As rain dimmed the hotel, June entered the Glass Room, where Agent Pennybacker and two Swiss colleagues were working, and disclosed Sabine Wolfe’s situation and Hannelore’s vulnerability. Pennybacker complained it would upset his “hostage math,” but he annotated a document and agreed to see what he could do. June noted the harpsichordist’s unusual silence, recalling Pennybacker had a theory about the Swiss and the Avallon II incident, which she deferred.

The conversation shifted when Pennybacker revealed a letter from his wife accusing him of driving her to another man. June advised him not to reply if he wanted reconciliation, asserting confidence in her judgment. She left the Glass Room after this brief personal exchange, newly aware of the fragile but supportive camaraderie among Pennybacker, the conductor, and the harpsichordist.

June then spent two hours in her office consolidating ledgers, to-do lists, and supply orders into clear notes that others could use, and cleaning up accumulated dishes and forgotten food. She reviewed outstanding coal, firewood, and ice needs to minimize disruptions in her absence.

She checked provisions with Ovid Persinger in the storeroom and asked Fortéscue in the Grotto to call a staff meeting to bolster morale; Fortéscue gave her a chocolate bonbon for luck. June next brought the dachshunds to Toad’s office, where Toad was preparing for the ritual cleaning of room 411, and asked Toad to keep the dogs.

June told Toad she would be gone three days, acknowledging she had delayed too long and that snails covered the Winnet fields, a sign of unsettled water. Toad confirmed that June and Clemons had agreed on the plan. The two shared the bonbon in a quiet moment before June added towels to the housekeeping cart and moved on.

Finally, in heavy rain, June walked to the Avallon IV. After a last look back at the hotel looming in the storm, she reminded herself of her love for the place and closed the door behind her, committing to the difficult work below.