I'm so glad to see the quick update!
This chapter was intense. One thing you have done consistently well throughout this story is making the characters believable. Like the way Egan has continualy tried to destroy herself, and Gerard won't let her succeed. The charcters have different emotions, but their main characteristics never change. That's what makes great writing.
The opening line of this chapter was awesome by the way.
Author's response
I know, this updating in a timely manner thing...I'm on the ball.
Aw! You think I'm consistent! No way! I always freak out about stuff like that, I'm like, "Was that out of character? Was there enough buildup? Would s/he do that?" So it's nice to get the posititve feedback.