Straka continues to draw attention to the ballpoint pen, signifying that words and writing are our greatest weapon. He writes, “S. hugs the valise to his chest with one arm, notice with odd detachment that his finger are still gripping the barrel of them pen.” (See p. 247 re: pen)

Eric reveals that FXC did believe that Straka was a killer.

“She said she wishes she could believe he wasn’t.”