 Returning to New York, Archie learns from Wolfe that “Z” has warned Wolfe to withdraw from the case.As a threat, the greenhouse on the roof of Wolfe's house is attacked with machine-gun fire, destroying many of the orchids there.Wolfe meets with Sperling and his family and explains that while he cannot necessarily prove that Rony is a Communist, he can prove that Rony is a member of “Z”’s criminal organisation, but it is Gwenn’s decision whether he is to proceed.