Talia Kemper wakes abruptly on death row, shaken by a new kind of nightmare that occurs after Noel’s death, worsening her already miserable days in solitary. She is sweaty, parched, and irritated by a persistent beeping somewhere in the prison, underscoring the constant discomfort of her confinement.

From outside her cell, guard Rhea quietly calls to Talia during a night shift. Rhea says she investigated the man Talia saw who resembled Noel and has identified him. Talia, suddenly alert, asks who he is.

Rhea reports that the man is Richard Decker, a prison chaplain known as Father Decker. The identification explains his presence and attire but does not resolve Talia’s shock at the uncanny resemblance to Noel or the powerful feeling she had when their eyes met.

Talia asks if she can see him. Rhea replies that she can arrange for Father Decker to administer last rites once Talia is moved to death watch, which occurs three days before execution. Rhea adds that Father Decker has performed last rites for other death row inmates, reinforcing that he is a legitimate chaplain.

Despite the rational explanation, Talia cannot shake the conviction that the man may be Noel. She nevertheless consents to the visit for last rites, and Rhea agrees to set it up, believing it may give Talia peace.

The chapter closes with Talia resolved to look Father Decker in the eyes during the arranged meeting, certain she will know then whether he is truly Noel or not.