Summary

In the next chapter, Arthur emerged onto the street outside the hotel lobby. It had grown dark. He walked aimlessly among the city crowds feeling disturbingly detached from them until the sound of music drew him down an alleyway and he went through the door he found there.

Inside, Arthur found himself in a nightclub. A waiter escorted him to a table; he ordered a drink and watched the people on the dancefloor.

The following chapter continues in the nightclub, when Arthur became aware of a woman staring at him. He stared back towards her and she came over to Arthur’s table to join him, at which point Arthur realized that the woman, who introduced herself as Claire Hegsic, was very drunk. She told Arthur that she wanted a drink and he bought drinks for them both. Arthur and Claire danced together, at...