Not Quite Dead Yet: A Novel

Jet tries on a zombie mask at the Halloween Fair in Woodstock, Vermont, reflecting on her appearance and the discomfort of the mask, which she wears briefly before removing it. Her ex-boyfriend, JJ Lim, approaches her dressed as Chucky, and an awkward confrontation ensues. Feeling uncomfortable, Jet walks away, and her brother Luke intervenes, saving her from further interaction with JJ.

During the fair, Jet’s encounter with her brother and his wife, Sophia, reveals underlying tensions within the family. Luke, now a father and a prominent figure in the family business, Mason Construction, taunts Jet about her lack of direction in life. Jet feels defensive and retaliates, highlighting the strained relationship between them. Sophia, once Jet’s best friend, now seems distant, and Jet resents her for becoming part of the Mason family and for her constant focus on her baby, Cameron.

As the fair winds down, Jet has several more encounters, including a conversation with Gerry Clay, a trustee, and his interaction with Jack Finney, a former neighbor and police officer. Jet also meets Billy Finney, Jack’s son, who invites her to a live music night at the bar, but she declines. The chapter reaches a climax when Andrew Smith, a drunk and angry man, confronts Jet and Billy, leading to a minor altercation that is quickly resolved by Jack and the new police chief, Lou Jankowski.

Returning home, Jet finds her parents, Scott and Dianne, dealing with the aftermath of the fair and her father's recurring health issues. Despite her mother's insistence, Jet refuses to help with cleanup, choosing instead to retreat to the comfort of her home. The atmosphere shifts dramatically when she is attacked from behind, leading to a violent and unexpected end to the chapter.

Disoriented and confused, Jet lies in her hospital bed, surrounded by her visibly distressed family. Her mother, Dianne, and father, Scott, are in tears, and her brother, Luke, rushes to fetch the doctor. Jet’s memory of the attack floods back, and she realizes she has survived, but the atmosphere in the room remains heavy and somber.

Dr. Lee, the neurosurgeon, explains the severity of Jet's condition. She suffered multiple blows to the head, causing a subdural hematoma and a fracture to the clivus bone at the base of her skull. A small bone fragment is pressing against the wall of her basilar artery, and combined with her polycystic kidney disease (PKD), she is at high risk for a fatal aneurysm. The doctor estimates that the aneurysm could rupture within days to a week.

Dr. Lee presents Jet with a grim choice: undergo a highly risky surgery with less than a ten percent chance of survival or wait for the aneurysm to rupture and die. Jet, overwhelmed by the news, struggles to process the information. Her family, particularly her father, is devastated, and Jet tries to reassure them, despite the dire circumstances.

The chapter ends with Jet contemplating her options, feeling the weight of the decision and the support of her family. The tension and emotional gravity of the situation are palpable, setting the stage for the difficult choices and revelations to come.

Jet lies in her hospital bed, overwhelmed by the grim choice presented to her: a risky surgery with a less than ten percent chance of survival or certain death within days. The room is filled with the sounds of machines and the tension of her family, who urge her to choose the surgery. Her mother, Dianne, is particularly insistent, her emotions raw and desperate, while her father, Scott, and brother, Luke, try to support her without adding pressure.

Dr. Lee suggests that Jet speak to the police before making her decision, as they need to interview her about the assault. Jet’s difficulty in recalling words is noted, and Dr. Lee explains that she may have anomic aphasia, a mild form of aphasia affecting word retrieval. Detective George Ecker, Chief Lou Jankowski, and Jack Finney enter the room to question Jet. They ask about the attack, the missing murder weapon, and the whereabouts of her ex-boyfriend, JJ Lim, who has disappeared. Jet insists she didn’t see her attacker and provides her phone’s passcode, which the police need to access her data.

After the police leave, Jet’s family returns, their urgency palpable. Her mother is especially adamant, believing surgery is the only hope. Jet, however, decides against the surgery, stating she wants to live for the next seven days. She stands up, determined to leave the hospital, and tells Luke to inform the police to wait. Despite her mother’s pleas and the fear in her father’s eyes, Jet is resolute, declaring that she will use this time to do something important. With a firm resolve, she announces her intention to solve her own murder.

The chapter ends with Jet’s family in shock and Dr. Lee supporting her decision, acknowledging the futility of the surgery. Jet’s resolve is clear: she will not die now, and she will use her remaining time to achieve something significant.

Still reeling from the decision to forgo the risky surgery, Jet returns to her family home, now a crime scene, accompanied by Jack Finney and her brother Luke. The house is surrounded by police and crime scene investigators, the front door wide open, revealing the chaos inside. Her parents follow, visibly distraught, while Luke remains silent, offering a temporary reprieve from the emotional turmoil. Despite warnings from Detective Ecker and Jack about the graphic nature of the bloodstains and cast-off patterns on the ceiling and walls, Jet is determined to see the crime scene.

In the living room, the bloodstains and crime scene markers serve as a stark reminder of the violence that occurred. Jack explains the details of the attack, including the trajectory of the blood spatter and the likely position of the attacker. Jet learns that the attacker was right-handed and taller than her, and that the attack happened between 10:40 PM and 11:00 PM on the night of the Halloween Fair. Her dog, Reggie, is fine, having been taken to her sister-in-law’s house, but his paw prints in the blood add to the horror of the scene.

