This is the place for emotional conflict to come in, Your characters should have/have had underlying tensions simmering during the chapters where too much was happening for them to be able to properly address them, and now the emotional story comes into play. Remember that writing a good story isn't just about all of the crazy things that happen in the physical world, in the end, what makes or breaks most stories is the characters themselves.
Example 1: In "Treasure Island" after the initial death of the Captain and the beginning of their sea voyage there are a few chapters that let you get to see some things that will definitely cause trouble later, and people's reactions to it. The Squire talks too much, this frustrates the doctor and worries Jim, but the Squire's servant, believes he has a right to speak if he wants to. Thus, tension is built.
Example 2: "In Damsel in the Red Dress" time is given to build up a relationship with an antagonist before he is revealed as one, so that the inevitable turn-around will be more shocking. There had to be scenes that made him likeable in advance, otherwise the readers wouldn't care. So if you're villain is currently one of their allies, perhaps tease some of the tension that will cause the turn-around.