The Widow

Simon starts Christmas Eve by seeing Paula and the children off as they leave for Richmond. He makes a brief stop at Netty’s house, picks up food, and heads to the hospital. He finds Netty in the chapel singing carols. Over lunch, he watches her struggle physically and mentally; she fixates on jail and repeatedly asks him to promise she will not go there.

Back in her room, he notices get-well gifts, including Saigon ginger cookies, and asks about a recent visit from her stepson, Jerry. Landy calls to tell Simon the Bureau has closed its inquiry into him and Chub. That evening they meet at a hotel bar. Landy explains her marriage is failing and suggests they wait to begin a sexual relationship again.

Between December 26 and 30, Netty declines rapidly. The medical team, including Dr. Lilly and Dr. Connor Wilkes, diagnoses pneumonia and places her on a ventilator. The doctors later tell Simon that Netty shows no brain activity. Because he is not family, he defers the end-of-life decision to them.

On December 30, the doctors remove the ventilator and pronounce Netty dead. Simon arranges for cremation. An anonymous informant calls 911 to report the death as suspicious. Detective Roger Barr goes to the funeral home and halts the process.