Jack leads Jet to the kitchen and the laundry room, where they discover that the back door was unlocked, suggesting that the attacker entered and exited through this route, likely aware of the front door’s surveillance. Jet realizes that the door was often left unlocked, providing easy access for the intruder. The chapter ends with Detective Ecker announcing that the crime scene is released, and the cleaners are called in to restore the house. Jet feels a mix of determination and vulnerability, knowing she has only a short time to solve her own murder.

Jet returns home to find the forensic cleanup team still at work, methodically removing the last traces of the crime. Her father, trying to offer some semblance of normalcy, brings her a sandwich. However, the attempt falls flat as Jet’s mother, overwhelmed by Jet’s decision to forgo the risky surgery, retreats to the backyard, unable to cope.

Determined to unravel the mystery of her attack, Jet begins to analyze the crime scene and the circumstances surrounding it. She discusses the possibility of the attack being premeditated rather than opportunistic, noting that nothing was stolen and the murder weapon was not found at the scene. Her father confirms that nothing is missing from the house, leading Jet to conclude that the attacker brought the weapon with them, indicating a targeted assault.

Jet convinces Detective Ecker to let her examine her Apple Watch, which provides crucial data about the exact time of the attack and a suspicious text from her ex-boyfriend, JJ, sent after the attack. Using the Find My Phone feature on her Apple Watch, Jet discovers that her phone was last active near River Street, raising questions about the attacker’s possible location. The detective and the chief decide to investigate the area.

Jet writes down key information and reflects on the significance of the findings. Billy Finney arrives with Jet’s dog, Reggie, explaining that he brought back her father’s wallet and found Jet shortly after the attack, emphasizing the importance of his timely intervention. Jet shares the grim reality of her condition with Billy, revealing that she has only a week to live. Billy is shocked and emotional, expressing his fear and concern. Jet’s determination to uncover the truth is bolstered by Billy’s unwavering support, and she reaffirms her commitment to solving her own murder.

Still reeling from the events of the previous night, Jet spends the night reviewing the footage from her family’s Ring doorbell camera, hoping to find clues about her attacker. She watches herself return home on the night of the attack, feeling a complex mix of emotions towards her past self, who seemed to have all the time in the world. Despite watching the footage multiple times, she finds no signs of the attacker, who never triggered the motion sensor.

Jet’s investigation continues as she examines earlier footage from the day of the attack. She notices that Sophia visited the house twice, once without the plate of cookies she supposedly left. This discrepancy puzzles Jet, adding another layer of mystery to the events leading up to her attack. Jet also watches the footage of Billy’s frantic attempts to help her after the attack, which deepens her resolve to solve the case.

Feeling the weight of her limited time, Jet pushes herself to stay awake and continue her investigation. She checks the live feed from the camera, searching for any sign of the killer, but finds nothing. The chapter ends with Jet struggling to sleep, her mind racing with thoughts of her impending death and the unresolved mystery of her attack.

Jet wakes up late to find her family gathered for a breakfast that feels forced and uncomfortable. The tension is palpable, especially when Jet notices a graze on Luke’s knuckles, which he explains as an accident at a construction site. Her mother, Dianne, is particularly emotional, urging Jet to reconsider the risky surgery to save her life. Jet, however, remains resolute in her decision to forgo the surgery and solve her own murder.

During the breakfast, Jet confronts Sophia about her visits to the house on the night of the attack, discovering that Sophia came back to retrieve her phone. Jet also questions Luke and Sophia about their whereabouts during the attack, and they confirm they were at home watching TV. The conversation shifts to JJ Lim, who has disappeared, and the family’s suspicion that he might be the attacker. Jet’s mother, overwhelmed by the situation, presents Jet with funeral brochures, demanding she choose between burial and cremation. This triggers a heated argument, and Jet, feeling suffocated by the relentless pressure, decides to leave the house.

Jet packs a few essentials and leaves, determined to find a place where she can focus on solving her murder without the emotional turmoil of her family. She drives to Billy Finney’s apartment, where she asks to stay, explaining her situation and the limited time she has left. Billy, moved by her plea, agrees to let her stay, and Jet finds a temporary refuge as she prepares to confront her final days.

Still reeling from the tense breakfast with her family, Jet seeks refuge at Billy Finney’s apartment. Despite her protests, Billy insists on making her comfortable, tidying up the place, spraying deodorant, and lighting a Cedar Delight scented candle. Jet, undeterred by the distractions, continues her investigation on her laptop, using Google Street View to search River Street for clues about her phone’s last known location. The atmosphere is thick with unspoken tension, Billy’s discomfort palpable as Jet focuses intently on her screen.

During their conversation, Jet mentions the police’s suspicion of her ex-boyfriend, JJ Lim, but she doesn’t believe it’s him. Billy’s demeanor shifts when he sees a photo of his mother, Beth, and a younger version of himself, which he quickly hides. Jet notices his distress but doesn’t press the issue. Her laptop beeps with a low battery notification, and she asks Billy for her charger, which he retrieves from her backpack along with some mail.

