Saint meets Chief Nix at Glenn Hook Reservoir after he sends word for her to come, even though she is supposed to be on her honeymoon. As Nix fishes and drinks beer, Saint admits by implication that the honeymoon never really happened because she and Jimmy stayed home to save money and because Jimmy has exams. While they sit together, Saint reflects on how work has filled her recent years and how empty her wedding night felt, revealing that her marriage is already emotionally unsatisfying.

Nix gently questions Saint about marriage, Norma, and Jimmy. He suggests that Norma wanted Saint to marry Jimmy not only because Jimmy seems safe and decent, but because marriage might distance Saint from Joseph Patch, whose pull has led Saint into reckless choices before. Saint says Norma is trying to protect her, and when Nix asks whether she loves Jimmy, Saint answers evasively, showing that her feelings are uncertain.

The conversation broadens into love, regret, and the shape of a life. Nix says a person lives many versions of a life through different duties and mistakes, and he argues that to love and be loved is more than most people ever receive. Saint remains unsure. When they talk about children, Nix admits he never wanted that responsibility and speaks angrily about how public judgment can burden women, while Saint dryly notes that their talk is a terrible honeymoon activity.

Saint then turns the focus back to Nix, asking about his past and whether he ever wanted companionship. Nix says the real version of him lost his heart long ago and implies that an old relationship ended in abandonment. Saint senses that he has carried a deeper sadness ever since Joseph disappeared and Marty Tooms's crimes exposed how much evil had gone unseen in their town.

As evening falls, Saint says that sometimes she feels they have come far, while other times nothing has changed, and she brings up Callie Montrose and the damage her disappearance has left behind. Nix says Callie's father, Richie Montrose, has been ruined by grief and drink, and he suggests that perhaps everyone should have stopped after the case instead of continuing to carry it. Finally, Nix reveals why he called Saint out: the FBI, through an official named Himes, wants her to fly to Kansas City to meet with them. Saint agrees, and the chapter ends with her hugging Nix, whom she regards as one of the best men she knows.