Charlotte wandered Europe in the wake of Giada's murder, moving constantly through Oslo, Prague, and Berlin, laying nightly wards but never settling. She felt Sabine in her shadow and replayed the threat that, because of Charlotte's old promise, she could not fight back if Sabine reached her. Memories of Sabine's violence and predation haunted her, and the helplessness of her vow hung over her like a guillotine.

Years passed, loneliness deepened, and by the start of 1961 Charlotte resolved to escape the continent entirely. She boarded a ship for Boston, recalling Sabine's disdain for crossing oceans and hoping distance would deter pursuit. The ocean journey was grueling—hunger, confinement by day, and restlessness by night—but she clung to the business card Jack had given her, believing Boston could be a new beginning.

Arriving in wintry Boston, Charlotte used papers identifying her as Mrs. Charlotte Hastings, a widow, to rent a room. She spent weeks searching for the emblem on Antonia's card until she found the White Thorn Club, a discreet, subterranean bar bearing the rose-and-thorn symbol. Inside, a human host seated her and summoned the owner.

Ezra arrived disheveled and informal, but unmistakably inhuman. He recognized Charlotte by name, having been alerted by Antonia, and poured blood-laced coffee while inviting her to share her story. After hesitation, Charlotte recounted her past, including her failed attempt to kill Sabine and the night Sabine killed Giada. Ezra listened without judgment as the club emptied around them.

When Ezra asked why Charlotte had not turned Giada, Charlotte said she loved Giada as she was and that turning would not have saved her from Sabine. Ezra suggested it might have given Giada a chance, but accepted Charlotte's conviction that it would not. He then comforted Charlotte with a gentle embrace, calling her "Lottie," and walked her to the door.

At the threshold, Charlotte voiced her fear that the ocean might not be enough to stop Sabine. Ezra said it probably would be, wrote the club's phone number on a card, and promised to keep watch. Charlotte took the card and stepped back into the Boston night, carrying a measure of relief and the promise of help.