Among the mail, Jet finds a get-well card from Gerry Clay, the village trustee, which she finds insulting given the nature of her attack. She also discovers a private and confidential letter from an online loan company, LightFi, stating that she has defaulted on a $30,000 loan secured against her truck. Jet is shocked and denies taking out the loan, realizing it must be identity fraud. Billy suggests that this could be related to her attack, as it provides a potential motive for someone wanting to harm her.

Deciding to take the letter to the police, Jet prepares to leave. Billy initially offers to go with her but then backs out, mentioning he has a shift at the bar later. Jet, understanding his reluctance, accepts his decision and leaves, determined to follow this new lead.

Jet drives to the police station to meet with Detective Ecker and Chief Lou Jankowski, still reeling from the fraudulent loan she discovered in her mail. The loan, taken out two months ago, has its first repayment due the previous week, but Jet insists she never applied for it. She suggests the loan might be connected to her attack, but Detective Ecker remains noncommittal, stating they are not ruling anything out. Jet’s frustration with the police’s lack of urgency is palpable, especially given her limited time to live.

Jet presses Ecker for updates on the investigation, particularly about the search on River Street, where her phone’s last known location was. Ecker informs her that the neighbors did not hear or see anything unusual, and the elderly woman living nearest to the location was asleep at the time of the attack. Jet’s trust in the police is further eroded by Ecker’s vague responses. After the detectives leave, Jack Finney reveals that Jet’s mother has filed a missing persons report, worried about Jet’s condition. Jet explains that she is staying with Billy and asks Jack for more information from the crime scene.

Feeling sympathetic towards Jet, Jack shares that they found a synthetic red hair at the crime scene, which was determined to be from a wig. The hair was found under the main pool of blood, indicating it was left there either before or during the attack. Jet immediately thinks of her ex-boyfriend, JJ, who was wearing a red wig at the Halloween Fair. Jack confirms that JJ is a person of interest, given his disappearance and the suspicious text he sent after the attack. This revelation adds another layer of suspicion around JJ, who Jet had initially dismissed as a suspect.

Jet drives to River Street, the last known location of her phone, to investigate further. She reflects on her past relationship with JJ, questioning his motives and the possibility of his involvement in her attack. Despite driving the street multiple times and walking it, she finds no new leads, feeling increasingly frustrated and lost. Her journey through the town includes a poignant stop at the cemetery where her sister Emily is buried, a stark reminder of her own impending fate. Exhausted and in pain, she heads back to Billy’s apartment, where she finds Billy worried and waiting for her. She shares her fruitless search with him, and they discuss the red wig hair found at the crime scene, considering both JJ and Andrew Smith as potential suspects. Billy suggests they visit Owen Clay, the photographer from the Halloween Fair, to obtain photos that might help identify the red wig. As Jet’s wound starts to bleed, Billy helps her change the bandage, a moment that highlights their growing bond and mutual support. Jet invites Billy to join her the next morning to meet Owen, acknowledging his desire to help.

Jet and Billy, still reeling from the fruitless search on River Street, decide to visit Gerry Clay’s house on Pleasant Street to obtain photos from the Halloween Fair. Jet is impatient and insistent, pressing the doorbell repeatedly until Gerry lets them in. Gerry directs them to Owen, who is outside flying a drone, and then leaves for work, instructing Owen to help Jet with the photos.

In Owen’s room, Jet and Billy browse through the 628 photos taken at the fair. They find a photo of JJ Lim in a red wig, which matches the synthetic hair found at the crime scene. They also discover a photo of Andrew Smith, also wearing a similar red wig, which adds him to the list of suspects. Jet deletes a photo of herself eating a candy apple, finding it embarrassing.

While looking through the photos, Jet notices that Luke’s hands, which he claimed were injured at a work site, are unmarked in a photo taken on the evening of the attack. This discrepancy makes Jet suspicious of Luke’s account. They also find a photo of Andrew Smith, confirming he wore a red wig, which matches the one found at the crime scene.

Jet and Billy decide to investigate Andrew Smith, as JJ is missing. Before leaving, Jet confronts Owen, threatening to tell his father about his porn collection if he talks about their visit. Outside, Jet finds a parking ticket on her truck and, defiant, tears it up and throws it away, showing her disregard for authority in light of her limited time.

Still reeling from the discoveries at Gerry Clay’s house, Jet and Billy head to Dr. Mandrake’s Dive Bar, where they find Andrew Smith drinking early in the afternoon. Jet confronts Andrew about the attack, noting his right-handedness and the timing of his return home after the fair, which aligns closely with the time of her attack. Andrew denies any involvement, claiming he was drunk and alone after Jack Finney left him at his apartment at 10:29 PM, seventeen minutes before the attack.

Jet probes deeper, questioning Andrew’s longstanding animosity towards the Mason family. Andrew reveals that Dianne Mason, Jet’s mother, was responsible for Nina Smith’s firing from her job at the hotel, which he believes led to Nina’s suicide. He also discloses that Luke Mason bought Andrew’s house, which was significant to Nina, and that the property is now being demolished for a new construction project. Andrew’s resentment deepens as he shares that Scott Mason, Jet’s father, plans to sell Mason Construction to Nell Jankowski, the chief’s wife, rather than leaving it to Luke.

