Summary

Claire found out about Betty’s death by reading Betty’s obituary in the Daily Telegraph. She received a phone call—“Beware. The Ice Man Cometh” (137). Claire had a weak heart, and she felt it beating fast. Babs revealed herself as the caller. Claire had mistaken her for Betty. They chatted about Filth’s state and Betty, whom they had both known when they were younger. Claire had also known Isobel, who used to say that “it was Betty who made [Filth]” (139). Betty had also been at Bletchley Park. Claire saw Filth’s Mercedes coming down the drive, and Filth getting out of the car. She hung up on Babs.

The narrative then returns to Filth’s perspective as he arrived at the house. He surveyed Claire, remembering what Betty had told him about her—the way that she...