The Quiet Tenant

The narrative shifts to Emily’s perspective. Aidan resumes his patronage of Amandine with a new formality to his interactions with Emily. Emily persuades the judge that they should host an outdoor Christmas party on Aidan’s lawn.

The narrative shifts to “Rachel’s” perspective. Cecilia hates the idea of a party at their house, complaining that it is an unfair intrusion. Aidan seems resigned, and “Rachel” senses that Aidan is planning something. “Rachel” believes it is time to act and that Emily’s safety depends upon it, but she has decided that she cannot kill Aidan. “Rachel” knows that her actions could destroy Cecilia’s life, but she cannot allow another homicide. The night of the party, “Rachel” is instructed to remain inside.

The novel shifts to the final interlude describing the last moments of Number Nine. This woman fights for her life, lashing out violently against Aidan. He is shocked and flustered to encounter such vehement resistance and absence of fear. He claims that he has a daughter and tenant (“Rachel”) relying upon him, and Number Nine begrudges him the assumption that her own life and loved ones are somehow irrelevant by comparison.