Jet and Billy consider the implications of Andrew’s revelations. Jet suggests that Andrew might have turned off her phone and taken it to the construction site on North Street, which they had previously misidentified as River Street. They realize that the phone data pointing to River Street was a red herring, and the real connection is to North Street, where Andrew’s old house is located and where the Masons are currently developing a new project.

The chapter ends with Jet and Billy leaving the bar, determined to investigate the North Street site and explore the connection between Andrew and the attack. Jet’s determination to uncover the truth is fueled by the new leads and the growing suspicion surrounding Andrew.

Still reeling from the confrontation with Andrew Smith, Jet and Billy head to the North Street construction site, where her phone's last known location was. The site is a hive of activity, and Jet, recognizing its significance, approaches the foreman, Jimmy, about the site's security measures. Despite initial resistance, Jet persuades Jimmy to let them investigate, emphasizing her connection to the Mason family.

Jet and Billy begin digging into the newly poured concrete, suspecting that the murder weapon and her phone might be hidden there. Their actions draw the attention of the workers, including Luke, who arrives and demands to know what they are doing. Undeterred, Jet explains her belief that the killer hid the evidence in the foundations. Tensions rise as Luke threatens to call the police, but Jet insists they must continue.

Their efforts pay off when Jet uncovers a dish towel wrapped around her phone and a hammer, which she identifies as the murder weapon. The police arrive, and Detective Ecker takes control of the scene, warning Jet about the legal implications of her actions. Jet argues that she has made more progress than the police and suggests that Andrew Smith, who had a connection to the site, could be a suspect. Ecker challenges her theory, pointing out that the synthetic red hair found at the crime scene could have transferred from JJ to Jet, complicating the investigation.

Jet's family arrives, and her mother pleads with her to come home, but Jet remains resolute, determined to continue her investigation. She asks her father and Luke for a list of all Mason Construction employees and contractors, hoping to narrow down the suspect pool. The chapter ends with Jet and Billy leaving the site, committed to solving the murder.

Still reeling from the intense search at the North Street construction site, Jet returns to Billy's apartment, where he greets her with groceries, including her favorite chocolate and better bandages. Jet has been researching the hammer used in her attack and discovers it is part of a sixty-piece tool kit sold only in North America. She deduces that the killer must have the full set or once had it, and that the person is likely connected to Mason Construction and the North Street project. Jet and Billy discuss the implications of this discovery, considering the red wig hair and Andrew Smith's connection to the site.

Billy prepares to perform at the bar, and despite his nervousness, he invites Jet to watch. Jet, initially reluctant, agrees to attend. At the bar, Jet observes Billy's performance and is impressed by his talent. During a break, Jet approaches Nell Jankowski, the chief's wife, and asks about the sale of Mason Construction. Nell confirms the sale and explains that it makes sense for her business expansion. Jet expresses her disappointment and frustration, feeling that the company should have gone to Luke.

After the show, Jet and Billy share a drink, and Jet compliments Billy's singing. The conversation turns personal as Jet reveals her feelings of inadequacy and her belief that her mother blames her for her sister Emily's death. Billy shares his own painful experience with his absent mother, and they find common ground in their complicated relationships with their families. Jet tries to lighten the mood by teasing Billy about his song, suspecting it is about someone he likes, but Billy remains evasive.

Jet confronts Luke about the list of Mason Construction employees she needs, but Luke is distracted by Cameron's cries and the need to give him medicine. Jet notices inconsistencies in the texts from Sophia on Luke’s phone, suggesting that Sophia was not at the house during the time of the attack as they claimed. This discovery deepens Jet’s suspicion about her family’s involvement in the attack.

Jet and Billy leave Luke’s house, heading to Henry’s residence to gather more information about the company and potential suspects. Jet explains that Henry, who was involved in a serious accident and is now partially blind, might still work for Mason Construction and could provide valuable insights. Upon arriving at Henry’s house, they knock on the door, and despite the sound of a TV inside, no one answers immediately.

Just as Jet is about to knock again, the door suddenly opens, and a gun is pointed directly at her face. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Jet and Billy facing an unexpected and dangerous confrontation.

Just as Jet is about to knock again, the door to Henry’s house suddenly opens, and a gun is pointed directly at her face. Henry, JJ’s brother, mistakes them for someone else. After a tense exchange, he lowers the gun, apologizing but remaining evasive about his reasons for having it. Jet notices recent injuries on Henry, including a bruised cheek and a cut lip, which deepen her suspicions about his involvement in the attack or his knowledge of JJ’s whereabouts.

Jet and Billy press Henry for information about Mason Construction and the hammer used in the attack. Henry denies ever working for the company, contradicting Jet’s memories of him being involved. This inconsistency raises more questions about Henry’s past and his current state. Jet’s frustration grows as Henry continues to deflect and eventually slams the door in their faces, leaving them with more confusion and unanswered questions.

Back at Billy’s apartment, Jet’s condition takes a sudden turn for the worse. She experiences a severe headache and double vision, symptoms that intensify her fear and urgency. Despite her exhaustion, Jet insists on continuing her investigation, but her body betrays her when she discovers she cannot move or feel her right arm. Panicked, she calls for Billy’s help, and they rush to the hospital, where the reality of her deteriorating health hits them both hard.

