The chapter is set in a police station where the protagonist, Molly, finds herself in a stark and unpleasant interrogation room following a murder at the hotel where she works.
Molly reflects on her discomfort with emotions and personal spaces, observing the room's cleanliness with a critical eye due to her background as a hotel maid.
She recalls the ride over with Detective Stark, during which her tendency to overshare prompted a mental note about the value of brevity in communication.
Molly is offered water instead of tea by the detective, which she accepts despite her dislike for Styrofoam.
Detective Stark reassures Molly that she isn’t in trouble, and Molly reacts by compulsively straightening the detective's yellow note pad on the table to align with its edge.
The detective seems puzzled by Molly's precise habits and suggests Molly might be in shock; Molly internally disagrees but chooses not to voice her thoughts.
Instead of speaking about her desire to return to normalcy at home, Molly tentatively acknowledges to the detective that she may be experiencing shock.
Molly then discusses her meticulous work at the Regency Grand Hotel and reveals specific details about the investigation to the detective.
She strategically withholds information about other potential evidence she noticed because she is protective of her friend Giselle, whose husband Mr. Black was found dead.
After accidentally revealing the ownership of some pills, Molly justifies her knowledge by explaining how she organizes Giselle’s belongings.
Molly details her discovery of Mr. Black's body and the subsequent actions she took.
The detective asks about Molly's relationship with the Blacks, prompting Molly to reflect on her interactions with both Charles and Giselle Black.
Molly shares memories of first meeting Giselle, their conversations about life and their secrets, demonstrating the trust and bond they formed over time.
As the detective presses for information, Molly deflects, maintaining that she's simply a maid whom no one significant would talk to.
Satisfied with Molly’s responses, Detective Stark offers to take her home, ending the chapter.