Saint X

This chapter returns to Clive’s perspective, but this time it is written in the first person. From this point of view, the narrative returns to the week of the Thomases’ vacation on Saint X and Clive’s experience of the days leading up to Alison’s death.

Clive has noticed that nearly every week, Edwin seduces a different girl staying at Indigo Bay, where Clive and Edwin work. This week, he chooses “the girl” (Alison) as soon as she reveals the scar on her stomach. Clive also notices Claire, and how strangely quiet she is. He watches her finger moving compulsively—an observation that he’ll remember years later.

Clive and Edwin have a set routine: Clive bikes to work each morning, where he and Edwin set up the beach. Once the guests start coming out, they attend to them throughout the day. After work, they smoke weed in the parking lot; then Clive goes to Sara’s house to see his son, Bryan. Later, he meets back up with Edwin to drink at Paulette’s Place.

To make side money, Clive and Edwin sell weed to the guests. Edwin does the selling, and Clive keeps the weed in a lockbox in his room.