Summary
Highlights
The story begins with the protagonist reflecting on being in a building where no one pays attention to each other. He recalls spending 18 months in a place where nothing changes, and how everything feels different outside.
The protagonist meets an old acquaintance and discusses his evasion from prison. He needs money to escape further and seeks help from his friend, but tensions and suspicions arise between them.
The protagonist reveals he feels betrayed by someone. They discuss possible informants and a tumultuous relationship with a woman named Louise, who seems to have moved on in his absence.
As the tension escalates, the protagonist considers resorting to violence, contemplating using a revolver to settle scores with those who betrayed him.
The protagonist's plan unravels as he discovers that the revolver isn't functional. He feels cornered and realizes that he's been led into a trap.
The police arrive and apprehend the protagonist. It is revealed that the betrayal was orchestrated as part of a trap to capture him.