The narrative returns to the present. Two weeks after the assassination of Pyle, Fowler runs into Vigot in Le Club. As they play dice, Vigot explains that Pyle’s dog was killed very close to the spot where Pyle’s body was found. Fowler and Vigot discuss fate and chance, swapping quotes by Blaise Pascal, a 17th-century French philosopher. Vigot seems hesitant to talk about his impression of Fowler and agrees to visit him later that night.

The narrative switches back to the time after Pyle confronted Fowler. In the following weeks, Fowler is distraught that Phuong might leave him for Pyle. He grills her for information about her whereabouts and often requires her to provide physical proof of her activity outside the apartment. His loathing for Pyle manifests as a broader dislike of everything American.

Dominguez sends Fowler a note from Mr. Chou, asking for a meeting. Fowler attends the meeting and, while he waits for Chou to arrive, watches police officers remove three bicycles from outside a property. They throw the bicycles in a nearby fountain. When Heng arrives, he and Fowler walk away just as the fountain explodes.