Dr. Lee delivers the grim news to Jet and Billy at the hospital: the aneurysm has started to leak, a condition known as a sentinel bleed, which often precedes a significant rupture. Jet’s arm is now paralyzed due to nerve damage from the internal bleed. Despite the devastating diagnosis, Jet remains resolute, vowing to solve her own murder and refusing to let the news deter her from her mission.

Back at Billy’s apartment, the atmosphere is tense as Detective Ecker, Chief Lou Jankowski, Jack Finney, and Jet’s parents confront Jet and Billy. The detectives reveal that JJ Lim has been arrested for the assault, citing evidence such as the synthetic red hair from the wig he wore at the Halloween Fair and the fraudulent loan taken out in Jet’s name, which was linked to JJ’s bank account. Jet is skeptical of the police’s conclusion, insisting that loose ends, such as the hammer and the North Street construction site, remain unexplained.

Jet’s family and the police urge her to accept the arrest and focus on enjoying her remaining time, but Jet is determined to continue her investigation. She believes that there are too many unanswered questions and that the police might have jumped to conclusions. Jet and Billy agree to keep digging, starting with Sophia, whom Jet suspects of lying about her whereabouts on the night of the attack.

The chapter ends with Jet and Billy reaffirming their commitment to solving the case, despite the pressure from the police and Jet’s family to stop. Jet’s determination to find the truth, even with one working arm, is unwavering, and she is ready to face whatever comes next.

Still reeling from the grim diagnosis and the police's premature conclusion, Jet and Billy turn their attention to the Ring doorbell camera footage. Jet points out that Sophia visited the house on the day of the attack, ostensibly to retrieve her forgotten phone, but the timestamps and her actions raise suspicions. Jet's skepticism deepens as she recalls similar visits by Sophia in the past, such as on her mother's birthday and the Fourth of July, where Sophia dropped off baked goods and then returned to the house without them. As they delve deeper, Jet and Billy discover that Sophia took and returned Jet’s medication during her visits, further fueling their doubts about her motives.

Jet returns to her family home, accompanied by Billy and her dog, Reggie. She waves to the doorbell camera, a silent message to anyone watching. The house still reeks of chemicals, a stark reminder of the recent crime scene cleanup. Jet greets Reggie with affection, her bond with him a source of comfort in the face of her impending confrontation. She reassures Reggie that Billy will look after him, emphasizing the urgency of their mission to uncover the truth about her attack.

Upstairs, Jet and Billy investigate her bedroom and bathroom, where Jet suspects Sophia may have tampered with her medication. Jet explains her suspicions about Sophia’s ambition and financial motives, recalling her desire to join the wealthy Mason family. Jet hypothesizes that Sophia might have been trying to eliminate her to ensure Luke inherits the family business. In the bathroom, they examine Jet’s medication but find no signs of tampering. However, Jet realizes that if Sophia had been poisoning someone, it would more likely be her father, who takes the same medication.

In her parents’ en suite bathroom, they find her father’s medication. Upon closer inspection, they discover that the capsules have been replaced with salt, a dangerous substance for someone with PKD. Jet explains the severe health risks of ingesting salt for her father, linking this to his recent decline in health. The realization that Sophia has been poisoning her father for months is a shocking and devastating discovery. Jet and Billy flush the tampered pills down the toilet, determined to confront Sophia.

Jet decides to confront Sophia alone, asking Billy to wait down the street. She places her own, untampered medication back in her father’s cabinet, a final gesture of care. Fueled by anger and a sense of justice, Jet prepares to face Sophia and expose her crimes. The chapter ends with Jet and Billy heading to Sophia’s house, bracing for a confrontation that will reveal the true extent of Sophia’s betrayal.

Jet confronts Sophia at her home, her voice trembling with fury as she accuses Sophia of poisoning their father with salt-laced medication to force him into retirement. Sophia admits to tampering with the medication but insists her intention was never to kill him, only to make him sick enough to step down from Mason Construction. Jet’s anger intensifies, realizing the depth of Sophia’s betrayal and her manipulation of the family for her own gain.

Sophia pleads with Jet not to tell Luke about the poisoning, threatening to reveal a secret about Billy Finney if Jet does. Jet, shaken by the threat, leaves Sophia’s house, her anger and frustration boiling over as she destroys the jack-o’-lantern on the porch. She then confronts Luke in his car, demanding the list of Mason Construction employees and questioning his whereabouts during her attack. Luke’s defensive and evasive responses fuel Jet’s suspicion, and she reveals that their father plans to sell the company to Nell Jankowski, not leave it to Luke. Luke’s explosive reaction confirms Jet’s fears, and she walks away, leaving him in a state of rage and despair.

The chapter ends with Jet walking down the darkened street, the sound of Luke’s screams and the car horn following her, highlighting the intense emotional and familial turmoil that has been unleashed.

Still reeling from the confrontation with Sophia, Jet and Billy decide to break into Mason Construction to find the list of employees and uncover the reason for Luke’s evasiveness. Despite her physical limitations, Jet is determined to go through with the plan, and Billy reluctantly agrees to help, serving as the lookout and support. They carefully cover the cameras with duct tape and use Jet’s knowledge of the security system to gain entry.

