Ariel wakes on the second day since John’s disappearance. She grapples with anxiety, as this stage of the plan involves hoping others will take action on her behalf.

The narrative turns to Griffiths listening to Ariel’s first phone call with Wolfe, where she mentioned a paternity test. Griffiths wonders why the man’s voice sounds familiar and is concerned that the speaker may be a national security risk. Griffiths tries to ensure Barnes will remain silent about his early role in the case.

Over breakfast, Ariel sees more coverage about the future vice president and his philanthropy. She disdains these gestures as empty performances of benevolence, despairing at a world that advantages the wealthy and powerful. The narrator says that these sentiments drove her recent work on “inventing her own game, and rigging it herself, then making it impossible for someone to refuse to play” (174).

Detectives Moniz and Santos arrive. They surprise Ariel with their knowledge of her plan to pay the ransom. They suggest this is a poor choice and wonder if John’s workplace might help. Ariel tells them she rarely contacts his office.

Privately, Ariel reflects on her relationship with John and the relative distance between them.