Margot and Barney develop an unlikely friendship. Margot appreciates that Barney treats her like “one of the guys” (372). When she showers near him after a strenuous gym session, however, he makes a sexual advance toward her. Margot refuses him, and they talk after. Barney apologizes, and they agree to “try to be friends” (377). Meanwhile, Lecter cooks himself dinner while thinking about Starling. He considers whether he should buy her a present for her upcoming birthday. When the DNA lab matches the arrows to Lecter, Mason knows well before Starling thanks to Krendler. Mason arranges for the pigs to be brought to America, with Carlo personally overseeing the transport. Mason has promised Carlo an hour with Lecter, between torture sessions, during which Carlo can seek revenge for his dead brother. Barney is invited to dinner with Margot and Judy. After dinner, Margot makes a proposal. She wants Barney's help with killing her brother and taking his sperm. Barney refuses the offer, and Margot fires him.

Carlo arrives at Muskrat Farm with 16 pigs. Together with Piero and Tommaso, he is doubly careful when setting up the pen.