Inside, Jet navigates the office and accesses Luke’s computer, while Billy searches through the filing cabinets. Jet discovers that Henry Lim and Angie Rice, both known to her, are missing from the payroll and tax filings, suggesting that Luke is engaging in tax fraud by not reporting their employment. Meanwhile, Billy finds evidence of invoice fraud involving an overcharged marble countertop for Gerry Clay’s house, further implicating Luke in financial misconduct.

The investigation deepens as they uncover documents related to the North Street project, where a worker, likely Henry, was seriously injured in an accident. This leads to the realization that Henry’s injury was not an accident but a result of unsafe working conditions, and that Luke might be withholding necessary insurance coverage. The chapter builds tension as Jet and Billy connect the dots, suggesting that Henry might have a strong motive to harm Jet to punish Luke or seek financial compensation.

Suddenly, the fire alarm goes off, and the smell of smoke fills the air, indicating a potential fire. Jet and Billy are forced to confront the immediate danger, adding a layer of urgency and fear to their already perilous situation.

Smoke and heat engulf the office as Jet and Billy realize they are trapped in Mason Construction. Billy grabs Jet, pulling her back into action, and they run through the burning office, dodging falling debris and flames. They reach a door leading to a stairwell, but it is jammed shut, and the floor begins to collapse, forcing them to find another escape route.

Jet and Billy manage to break through another door, leading to a stairwell that is relatively clear of smoke. As they attempt to escape, the building continues to collapse around them. Jet realizes that the fire was deliberately set, adding a layer of urgency to their desperate flight. They make their way to the back of the building, where Jet breaks a window in her father’s office and climbs out onto a lean-to roof. Billy, who had initially escaped, returns to help her, and they both jump down to safety.

Once outside, they watch the building burn, the sirens of emergency services growing louder. Jet and Billy decide to leave before the authorities arrive. Back at Billy’s apartment, Jet takes a cold shower to wash away the smoke and soothe her burns. Struggling to dry herself with one hand, she breaks down emotionally, confessing her fear of dying to Billy. Billy holds her close, offering comfort as she cries, and the chapter ends with a sense of shared vulnerability and resolve.

Still reeling from the near-fatal fire at Mason Construction, Jet and Billy head to Henry’s house. Jet confronts Henry about his connection to the construction company and the events leading to his injury. She reveals that she has uncovered evidence of Luke paying Henry off the books and the true nature of his accident at the North Street construction site, which left him severely injured and financially strained. Henry confirms Jet’s findings, admitting that Luke threatened him into silence and physically assaulted him on Halloween night to prevent him from seeking help from Jet’s father. Despite the threats, Henry provides an alibi for both himself and Luke, clearing them as suspects in Jet’s attack.

Jet meets with Chief Jankowski and Jack, who inform her that Mason Construction has been destroyed by arson. The chief explains that an accelerant was used, and the building burned quickly, raising suspicions about the connection to Jet’s murder. Jet, who was present during the fire, feigns surprise and avoids revealing her involvement, claiming she was at Billy’s apartment all night.

As the conversation continues, the topic shifts to the arrest of JJ Lim. Jet presses the chief and Jack for more information about the case, and Jack reassures her that they are moving forward with charging JJ, despite the lack of a confession. Jet’s parents and Gerry Clay are waiting outside, and her father reveals that Luke has been at the scene all night, deeply affected by the destruction of the company.

Jet’s mother, Dianne, dismisses the idea that the fire is related to a past incident involving a prankster who hijacked a Town Hall meeting and used a cat filter to threaten the Mason family. Gerry insists that the cat prankster might be a suspect, and Jet pushes for more information. Dianne reluctantly admits that the incident occurred about a year ago, and Gerry offers to show the recorded meeting to Jack.

Jet and Billy leave the station, planning to investigate the cat prankster as a new lead. Jet promises her mother she will come home for dinner the next day, softening her stance despite the ongoing tension with her family. Outside, Jet and Billy share a moment of mutual understanding and excitement about the new lead. Jet feels a renewed resolve to solve her own murder, even as the clock ticks down.

Still reeling from the arson at Mason Construction, Jet and Billy dive into old Town Hall meeting recordings, hoping to uncover leads on the cat prankster who threatened the Mason family. Jet notices that her mother, Dianne, must have voted for Lou Jankowski to become the new chief of police, despite the assumption that she would vote for Billy's father. This unexpected revelation momentarily distracts them, but Jet quickly refocuses on the cat prankster.

During a November 2024 meeting, a mysterious user named 'Anon' joins the Zoom call, appearing as a cat with a distorted voice. The cat specifically targets Dianne, accusing her of unethical practices with Mason Construction and threatening to reveal a secret known only to Emily, Jet's deceased sister. The cat's message causes a stir in the meeting, with Dianne reacting with panic and urgency. Jet and Billy are stunned by the revelation and the intensity of Dianne's reaction.

Jet and Billy notice a pinkish blur in the background of the cat's video, which they identify as a rose gold MacBook Air. This clue leads them to believe the cat might be a woman. Further analysis of the video reveals a view of River Street, confirming that the cat was in a house on North Street, which was later demolished. Jet realizes that the cat was Nina Smith, Andrew Smith's daughter, who had a deep grudge against the Mason family for the loss of their home.

