Rudy takes Judge Kipler’s advice and has Dot give her deposition in the courtroom. Dot is nervous, but Rudy has coached her and helps her remain calm. Drummond, paid by the hour, deposes her for several hours, asking irrelevant and personal questions. In the third hour, Dot reveals the existence of the “Stupid Letter,” written by Great Benefit:

Dear Mrs. Black:

On sever prior occasions, this company has denied your claim in writing. We now deny it for the eighth and final time. You must be stupid, stupid, stupid! (348).

The letter has the shock value that Rudy was hoping for. Kipler threatens Drummond and Great Benefit with sanctions if they are caught withholding documents from the plaintiff. Drummond continues to drag his feet through the deposition, and it finally ends six-and-a-half hours after it began.

Rudy returns home to find all the cars gone. Randolph tells Rudy that they are going to take Birdie to live with them down in Florida. They would like Rudy to stay there, however, and keep an eye on the house. Rudy agrees.