Summary

Chapter 8 opens with the theft of the computers from Julian’s bookstore. The police, confused, can only note that the crime was a “thorough professional job” (113). Edward appears concerned about the theft but attempts to move past the topic. Julian gives him the letter from the woman in London.

Julian accepts Deborah’s invitation to have dinner at Silverview. He meets Deborah and Edward’s daughter, Lily. Before dinner, Edward asks him to refrain from mentioning the theft of the computers to Deborah. Although plainly ill, Deborah is intelligent, direct, and curious. They discuss Julian’s bookstore and Julian manages to charm Deborah. Lily flirts with Julian and holds his hand beneath the table. Julian also notices a distinct tension between Deborah and Edward. As Julian leaves Silverview, he finds Lily waiting for him outside. They walk to Julian’s flat where they...