Summary

In Chapter 28, “Day 36: First Round,” before the first round, Ray practiced with his accompanist. Discouraged, he wondered “if it was too late to back out” (269). However, that evening, he felt “fed by the listeners” (271). The audience encouraged him.

Impressed by and curious about Mikhail, Ray confronted him. Ray explained his violin debacle. Mikhail promised to ask his father about the instrument, as he had connections in Belgrade. Ray passed this information to Alicia.

In Chapter 29, “Day 40: Second Round,” Alicia found “a black market violin in Serbia” (279, Slocumb’s italics). Ray continued competing, trying to remain focused on his goal. He was overwhelmed when he made it to the finals.

In Chapter 30, “Day 42: Serbia,” Alicia informed Ray that she was traveling to Serbia to investigate the black market instrument. Ray insisted on joining her. Although Alicia forbade him, Ray met Alicia in...