Henry meets Jack, his best friend and coworker, whom he has not seen for a while, at an agency apartment Henry has used in the past, sometimes just to clear his head before going home to his wife. On many nights, he stayed over, never divulging to Lelia where he was or why. Henry enjoyed the obscurity, thinking it added much-needed mystery to his marriage.

Henry admits to Jack that not expressing his emotions was a major part of his relationship problems. When emotional, he "locks up," which is why he sometimes spent the night at the apartment. He was raised not to talk about his feelings, something Lelia not only was good at but needed from him. To himself he admits he loves Lelia, but he cannot say it.

Jack asks about their relationship; he likes Lelia and believes they will get back together. Henry sees Lelia twice a week now but says they are going very slowly physically. He thinks they are both afraid of making the first move.

The conversation turns to John Kwang. Jack says their boss is worried because Henry's reports are vague and sporadic. Hoagland wants more. Henry had worried this was why Jack was meeting him and makes excuses, saying he is processing information. Jack mentions the church incident and hints that someone may be threatening Kwang.

Henry, however, reminds Jack that the smoke bombs were set off by two eleven-year-old kids. He does not see the incident as a threat or warning. Jack is not so sure. He asks Henry if he likes Kwang. Henry finds this a strange question and wonders if Hoagland insinuated that Henry might be losing his edge, as he had with his last case, the psychologist.

Later Henry drives with Kwang through the borough and notices something that makes him question Kwang's influence. When Kwang sees a black man arguing with a Korean shop owner he knows, Kwang quickly pulls to the curb. Henry stays outside as Kwang goes inside with the Korean man. When they return, the shop owner settles the argument very generously.

This does not surprise Henry as it is very much part of the Korean culture for businessmen to humble themselves. However, Henry is surprised by the shop owner's reaction when he goes back inside, shaking his fists and throwing merchandise. This reaction is against Korean business and culture. Henry wonders about the level of pressure Kwang exerts.