Frankly, Chapter 9 is pretty weak. Just one conversation?
I have the feeling it was longer but didn't work so you cut it down to this to set up the next installment; however, the lack of depth hurts here as well. Maybe you should have attached this to whatever your next chapter is about?
Author's response
You are correct in that about half was cut out. I was trying to meet a self imposed deadline and probably should have waited. I think I'll add the next chapter to the end of this one when it is finished.