Jet and Billy deduce that Nina's threats were serious, and Dianne's reaction suggests that the secret was significant. They connect this to Nina's suicide and the recent arson at Mason Construction. Jet is determined to uncover the secret, believing it might be the key to understanding her own attack. They decide to investigate Nina's belongings, which Andrew might still have, to find more evidence.

Jet and Billy infiltrate Dr. Mandrake’s Dive Bar to access Andrew Smith’s apartment. Billy distracts Andrew by buying him more beer, while Jet sneaks into the apartment to find a laptop that might hold clues about Nina Smith’s threats against the Mason family. The apartment is in disarray, and Jet finds a box labeled with Nina’s name, containing her hoodie, photographs, and a rose gold MacBook Air.

Back at Billy’s apartment, Jet successfully logs into Nina’s Gmail and Facebook accounts. They discover a series of messages between Nina and Emily Mason, Jet’s deceased sister. The messages reveal that Emily had intended to tell Nina a secret about Luke, but never got the chance before her death. This secret, which Nina threatened to reveal during the Town Hall meeting, adds a new layer of complexity to the investigation.

The chapter ends with Jet and Billy grappling with the implications of Emily’s messages. Jet is torn between the possibility that the secret is related to her sister’s death and the need to focus on solving her own murder. Billy’s support and the new leads they’ve uncovered strengthen their resolve to uncover the truth.

Still reeling from the discovery of Emily’s messages, Jet and Billy return to Dr. Mandrake’s Dive Bar. Billy distracts Andrew Smith by buying him more beer while Jet slips into Andrew’s apartment to find a laptop. However, Billy’s boss, Allison, confronts him about missing shifts, and Billy explains that he has something more important to attend to. Feeling guilty, Jet stops Billy from getting into more trouble and suggests they just walk together, without a specific destination or purpose.

As they walk, Jet and Billy share a moment of vulnerability. Jet reflects on her past relationship with JJ, revealing that she gave up on him because she felt he would resent her for not achieving her dreams. Billy shares his own thoughts about leaving Woodstock, but acknowledges that something always kept him there. The conversation turns to the concept of finding one’s person and the importance of genuine love and support.

They lie down on the grass in The Green, gazing at the stars. Jet points out a constellation that looks like a frog, and they share a moment of pure joy and laughter. The chapter ends with Jet lying in bed, smiling, and calling out a goodnight to Billy, feeling a sense of contentment and connection.

Jet and Billy return to Jet’s family home, where Reggie greets them enthusiastically. Jet reflects on the emptiness of the house, noting that her mother is not there despite urging her to come home. They decide to wait for her, and Jet, despite her physical limitations, leads the way to the pool area, a place steeped in tragic memories. The pool is now covered, but the echo of the past lingers, and Jet asks Billy to recount the day Emily drowned.

Billy describes the day in detail, recalling how he and Luke played soccer while their parents tended to the garden. He mentions a peculiar detail: Luke’s arms were already scratched up before they entered the bushes to retrieve a soccer ball, and Billy thinks he detected the smell of chlorine on Luke’s hair. These observations, combined with the police’s questions about the scratches, raise suspicions about Luke’s involvement in Emily’s death. Jet, though hesitant, presses Billy for more details, sensing the significance of these memories.

Jet and Billy then visit Billy’s house to search through his mother’s old belongings, hoping to find any notes or records that might shed light on Emily’s final days. In the attic, they discover a planner from 2008, the year Emily died. On the page for May 31, the day Emily drowned, Mrs. Finney wrote, ‘He was already wet. Before.’ This note, along with Billy’s recollections, suggests that Luke might have been in the pool before they found Emily, potentially implicating him in her death. The realization is overwhelming, and Jet and Billy sit in the attic, the gravity of their discovery settling over them. Jet, who has long carried guilt over Emily’s death, begins to see a different perspective. Billy, holding her hand, reassures her that it was never her fault. The chapter sets the stage for a deeper investigation into the past and the potential connection between Luke’s actions and the current events.

Sophia storms into the Masons’ house, her face flushed with anger, confronting Jet and Billy. She is livid that Jet told Luke about the poisoned pills. Defending Luke, Sophia insists he saved the company from bankruptcy, but Jet counters with accusations of fraud and tax evasion. The tension reaches a boiling point when Sophia reveals that Jet’s manipulation of Billy’s mother to change her grade led to Mrs. Finney’s departure, a devastating blow to Billy.

Overwhelmed by the betrayal, Billy turns and walks away, refusing to hear Jet’s explanations. She had needed a 3.5 GPA to get into Dartmouth and had used Emily’s memory to guilt Mrs. Finney into helping her. Sophia taunts Jet, and in a moment of rage, Jet wishes that Sophia will always be unhappy. Determined not to lose Billy, Jet chases after him, but her pursuit is cut short by the arrival of Chief Lou Jankowski and Jack Finney.

Jet is arrested on suspicion of second-degree arson, a charge she vehemently denies, citing her limited time to live. Panicked, she flees from the police, leading to a high-speed chase through the town. Despite her physical limitations, Jet manages to evade the police temporarily, but is eventually cornered and apprehended. The chapter ends with Jet being handcuffed and arrested, her last hope and time slipping away.

