A Slow Fire Burning

Theo is questioned by the police. They show him the knife, and he admits to being its owner, guessing that the police already know this. Theo then confesses to Daniel’s murder. He tells the police that early on the morning of Saturday, March 10, he went to Daniel’s boat and stabbed Daniel with the knife. Theo then threw the knife into some bushes near the river and went home. Carla was still asleep, so he showered and went about his morning.

Theo explains that Angela told him that Carla and Daniel were having an affair. He flashes back to the meeting with Angela; she wanted him to come upstairs and look at something, but instead, he rushed out of the house. Theo explains to the police that he didn’t confront Carla about these claims at the time, and that it didn’t seem appropriate to do so after Angela died. Theo feared that Daniel would use Angela’s death as a way to get closer to Carla and decided to get rid of Daniel. As he makes his confession, Theo reflects sadly on how news of his crime will impact his reputation as a writer.

The police show Theo a photo of Laura.