Lessons

In 2001, four years after Daphne returned to Peter, a now 16-year-old Lawrence returns to his and Roland’s home in London after traveling in Europe. Lawrence explains how while in Munich he had tried to track down his mother, via her agent, Rudiger. Lawrence had done this by finding Alissa’s address on Rudiger’s desk while visiting him.

Lawrence tells Roland how when he had called at his mother’s house, she had been utterly dismissive of him, insulting him and telling him that she did not want to see him again. When Lawrence heads out, Roland continues writing in a notebook chronicling the events of his life, the people he had seen, and his thoughts on literature and politics.

The next morning Roland receives a call from the police. Roland is worried that the call is about Lawrence, but it turns out to be related to Cornell. An inspector visits his house to ask about her. The inspector says the police are now looking into cases of historic abuse and tells Roland, “You’re a victim” (335), encouraging him to press charges. Later, with Lawrence’s help and the internet, Roland finds Cornell’s address.

By pretending to want piano lessons, Roland arranges a meeting with Cornell at her house.