Contents
44. Red Leather
Overview
Petal spirits Kumiko from Notting Hill to a safe flat in Camden Town and reassures her that Sally has erased her trail and is likely free of Swain’s coercion. He refuses to discuss Swain further. As they drive, Kumiko drifts to sleep, reframing past cruelties and choosing eventual forgiveness.
Summary
Petal meets Kumiko with her bags already loaded into a Jaguar, explaining she won’t return to Notting Hill and that a place has been secured for her in Camden Town. Kumiko immediately asks about Sally, revealing Swain had been blackmailing her to carry out a kidnapping.
Petal interrupts to reassure Kumiko: Sally has likely extricated herself, erased official traces of her identity, and retains a stake in a German casino. He adds that if anything has happened to Angela Mitchell, Sense/Net has not disclosed it, implying the crisis has passed. When Kumiko asks if she will see Sally again, Petal curtly says not under his jurisdiction.
As they drive through London, Kumiko mentions her father’s remarks about Swain. Petal dismisses Swain as a fool and declines to discuss him. The heater warms the car, and exhaustion settles over Kumiko.
Dozing against the Jaguar’s red leather, Kumiko reflects that meeting 3Jane released her shame and her father’s response eased her anger. Recognizing the cruelty of both 3Jane and her mother, she decides that, in time, all must be forgiven, and she falls asleep en route to Camden Town.
Who Appears
- KumikoAsks about Sally’s fate; reflects on 3Jane, her parents, and chooses eventual forgiveness while being relocated.
- PetalRelocates Kumiko to Camden; reports Sally has erased records and is safe; refuses to discuss Swain.
- SallyOff-page; said to have escaped Swain’s blackmail and erased her identity, retaining a casino interest.
- SwainReferenced as the blackmailer; Petal calls him a fool and declines further comment.
- Angela Mitchell (Angie)Referenced; Petal notes Sense/Net hasn’t gone public about her, implying secrecy around her fate.
- 3JaneReferenced in Kumiko’s thoughts as cruel; meeting her helped release Kumiko’s shame.
- YanakaKumiko’s father; his response eased her anger; briefly mentioned in conversation about Swain.