Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence and physical abuse.

After May and Dale’s divorce meeting, Meg checks in with May. Dale is there with his lawyer and hurls insults at Meg. Meg threatens to take his kids from him if he hurts May again. Afterward, Meg takes May to lunch. May mourns the loss of her marriage, still wishing things could work between her and Dale. Suddenly, Dale bursts in with a gun. Meg tries to talk him down, but Dale blames her for ruining his marriage. Meg stands between him and May to protect May. Dale fires the gun at Meg.

On his 43rd birthday, Joe wakes up in the woods feeling sick. He cleans up and heads out of the woods, realizing he can’t “live like this anymore” (91). He calls his sister, Gina, to check in, and she urges him to come home. He doubts anyone in the area will forgive him for what he did, but Gina suggests otherwise.

Meg returns to work immediately after the shooting. Dale’s bullet just barely missed her. She works on a few cases but feels detached. That afternoon, her partner, Julia, calls her into her office.

After work, Meg wanders through Pike Place Market and considers going to the Athenian.