Every Last Secret

The narrative continues from Cat’s point of view, after Cat and William return home from the Ryders’ house. Cat and William are interrupted by Matt, who asks William if he and Neena ever slept together. William replies cryptically, “There are no feelings between Neena and me” (228). Matt then asks if William ever touched his wife. William admits he did, once, and “It meant nothing” (228). Matt leaves, and Cat and William argue. Cat, confronting William about blaming her suspicions on insecurity and paranoia, says, “You let her do this to us” (230). William admits he made a mistake and tells Cat he was being selfish, insecure, and stupid. The fight ends with William begging Cat not to leave him. Cat doesn’t reply, but knows she would never leave; keeping the marriage intact has been her entire purpose.

Neena is watching with horror as the detectives open the safe in the Ryders’ home. When they open it, Neena faints. Afterward, the detective questions Neena and summarizes the evidence against her: Neena’s obsession with William (as evidenced by the photos and their affair) and Matt’s a $5 million life insurance policy.