Zoom technology has vastly improved since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Holly Gibney is attending a Zoom funeral for a close person and is self-conscious about her appearance and emotions, choosing to block her video.
Holly receives a phone call from Barbara Robinson, a friend offering emotional support, and discussing the pandemic, vaccinations, and Trump's political influence.
Holly reminisces about her late Uncle Henry and her mother, Charlotte, detailing Charlotte's refusal to take COVID-19 precautions and subsequent death due to the virus.
Holly struggles with guilt and complicated feelings regarding her difficult relationship with her mother.
Holly receives multiple voicemails from Penelope Dahl about her missing daughter, Bonnie, and debates whether to take the case during her period of grief.
Despite her grief, Holly is drawn into the mystery of Bonnie's disappearance and listens to all of Penelope's messages.
Holly calls Pete Huntley, her business partner, to discuss the case and learns he has a mild case of COVID-19.
Pete shares his suspicions that COVID-19 did not emerge naturally and advises Holly to take a break until August.
Holly initially decides not to pursue the case, instead focusing on making herself a comforting meal.
Despite intending to take a break, Holly eventually calls Penelope Dahl back and arranges a meeting to discuss the case.
Holly's addiction to cigarettes underscores the stress of meeting new clients and dealing with challenging cases.
The chapter closes with Holly reflecting on her motivations to solve the case of Bonnie Dahl and seeking distraction from her mother's death.