Blake decides he must travel to New Jersey to pursue leads about Whitney based on her transcript, but he faces a practical problem: he does not have a car and a rental will be expensive. He reflects that living in Manhattan makes owning a car unnecessary, ruling out help from old colleagues he no longer speaks to.

Before leaving, Blake returns the paper bag containing three severed fingers to its hiding place behind the refrigerator so that Whitney will not know he found it. He immediately realizes this means his fingerprints are now on the bag, increasing his anxiety about police suspicion.

Blake considers asking Malcolm, the only person he knows with a car. He hesitates because Malcolm seemed friendly with Whitney that morning, but decides to call anyway. Malcolm answers and expresses concern, asking if Blake is okay.

Blake asks to borrow Malcolm’s car for a road trip to New Jersey, offering minimal explanation. Malcolm questions the need, brings up insurance issues, and suggests meeting for a drink to talk instead. Blake loses his temper, snaps that he needs a car, then realizes he has alienated Malcolm.

After Malcolm refuses, Blake ends the call abruptly. Despite the setback, Blake resolves to rent a car if necessary and continue with his plan to uncover the truth about Whitney.