Easy arrives at Daphne’s house around 4 AM. She welcomes him inside, and he is struck by her beauty. After Daphne asks him for a ride to her friend Richard McGee’s house, he tries to give her money for a taxi, but she convinces him to take her in his car. Daphne brings an old suitcase, which she claims belongs to Richard.

They drive across town to a canyon above Hollywood. Arriving at Richard’s house, they see that the front door is open. Going in, they find Richard dead in his bed, a knife in his chest. The sight brings back Easy’s memories of other dead people, including those killed during the war. Easy recognizes Richard as the man who offered to pay Easy for help getting into John’s place. Easy picks up a cigarette butt from the floor.

Panicked, Daphne prepares to leave in Richard’s car. Her accent vanishes, and she tells Easy to go before the police arrive. She kisses him twice, then drives away. He does the same.

As Easy drives home, a voice in his head tells him to “stand up” and stop “lettin’ these people step on you” but also cautions him to wait for the right moment to act (98).