face is indistinct, Luca feels he has seen the man before and saves a screenshot. Seeking comfort, he messages Liv and plans to meet her at the pub.
At the bookshop, Luca searches online for any news about the Paris dog attack and the Milan arson, finding little beyond recycled reports and a village Facebook post naming Joseph Cerqueira. Kamal arrives and relays a cryptic instruction from a stranger: “You know everything,” adding that he was paid to pass it on.
Luca drags Kamal outside, confronts a young man in a red sweater identified by Kamal. The man admits he was recruited the night before by another stranger who showed him photos and paid him to deliver the message, revealing a chain of intermediaries that obscures the stalker’s identity. When Luca realizes the man knew Kamal’s name, he sprints after him toward the tube, but the man sheds his red sweater and vanishes into the trains.
Returning to the street, Luca finds chaos: Kamal has been hit by a car during the commotion. As police take statements, Galwenny intervenes, curtly ordering Luca to leave, underscoring how the stalker’s games are endangering those around him.
Who Appears
- LucaProtagonist; receives a taunting Eurostar letter with Telma’s hair, analyzes corridor footage, pursues a chain messenger, and triggers events leading to Kamal’s accident.
- Unknown stalkerAntagonist; writes from the Eurostar, delivers a lock of hair, places the envelope at Luca’s door, and orchestrates chain messages.
- KamalCoworker; relays the message “You know everything” from a paid stranger, helps identify the intermediary, and is struck by a car.
- GalwennyBookshop manager; questions Luca’s state, witnesses aftermath of the accident, and orders Luca to leave.
- Red-sweater intermediaryYoung man paid by another stranger to deliver the message; flees into the tube, evading Luca.
- LivLuca’s new connection; exchanges messages and plans to meet, offering Luca brief emotional relief.
- TelmaLuca’s missing sister; her presumed hair is sent in the envelope, heightening stakes and Luca’s fear.
- SophieLuca’s therapist from past sessions; recalled in memory, highlighting his long-standing grief over Telma.