Brian sits in the dining room with his equipment spread out on the table, but instead of examining the camera feeds, he eats chips and says he does not trust video evidence. Ursula openly distrusts him and worries that he may be armed or running a scam, while Russ argues that the family has no better option because Brian is the only outsider currently trying to help them.

A text from Grandma Ruth interrupts the argument, and the family goes outside to meet her. Ruth looks healthier than before but studies the house as if she expects danger. She also doubts Brian, yet understands the family’s desperation. Ruth asks to speak privately with Ursula and Russ, and they walk a short distance up the sidewalk while Bela remains near the lawn.

While the adults talk, Bela watches Brian through the window. Brian finally stops eating, stares upward toward the ceiling, and then goes upstairs with a flashlight. Bela moves closer to the house to watch. Brian later reappears downstairs holding what looks like a tape recorder, listens to it closely, and seems to consider returning upstairs before changing his mind and sitting back down.

Ursula catches Bela near the house and angrily reminds Bela never to approach it alone. Ruth supports Ursula’s warning. Russ then uses Ruth’s flannel shirt to introduce her scent to the guard dogs so she can safely enter the house.

Once inside, Russ starts to introduce Ruth to Brian, but Brian cuts him off because he is focused on the tape recorder. When Russ asks whether Brian captured something, Ursula dismisses the value of proof, but unlike usual, she does not storm off. The chapter ends with the family clustered together in the house, too afraid to be alone while Brian appears to have detected something important.