Adam and Amelia Wright's anniversary trip takes a dark turn as they uncover unsettling secrets at Blackwater Chapel. The idyllic Scottish setting is shattered by a missing dog, a mysterious woman, and the growing realization that their past is catching up with them. As the couple searches for answers, they unwittingly step further into a carefully laid trap.
Chapter 31: Amelia
Disturbed by a pamphlet about the actress October O'Brien, Amelia insists they leave Blackwater Chapel immediately and find their dog, Bob. Adam's evasiveness and the sudden disappearance of Bob intensify their urgency. They search the chapel and venture into the snow-covered landscape, where the beauty of the remote setting is marred by a sense of dread. Amelia fears Bob may have fallen from the damaged bell tower.
Their search reveals unsettling details: claw-foot bathtubs used as planters, a small graveyard, and numerous hand-carved wooden sculptures of animals and faces carved into the trees. Feeling watched, Amelia suggests they seek help at a nearby cottage. Despite his reluctance, Adam agrees, and they set off through the eerie silence of the valley.
Chapter 32: Amelia
Adam and Amelia arrive at the whitewashed cottage, noting a snow-covered Land Rover and smoke from the chimney. Amelia knocks, but there is no answer, though she hears voices inside. Adam circles to the back to investigate.
He returns visibly shaken, claiming he saw a woman by a fire, surrounded by "hundreds" of candles, holding a white rabbit. He says she looked like a witch casting a spell. When the woman noticed him, she stared before abruptly pulling the curtains shut.
Chapter 33: Robin
The narrative shifts to Robin, the woman in the cottage, who is annoyed by Adam's intrusion. She corrects his exaggeration—there were only a handful of candles. Calming herself, she reflects on hiding in the dark as a child when scared.
Robin reveals she invited Adam and Amelia to Blackwater Chapel. She resents Adam's judgment of her and her pet rabbit, Oscar. Listening through the letterbox, she hears the couple talking about her. Robin knows secrets about them and is confident they will soon understand why they are there.
Chapter 34: Amelia
Outside the cottage, Adam, spooked, calls Robin a "nutter" and a "witch," warning Amelia against further contact. Due to his prosopagnosia, Adam can only describe her as having long grey hair. They wonder if she is the housekeeper or the figure Amelia saw outside the chapel.
With no phone signal, Adam suggests climbing a hill for a better vantage point. Amelia first writes a note explaining their situation—the power outage, frozen pipes, and lost dog—offering a reward for Bob's return. She slides the note under the door. As they leave, Amelia realizes the woman was listening on the other side.
Chapter 35: Robin
Robin retrieves the note, reads it, and throws it into the fire. She dismisses their insults, reflecting that she has been called worse. The cottage is her sanctuary, a place she ran to as a child, as her mother did before her.
After ensuring Adam and Amelia are gone, Robin lights her pipe. She thinks about the locals who avoid Blackwater Chapel. The chapter ends with Robin admitting she took Bob, feeling no guilt because "Bad people deserve the bad things that happen to them," revealing her plan for Revenge and Justice.
Chapter 36: Anniversary Letter - Iron
This letter is from Amelia Wright to Adam for their sixth anniversary, themed "iron." She reminisces about a trip to Champagne, France, at a villa owned by the actress October O'Brien, who suggested the trip to escape negative press. Amelia recalls a romantic walk along the Seine.
At the villa, Adam gives Amelia an iron bookmark, and Amelia gives him a vintage iron key, saying it opens "a secret." Snooping, Amelia finds mail addressed to "R. O'Brien." Adam explains that October uses it as a stage name to protect her privacy. Amelia decides against telling Adam the truth about her past, choosing to preserve their current happiness, highlighting the theme of Secrets and Deception.
Character Development
- Amelia Wright: Amelia's determination to find Bob clashes with her growing fear. The anniversary letter reveals her capacity for keeping secrets to protect her marriage.
- Adam Wright: Adam's superstitious nature leads him to label Robin a "witch." His evasiveness about October O'Brien suggests hidden knowledge. His prosopagnosia contributes to the theme of Identity and Misperception.
- Robin: Robin is calculating and driven by revenge. Her connection to the cottage reveals a deep personal history.
Themes & Symbols
Themes
- Revenge and Justice: Robin's motive is established with her belief that "Bad people deserve the bad things that happen to them." Kidnapping Bob is her first step.
- Secrets and Deception: Amelia's anniversary letter highlights the secrets in her Marriage and Betrayal. Robin's plot is built on deception.
- Identity and Misperception: The link between Robin and October O'Brien suggests a hidden identity. Adam's misperception of Robin highlights his lack of understanding.
Symbols
- The Cottage: For Adam and Amelia, the cottage symbolizes menace. For Robin, it is a sanctuary tied to her past.
- The Iron Key: The key symbolizes the secrets Amelia keeps, representing access to a truth she withholds.
- The Rabbit: The wooden rabbits feel menacing, while Oscar humanizes Robin. Amelia's memory of a woman with a rabbit foreshadows Robin's presence.
Key Quotes
"Bad people deserve the bad things that happen to them."
This quote encapsulates Robin's motive for revenge. It reveals her belief in a twisted form of justice, where she feels justified in inflicting harm on those she deems deserving. This statement is the foundation for her actions and drives the plot forward.
"Iron so glad I married you."
This pun, engraved on the iron bookmark, is a lighthearted moment amidst the growing tension. However, it also underscores the theme of secrets and deception, as Amelia withholds a significant truth from Adam, creating a sense of unease beneath the surface of their seemingly happy marriage.
Why This Matters and Section Significance
This section marks a turning point as Robin's perspective shifts the narrative from mystery to thriller. The reader is now aware of Robin's meticulously planned revenge, creating dramatic irony. The connection between Robin and October O'Brien is foreshadowed, linking the actress to the couple's danger. The kidnapping of Bob raises the stakes, and the anniversary letter reveals the secrets underpinning their marriage, setting the stage for future revelations about The Inescapable Past.