Horowitz shows Hawthorne Part 3 of the novel, and together they realize that neither of them “had quite understood the power of the third person” (183). Horowitz is using the case notes to write these characters into existence, but Hawthorne has met the real people and constantly corrects him. Horowitz still isn’t sure that this will be a successful project.

Hawthorne most strongly disagrees with Horowitz’s description of Dudley, piquing Horowitz’s curiosity. He wonders how the men became partners and what led to their estrangement. Hawthorne argues that Dudley is “sharp as a knife” and often saw crucial clues that Hawthorne didn’t notice (186). Horowitz wants to meet Dudley, but Hawthorne threatens to end the project. Horowitz realizes that they are arguing for the first time and changes the subject.

Horowitz asks who Hawthorne thinks the killer is at this point, but Hawthorne explains that he doesn’t speculate—his process is different. He admits that he had an idea but refuses to tell Horowitz. However, he offers two clues. First, he points out the coincidence of the attacks on Adam Strauss and Marsha Clark and Kylie’s connection to Marsha. He also tells Horowitz that there were two neighborhood meetings: one six weeks before the murder and another later.