In the present, Oliver is released from prison. Filipa awaits Oliver outside the facility. She has visited him every two weeks since his sentence. As she drives Oliver away, Filipa tells him Alexander is now an actor working in immersive theatre in London. Filipa is in a relationship with their old fighting coach Camilo, whom she calls “Milo” (108). Filipa and Oliver reach Dellecher, where Filipa is directing a play for the current crop of students. Colborne, retired from the force, is waiting for Oliver to hear his story. Oliver and Colborne sit in the refectory and Oliver begins his tale.

Two weeks before Julius Caesar’s opening, the cast get their publicity photos taken. The friends are all dressed in evening wear, with Richard and Meredith at the center of most shoots. Oliver notes their wardrobe emphasizes Richard and Meredith’s physical appeal. Though the couple strike close poses together, the chill between them is apparent. Alexander tells Oliver that Meredith and Richard aren’t sleeping in the same room anymore. Wren and James seem to have grown very close.

After a dress rehearsal, Oliver notices James seems tired and sick. On Oliver’s prodding, James reveals that Richard has been injuring him while rehearsing the assassination scene.