Nate spends two hours driving through the rain because he is too anxious to stay home and wait for Detective Sprague. As he drives, he thinks about Eve and briefly feels genuine grief over losing the wife he once loved.

When Nate returns home through the garage, Detective Sprague calls. She tells Nate that police had already come to the house, that they need to speak with him immediately, and that a patrol car is being sent to pick him up. Although Sprague says Nate is not under arrest "at this time," her tone makes Nate realize the police have learned something damaging.

Nate immediately fears that Addie may have revealed their affair or that Kenzie may have reported his sexual relationship with her when she was fourteen. His thoughts show that he understands how serious those accusations would be, yet he still tries to justify his behavior to himself. The call leaves him panicked and physically struggling to steady himself.

In the kitchen, while trying to get water, Nate notices a rotting jack-o'-lantern placed in the exact spot where he had found Eve's shoes. As he approaches, a black bird bursts out of the pumpkin and startles him. Shaken by the apparent message and by the police pressure closing in, Nate becomes convinced someone is deliberately tormenting him and decides he has to get out of the house.