Jet is booked at the police station, her left hand cuffed and her right hand immobilized. Accused of setting the fire at Mason Construction, she protests her innocence, but the evidence, including a photograph of her truck near the scene, seems to implicate her. Chief Jankowski and Jack Finney interrogate her, pushing for a confession, but Jet maintains she was with Billy at the time of the fire.

During the interrogation, Jet realizes that Luke was the witness who provided the photograph of her truck. Driven by a deep-seated rage and a sense of betrayal, she accuses Luke of setting the fire and framing her. The chief and Jack remain unconvinced, and Jet is informed that she will be held for up to forty-eight hours while the prosecutor decides whether to file charges. Overwhelmed and desperate, Jet is led to a holding cell, where she breaks down, feeling that her time is running out and that she will die alone in the cell.

Later, Jet is given a phone call, and she chooses to call Billy, despite the suggestion to call her father. She leaves a heartfelt voicemail, apologizing for her actions and expressing her gratitude for the time they spent together. Jet reflects on the small moments and the joy she found with Billy, realizing that these moments were more meaningful than her obsession with proving herself. After the call, Mr. Finney allows her to write letters, and she begins to write her goodbyes, starting with a letter to her mother, her handwriting slow and clumsy but determined.

The chapter ends with Jet writing her letters, finding a sense of closure and peace, even as she faces the possibility of spending her last hours in the cell. Her bravery and acceptance in the face of her impending death highlight her growth and the impact of her recent experiences.

Waking up in her jail cell, Jet is still alive but in pain. Mr. Finney informs her that she is free to go, thanks to a witness who corroborated her account. Initially disbelieving, Jet is eventually convinced and leaves the station, feeling a mix of relief and uncertainty about what lies ahead.

Outside, Billy is waiting for her, having received her voicemail. They share a heartfelt reunion, with Billy admitting he was prepared to sell his guitar and her truck to get her out. Jet and Billy reconcile, acknowledging their mutual feelings and the importance of their time together. They decide to continue their investigation into Luke’s involvement in the arson and possibly Emily’s death.

Jet calls Luke, who is at the burned-down Mason Construction site. They drive to the site, where Jet confronts Luke about the arson and his role in Emily’s death. Luke initially denies any wrongdoing but eventually confesses to drowning Emily in a fit of rage after she revealed that he was not their father’s biological son. Despite her anger and the revelation, Jet lowers her gun and walks away, placing a tracking device in Luke’s pocket.

The chapter ends with Jet and Billy driving home, the tension of the confrontation lingering as they process the new information and the implications for their future.

Still reeling from the revelations at the burned-down Mason Construction site, Jet and Billy are tense as they wait for Luke to make a move. Jet, using a tracking device she placed in Luke’s pocket, is convinced that Luke’s real father is her killer and that he will lead them to him. She outlines two possible suspects: Andrew Smith and Lou Jankowski, the chief of police. Jet believes Andrew might have helped Luke kill Emily and could be using Luke to gain access to Mason Construction’s wealth, while Lou Jankowski could be Luke’s biological father, driven by financial gain from the company.

As they wait, Jet’s condition worsens, and she struggles with double vision and the sensation of spiders crawling in her head. Her doubts about Luke’s motives and the potential suspects intensify. Billy remains supportive but is visibly shaken by the gravity of the situation. Jet’s resolve to solve her murder remains unshaken, even as her health deteriorates.

The tension escalates when Jet discovers that the murder weapon, a hammer, is missing from Billy’s tool kit, matching the description of the hammer used in her attack. Jet confronts Billy, accusing him of being her killer. Billy is devastated and denies the accusation, but Jet’s trust is shattered. The emotional and physical strain on Jet reaches a breaking point, and she collapses, experiencing severe seizures.

Billy holds Jet as she convulses, and she realizes that despite the evidence, she trusts Billy and knows he is not her killer. Jet’s focus shifts to ensuring that her letters are delivered and that Billy will continue to seek justice for her. She expresses her love for Billy and the importance of reading her letter, which contains her final thoughts and instructions. The chapter ends with Jet’s condition worsening, and Billy’s promise to fulfill her final wishes.

Billy confronts his father, Chief Lou Jankowski, at his house, revealing his knowledge of the affair with Dianne Mason and the truth about Luke being his son. Accusing his father of killing Jet to protect Luke and to take revenge on Scott Mason, Billy demands a confession. Initially denying the accusations, Chief Jankowski is forced to admit his guilt when Billy pulls out a gun, his voice trembling with rage.

Just as the tension reaches its peak, Luke arrives unexpectedly, having overheard the entire confrontation. Enraged by the betrayal and the truth about Jet's murder, Luke confronts his father, his face contorted with anger and grief. Chief Jankowski, seeing his sons united against him, tries to defend his actions, claiming he did it for Luke. However, Luke, overwhelmed with emotion, grabs the gun and chases after his father, who flees the house. Billy follows, pleading with Luke to stop, but Luke, driven by a mix of fury and sorrow, shoots his father twice, killing him.

Dianne, Scott, and Sophia emerge from the house, finding Chief Jankowski dead on the ground. The air is thick with the weight of the consequences of their actions, as Billy and Luke are left to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy.