Summit Lake

On a cold winter night in Summit Lake, Becca Eckersley leaves a cafe feeling relieved after sharing an important secret with someone. She returns to her parents' stilt house by the lake, where she takes a shower and settles in to study Constitutional Law, unaware of the danger lurking outside. Earlier that evening, while she was showering, someone had attempted to break in, testing the door's strength.

After an hour of studying, Becca hears knocking at the door. Expecting someone she knows, she disables the alarm and opens the door, only to be violently attacked by an intruder who forces his way inside. The attacker drags her through the mudroom and kitchen, causing chaos as she desperately fights back, knocking over furniture and breaking dishes in the process. The struggle continues into the family room, where she sustains serious injuries including a head wound.

The attack escalates into a brutal sexual assault as the intruder pins Becca down and strangles her. Despite her fierce resistance, she eventually loses the strength to fight back, drifting in and out of consciousness as the assault continues. The chapter ends with Becca lying motionless on the floor after her attacker flees through the sliding glass door, leaving it open to the cold night air. In her final moments of consciousness, she focuses on the lighthouse beam in the distance while hearing approaching sirens, knowing that help will arrive too late to save her.

Kelsey Castle makes a quiet, early morning return to work at Events Magazine following a leave of absence, attempting to avoid attention and concerned colleagues by sneaking in through the back entrance. She finds her editor Penn Courtney waiting in her office, revealing that she's returning earlier than expected from what was supposed to be a six-week break.

Penn presents Kelsey with an assignment to investigate Becca's murder in Summit Lake, a small tourist town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The case has begun attracting national attention due to the victim's wealthy family background and her father's prominence as an attorney. Penn explains that this is the first recorded homicide in Summit Lake's history, and the police currently have no leads, suspects, or persons of interest.

Despite initially resisting what she perceives as special treatment, Kelsey becomes intrigued by the assignment. Penn reveals his larger plan: he wants her to uncover the truth before other media outlets descend on the small town and make it impossible to gather information from locals. He arranges for her to stay in a five-star hotel with all expenses paid for up to a month, with the story planned for the May edition of Events Magazine. The assignment appears to serve both as a compelling investigation and a way for Penn to help Kelsey ease back into work after her personal struggles.

Fourteen months before her death, Becca sits in the George Washington University library studying with her close-knit group of friends: Gail Moss (her roommate), Jack, and Brad Reynolds. Their unusual dynamic as two guys and two girls who maintain a purely platonic friendship becomes the topic of discussion, with Gail pointing out how others find their relationship strange.

The group's interaction reveals their shared ambitions in law and politics, with Brad particularly vocal about his plans to challenge the corrupt system of tort law - specifically targeting his own father's practice. Brad's relationship with his father emerges as complex and strained, with Becca understanding the deeper motivations behind his rebellious plans. Through Becca's perspective, we learn that both their fathers know each other professionally, with Brad's father hosting annual hunting weekends for wealthy lawyers.

The scene shifts to the 19th Bar in Foggy Bottom, where the friends continue their evening. The conversation turns to holiday plans, with Gail inviting everyone to her family's Florida home for Christmas. While most decline due to family obligations, Brad considers the offer, revealing his difficult relationship with his father. The chapter ends with the group making tentative plans for spring break, highlighting their carefree attitude and close friendship just months before the tragic events to come.

Kelsey Castle begins exploring Summit Lake through an early morning jog, taking in the local landmarks and geography. The peaceful dawn reminds her of childhood memories with her grandfather and their special tradition of dancing in sunny rainstorms on her birthday - a memory that takes on new significance when a similar rain begins to fall during her exploration.

From her vantage point on a mountain bluff overlooking the waterfall, Kelsey surveys the layout of Summit Lake. The town reveals itself as a picturesque tourist destination, with Maple Street serving as the main thoroughfare, flanked by the Winchester Hotel to the north and St. Patrick's Church to the south. The lake stretches to the east, while mountains frame the western edge, with distinctive stilt houses arranged in arcing rows along the waterfront.

Though Penn assigned this case as a gentle way to ease her back into work after her five-week absence, Kelsey finds herself already fully immersed in her investigative mindset. Having spent the weekend in Miami researching the Eckersley case, she's now actively plotting her investigation strategy. While the peaceful town seems an unlikely setting for murder, Kelsey senses there's a story waiting to be uncovered. She acknowledges that while the case might serve as a welcome distraction, she'll eventually need to face her own demons through self-reflection - something she typically avoids.

Fourteen months before Becca's death, intimate late-night conversations between her and Brad Reynolds in his bedroom reveal the depth of their unique but platonic relationship. Their regular nights spent discussing futures, dreams of becoming lawyers, and personal preferences remain private from their other friends, Gail and Jack, creating a special dynamic between just the two of them.

Through Brad's perspective, we learn of his deep romantic feelings for Becca, which he has kept hidden for years. Their only romantic encounter occurred during their freshman year when they shared a drunken kiss, but they never discussed it afterward. Brad's internal monologue reveals his patient approach to their relationship, hoping that something might naturally develop after graduation when they're away from college and their friend group.

Brad's efforts to help Becca with her struggling Business Law grade drive him to desperate measures. After finding one of Becca's notes in his collection of mementos, Brad obtains a key to Professor Morton's office from a student named Mike Swagger. Despite Jack's skepticism about the key's authenticity and warnings about potential consequences, Brad remains determined to break into the professor's office to steal the final exam, primarily motivated by his desire to help Becca improve her grade.

Kelsey fights through her lingering fears of isolation during an early morning jog to the waterfall, determined to begin her investigation despite her trauma. At the falls, she meets Rae, a local who recognizes her as a journalist and warns her about the town's protective nature regarding the Eckersley case. Their conversation reveals growing tension in Summit Lake over the police's tight-lipped handling of the investigation.

Kelsey then visits the Summit Lake Police Department, where she meets Commander Stan Ferguson. During their discussion, Ferguson reveals critical details about the night of Becca's murder, including the timeline of events and security system logs that suggest Becca knew her killer. The evidence shows Becca arrived at the house around 3 PM, left briefly, and returned around 7 PM, with the final security code entry occurring around 8 PM when she presumably opened the door for her attacker.

In a surprising turn, Ferguson provides Kelsey with his complete case file, expressing frustration that state investigators have taken over the investigation and effectively sidelined his department. He reveals that Becca's father, using his political connections, has been controlling the flow of information about the case, possibly to protect his upcoming judgeship. Ferguson believes Becca was hiding something significant, noting that her social media and email accounts were quickly scrubbed after her death. He advises Kelsey to begin her investigation at the coffeehouse, the last place Becca was seen alive, while staying under the radar of the state investigators.

Fourteen months before her death, Becca navigates a complex relationship with Professor Thom Jorgensen. Though no longer technically his student, she maintains a friendship that walks a fine line of propriety, including occasional coffee meetings and text messages. During a breakfast meeting, Jorgensen reveals he's leaving GWU for Cornell and suggests they meet for dinner after he's no longer employed by the university, hinting at romantic interest that makes Becca uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, Brad and Jack execute their planned break-in at Professor Morton's office. Using the key Mike Swagger provided, they successfully infiltrate the building and photograph multiple years' worth of Business Law final exams. The pair takes extensive precautions, wearing surgical gloves and developing a cover story in case they're caught, but manage to complete their mission without detection.

The following morning, Brad and Jack reveal their successful heist to Becca and Gail over breakfast at Founding Farmers. While Gail faces teasing about her late-night encounter with a Sig Ep fraternity member, Brad proudly shows the stolen exam photos to the group. The chapter concludes with a private conversation between Jack and Becca in the library, where Jack chooses not to use the stolen exam to study. Their discussion reveals ongoing tension with Becca's ex-boyfriend Richard, who has been causing her distress by attempting to reconnect during finals week.

On her third day in Summit Lake, Kelsey visits Millie's Coffee House, the last place Becca was seen alive. While there, she overhears locals debating various theories about Becca's murder, with some believing it was a random attack and others convinced there was more to the story. She encounters Rae again, who now reveals she works at the coffee house and was present on the day of Becca's murder.

Through her conversation with Rae, Kelsey learns that Livvy Houston, the cafe's owner, was likely the last person to speak with Becca before her death. This connection proves significant as Livvy is revealed to be friends with Becca's parents. However, since Becca's murder, Livvy has withdrawn from managing the cafe and become reclusive, though she still lives in town. Rae provides limited information about the day of the murder, noting that Becca spent several hours studying alone at the cafe.

Following her coffee house investigation, Kelsey visits the local hospital to meet with Dr. Peter Ambrose, attempting to gain access to Becca's medical records and autopsy report. Though initially resistant due to privacy regulations, Dr. Ambrose becomes intrigued by Kelsey's suggestion of a possible cover-up. Despite being unable to directly share records, he agrees to review the files himself and meet with Kelsey the following evening at Water's Edge to discuss his findings.

Fourteen months before Becca's death, on December 21, 2010, she heads to her final Business Law exam. Despite having memorized the stolen test, Becca's nervousness stems not from the exam but from her decision to finally reveal romantic feelings she's harbored secretly for three years. She contemplates how graduation will free her from the social constraints of college, allowing her to openly date the person she loves.

After the exam, the friend group meets at the 19th Bar to celebrate the end of their second-to-last semester. During their celebration, concerns arise about the widespread distribution of the stolen exam, as Brad had shared it beyond their immediate circle. Jack expresses particular worry about the suspicious pattern of students finishing the two-hour exam in just thirty minutes, fearing potential consequences if Professor Morton notices the anomaly.

Later that night, after Gail and Jack leave, Brad and Becca share an intimate conversation in her apartment. Brad attempts to express his romantic feelings for Becca but struggles to find the right words. The conversation reveals that they had previously shared a closer relationship with frequent late-night talks, but their dynamic changed after the previous summer. While Brad internally acknowledges his love for Becca, he only manages to express how much he values their friendship and misses their former closeness. The chapter ends with Brad falling asleep next to Becca, imagining their future as a couple and believing next year will be different.

Kelsey's investigation takes her to the home of Mildred 'Millie' Mays, Livvy Houston's elderly mother and the original owner of Millie's Coffee House. Though Livvy has withdrawn from public life due to constant questioning about Becca's murder, Millie proves to be a valuable source of information about the deep connections between the Houston and Eckersley families.

Millie reveals the historical ties between the families, explaining how Livvy and her husband Nicholas introduced the Eckersleys to Summit Lake years ago. She shares that Livvy had been a significant presence in Becca's life since childhood, often babysitting her in Greensboro. The conversation also reveals that the Eckersleys haven't returned to their stilt house since Becca's murder and plan to sell it, though Millie suspects the property's dark history will make it difficult to find buyers.

The most significant revelation comes when Millie discusses Becca's final visit to the coffee house. According to Millie, Livvy noticed something was troubling Becca that day, and after some hesitation, Millie shares a shocking secret: Becca had recently married someone from law school, a fact she had hidden from her parents. This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to the investigation, as even after Becca's death, this information had remained concealed from her family.

Brad prepares to head home for Christmas break, revealing his troubled relationship with his father to Jack. During their goodbye, Brad's unusual demeanor prompts them to have lunch at McFadden's, where Brad makes a shocking confession: he's in love with Becca. Brad explains their intimate but platonic relationship, describing late-night conversations and his belief that she reciprocates his feelings, though she hasn't explicitly said so. Jack expresses skepticism about Brad's interpretation of their relationship and suggests his friend might be emotional due to various stressors.

Jack attempts to counsel Brad, suggesting he wait until after the break to make any declarations of love. Their conversation reveals Brad's intention to confess his feelings to Becca after the holidays, despite Jack's reservations. The discussion shows the complex dynamics within their friend group and Brad's conviction that he and Becca would be perfect together, even as Jack questions whether Becca shares these romantic feelings.

The chapter concludes with an unexpected twist as Jack rushes to catch a flight, ultimately revealing that he and Becca are actually in a relationship. The scene at the airport shows Jack desperately making his way to the plane, where Becca is waiting for him in the adjacent seat. Their interaction confirms they're a couple, with Becca reassuring Jack that her parents will love him, ending with a kiss that Jack, still catching his breath, barely returns.

Kelsey's revelatory conversation with Millie Mays about Becca's secret marriage leads her to arrange a dinner meeting with Dr. Peter Ambrose at the Water's Edge restaurant to discuss Becca's medical records. During their unexpectedly personal encounter, Peter reveals that accessing Becca's medical records required special clearance, as they had been elevated to restricted status. More troublingly, he discovers that the records were unsigned and modified twice after Becca's death, suggesting possible tampering with the official documentation.

Peter shares devastating details about Becca's final hours, revealing that she died from a brutally fractured trachea caused by strangulation. The attack was particularly vicious, with evidence of rape, pulled hair, defensive wounds, and head trauma from falling. Through his contact at the Buchanan County Government Center, Peter obtained an unofficial synopsis of the autopsy report that differs significantly from the version planned for public release - notably omitting the sexual assault. The evidence collected includes semen, hair (both long and from a beard), and wool fiber samples that could easily identify the killer through DNA.

Back at the Winchester Hotel, Kelsey reviews Commander Ferguson's evidence inventory list and notices a crucial discrepancy - despite Millie's mention of Becca writing in a journal on her final day, no journal appears among the collected evidence. Later that night, Kelsey experiences her first nightmare since arriving in Summit Lake, triggered by learning about Becca's rape. The dream, which morphs between Becca's murder scene and Kelsey's own traumatic experience in Miami, reveals that Kelsey herself is a survivor of a violent attack, explaining her recent leave of absence and ongoing struggle with recovery.

Jack and Becca arrive in Charlotte, where Jack meets the Eckersley parents for the first time. During the car ride, the tension between Jack's career aspirations and the expectations of others becomes apparent. While Becca proudly shares Jack's achievements, including his Stanford Law School acceptance and his work writing speeches for Senator Ward, Jack remains modest and somewhat uncomfortable discussing his future plans, especially his desire to become a political speechwriter rather than practice law.

The conversation reveals the complex dynamics at play, as Mr. Eckersley, a prominent lawyer himself, subtly pushes the value of a legal career. Meanwhile, Jack grapples with the knowledge that Brad is in love with Becca, adding another layer of complication to their secret relationship. When Mr. Eckersley questions their decision to keep their relationship private, Becca deflects, though it's clear the situation weighs heavily on Jack.

Upon arriving in Summit Lake, Jack experiences the Eckersleys' mountain retreat for the first time, seeing the stilt houses illuminated with Christmas lights and participating in the town's holiday traditions. The chapter ends with Jack reflecting on the stark differences between his modest upbringing in Green Bay and Becca's privileged lifestyle, leading him to question what he can offer her in the future. Despite his doubts about pursuing a conventional legal career, he remains determined to follow his dreams of becoming a speechwriter, even if it means a less financially secure future.

Kelsey takes a pre-dawn jog to the lighthouse on her fifth day in Summit Lake, seeking solitude to contemplate the revelation about Becca's secret marriage. While watching the sunrise, she considers various possibilities for why Becca might have kept her marriage hidden from her parents, ranging from parental disapproval to a potentially scandalous relationship with an older man. The lighthouse provides her with a clear view of the Eckersley house, reinforcing her determination to locate Becca's missing journal.

Commander Ferguson meets Kelsey at the Eckersley house, allowing her to examine the crime scene. As she walks through the kitchen where the attack occurred, Kelsey experiences an unsettling recognition of Becca's final moments, drawing painful parallels with her own recent assault in Miami. This visit forces her to confront her own trauma and unanswered questions, suggesting that Penn's assignment might have been strategically chosen to help her healing process through investigating a similar case.

During their subsequent discussion, Kelsey shares her discovery about Becca's secret marriage with Ferguson. The commander points out a significant discrepancy: no marriage certificate exists in any database, which would be legally required even for ceremonies performed in Vegas or abroad. They theorize that Becca might have been killed before she and her spouse could officially file their marriage certificate. The conversation turns to Becca's missing journal, which Ferguson confirms was never logged into evidence, despite reports of Becca writing in it shortly before her death. The chapter ends with Ferguson's insight that discovering a secret is less important than understanding why it was kept secret in the first place.

Jack and Becca spend three days in Summit Lake after Christmas, enjoying quiet time together and family dinners. During a private dinner on their last night, they discuss their future together, revealing stark differences in their backgrounds and lifestyles. While Becca comes from wealth with multiple homes and boats, Jack expresses concern about their different economic circumstances and his ability to provide a comparable lifestyle on a public servant's salary.

Their dinner is interrupted by Richard Walker, Becca's ex-boyfriend from high school, leading to a tense encounter. Richard's condescending attitude and attempts to speak privately with Becca create an awkward situation, culminating in Jack deliberately calling him 'Dick' and establishing his position as Becca's current boyfriend. The interaction reveals ongoing tension from Richard's inability to accept the end of his relationship with Becca.

The evening takes a dramatic turn when they return home to find Brad waiting at the stilt house. The situation quickly deteriorates as Brad, who had come to declare his love for Becca, discovers her secret relationship with Jack. The revelation that Jack and Becca have been together since summer devastates Brad, who feels betrayed by both his friends. Despite Becca's attempts to explain their friendship versus her romantic relationship with Jack, Brad leaves abruptly, refusing to stay and discuss the matter further.

Kelsey's restless night leads her through Summit Lake's quiet streets at 4:45 AM, where she encounters Rae preparing to open Millie's Coffee House for the day. Their early morning conversation reveals Rae's passion for running the cafe and her plans to take over ownership from Livvy Houston, who has completely withdrawn from the business. During their discussion, Rae demonstrates keen awareness of the town's gossip, including Kelsey's recent dinner with Dr. Peter Ambrose.

As their conversation deepens, Kelsey opens up to Rae about her own recent assault in Miami, revealing that she was attacked while jogging and barely survived a violent assault similar to Becca's. This confession explains Kelsey's leave of absence and her deep connection to Becca's case. She shares that walking through the Eckersley house has forced her to confront her trauma and question why she survived while Becca did not.

The conversation concludes with Rae offering to help with the investigation, revealing that local gossip suggests Becca kept a journal - the same journal Kelsey recently discovered was missing from the evidence inventory. Rae's insider position as the cafe's manager gives her access to town gossip that could prove valuable to the investigation, establishing a new potential source of information for Kelsey's investigation.

The revelation of Jack and Becca's relationship over Christmas break has transformed the spring semester into a minefield of awkward encounters and careful avoidance between Brad and his former friends. Despite Becca's offer to help Jack find new housing, he remains in the apartment with Brad due to financial constraints, dealing with his roommate's cold shoulder and closed doors. Meanwhile, the trio's academic futures take shape as Becca receives acceptance to George Washington Law, Gail to Stanford, and Jack to Harvard, though their celebrations are overshadowed by the looming consequences of the stolen exam.

The Business Law exam theft has finally caught up with them, as word spreads that 74 of the 122 seniors in Professor Morton's class had access to the stolen test. As the university launches an investigation, pressure mounts on students with law school acceptances and political aspirations to reveal what they know. The administration's strategy of using law school acceptance letters as leverage proves effective in getting students to talk, leading the investigation directly to Brad and Jack.

Faced with inevitable consequences, Jack makes the noble decision to take full responsibility for the theft, insisting to Brad that only one of them needs to face punishment. His reasoning is pragmatic - he has less to lose than Brad, coming from a modest background with no demanding father to answer to, and his true ambition lies in speechwriting rather than law. The chapter concludes with the revelation that Becca has been accepted to Cornell Law but is hesitant to celebrate given the circumstances. Jack's final conversation with Becca reveals his deeper motivation for taking the blame: protecting not just Brad, but Becca and Gail from potential consequences if the investigation were to expand beyond the initial theft.

Kelsey's investigation in Summit Lake becomes deeply personal as she reflects on her own assault in Miami and the healing process that followed. Through self-help books and introspection, she has recognized the common patterns among survivors - isolation, fear, anger toward men, and sleepless nights. Though she initially withdrew from the world, her time in Summit Lake has gradually pushed her to reclaim lost pieces of herself, like running, even as memories of the attack still surface unexpectedly.

This personal understanding fuels her determination to uncover the truth about Becca's murder. Partnering with Peter Ambrose, she plans a covert operation at the Buchanan County Government Center. Over dinner, their professional collaboration deepens as Kelsey shares her discoveries about Becca's secret marriage and missing journal, while Peter reveals his growing personal investment in both her and the case. Their conversation also illuminates Kelsey's relationship with Penn Courtney, whom she sees as a father figure who sent her to Summit Lake as much for her own recovery as for the investigation.

Their late-night break-in yields crucial evidence when they access Becca's complete autopsy and toxicology reports. The documents reveal DNA evidence from a single attacker that doesn't match samples from Becca's male relatives or construction workers. Most shocking of all, the toxicology report shows hCG levels indicating Becca was pregnant at the time of her murder. A janitor's unexpected presence adds dangerous tension to their illegal search, but they escape with information that could transform the investigation.

Back at the university, the fallout from the Business Law exam scandal reaches its conclusion as the administration implements strategic punishments. While most students are allowed to retake the exam, Jack receives a failing grade that won't prevent his graduation but threatens his Harvard acceptance. The administration's approach reveals their calculated strategy: allowing wealthy students whose parents might protest to retake the exam while ensuring visible punishment for those who won't cause institutional problems.

The situation takes a darker turn when Brad reveals he's been rejected from all Ivy League law schools, with only the University of Maryland accepting him. This devastating news, which he had kept secret, represents not just an academic setback but a profound personal failure in relation to his father's expectations. Jack, Becca, and Gail attempt to organize an intervention for their struggling friend, planning to wait at Jack's apartment to confront the issues that have divided their once-close group.

The chapter culminates in a tragic discovery when Jack receives a cryptic text message from Brad stating 'You took her from me, Jack. But I guess she was never really mine.' Upon returning to the apartment with Becca and Gail, they find Brad has died by suicide, his body hanging in the apartment. The devastating scene brings the complex web of relationships, secrets, and pressures to a tragic conclusion, with Jack's final memory being Brad's feet suspended above an overturned chair.

On her eighth day in Summit Lake, Kelsey visits the waterfall at dawn, contemplating the newly discovered information about Becca's pregnancy. During her morning reflection, she's joined by Rae, who offers a heartfelt hug in delayed response to Kelsey's earlier revelation about her assault in Miami. Their interaction marks a deepening friendship as they discuss both personal matters and the investigation while sitting with their feet in the naturally warm lagoon water.

The conversation between Kelsey and Rae reveals significant developments in the investigation, including their shared determination to locate Becca's missing journal. Rae shares her conversation with Millie Mays, whose cryptic response about the journal - 'How could they have?' - suggests she knows its location. Meanwhile, Rae playfully teases Kelsey about her growing connection with Dr. Peter Ambrose, though Kelsey insists their relationship remains purely professional and focused on the investigation.

The chapter culminates at Millie's Coffee House, where Kelsey encounters the local gossip group who eagerly share their theories about Becca's murder. Their primary theory suggests Becca was involved with a high-profile attorney in a scandalous relationship that ended badly. Most significantly, the group's mention of Becca's journal confirms that knowledge of its existence is widespread in the community, leading Kelsey and Rae to realize they must act quickly to find it before law enforcement does.

Nine months before her murder, Becca and Jack navigate the aftermath of Brad's suicide during GWU's graduation weekend. While the campus buzzes with activity as parents arrive for commencement and rumors circulate about the Vice President's upcoming speech, most students have moved past the tragedy from the previous month. However, Becca and Jack remain haunted by guilt and responsibility, particularly after learning the contents of Brad's final text message to Jack: 'You took her from me, Jack. But I guess she was never really mine' - words that reveal the depth of Brad's despair over losing Becca.

The stolen exam scandal continues to devastate their futures, with Jack receiving formal rejection from Harvard Law School and the effective end of his legal aspirations. Despite his attempts to maintain composure, Becca sees through his stoic facade to the crushing disappointment beneath. Unable to face the whispers and stares at their own graduation ceremony, they choose to leave Washington DC entirely.

Their escape leads them to Yellowstone National Park, where campfire conversations force them to confront the chain of events that brought them to this crossroads. They conclude that their only real transgression was falling in love and keeping it secret, yet the consequences prove far more severe than anticipated. As Becca prepares for George Washington Law School and Jack faces an uncertain future, he begins to understand that shouldering the blame for the exam theft may carry lifelong repercussions he never fully considered.

Kelsey meets with Commander Ferguson to share her discovery about Becca's pregnancy, revealed through the stolen autopsy report. The report confirms that Becca was carrying a five-month-old female fetus when she was murdered, adding a new dimension to the investigation. Ferguson proposes two potential theories: either Becca wasn't actually married and fabricated the story, or the father of her child refused to marry her and eliminated the problem through murder. Most significantly, Ferguson suggests that Becca's killer must fall into one of two categories - someone who either hated her or loved her.

Following her meeting with Ferguson, Kelsey conducts extensive research into Becca's movements in the months before her death. She discovers three significant trips: one to Greensboro for Thanksgiving, another to Green Bay, Wisconsin over Christmas, and her final journey to Summit Lake. Her investigation into the Green Bay connection proves particularly intriguing, as she finds calls to the Eckersleys' home routed through Green Bay cell towers. She methodically searches through GW Law School records and even investigates Senator Ward's connection, noting Becca's presence on his private jet the summer after graduation.

Kelsey's investigation is interrupted by a late-night visit from Detective Madison, a state investigator who warns her about interfering with the case. Madison reveals knowledge of her break-in at the government center and threatens arrest if she continues her investigation. Feeling pressured and running out of time, Kelsey seeks out Rae's help in acquiring Becca's missing journal from Millie's possession, believing it to be crucial to solving the case before she's forced to leave Summit Lake.

Nine months before her death, while camping at Yellowstone National Park, Jack and Becca receive an unexpected early morning phone call from Senator Milt Ward that dramatically alters their trajectory. The senator, preparing for a presidential campaign, offers Jack a position as one of his campaign speechwriters, demonstrating his recognition of Jack's talents despite the recent academic scandal. The conversation reveals that the senator has thoroughly vetted Jack and knows about the stolen exam incident.

In a surprising twist, Senator Ward not only knows about Jack's involvement in the Business Law exam theft but appears impressed by Jack's decision not to use the stolen test himself. This revelation suggests that the senator has inside connections at GWU and has been monitoring Jack since his internship the previous summer. The senator's casual dismissal of the exam scandal as inconsequential to Jack's future provides a stark contrast to the devastating impact it had on their friend group and Brad's tragic death.

The chapter ends with the senator making immediate arrangements for Jack to return to DC via his private plane, marking a dramatic shift from Jack's uncertain post-graduation prospects to a promising political career. This opportunity represents not just a professional lifeline for Jack after losing his law school opportunities, but also introduces a new complication in his relationship with Becca, who is still set to attend George Washington Law School.

Kelsey rushes to warn Commander Ferguson about Detective Madison's threats, only to find him packing boxes and cleaning out his office at the Summit Lake Police Department. Ferguson is being forced into retirement due to pressure from the district attorney's office, though he insists Madison's intervention isn't the sole cause. Despite the circumstances, he maintains his dignity, treating his departure as an inevitable transition rather than a forced exit.

During their conversation, Ferguson demonstrates his continued support for Kelsey's investigation, encouraging her not to let herself be intimidated into leaving Summit Lake as he has been. He expresses confidence that she's close to solving the case, suggesting she only needs one or two more pieces to fall into place. The interaction reveals the growing mentor-mentee relationship between them, with Ferguson providing Kelsey his personal cell number for future support.

The chapter concludes with a poignant scene as Ferguson prepares to leave, symbolically handing Kelsey his cigarettes to throw away and offering a final warning about Madison's determination to stop her investigation. His parting words emphasize both the urgency of completing her investigation quickly and his belief in her ability to solve the case, even as he departs from his forty-three-year career without taking a single sick day. The scene marks a significant shift in the investigation, as Kelsey loses a valuable ally but gains his continued support from afar.

Six months before her death, Becca moves into her new apartment in Foggy Bottom near GW Law School, conveniently located just two blocks from Jack's residence. With two weeks before law school orientation begins, the couple enjoys their first real opportunity to be openly affectionate in public, free from the secrecy that defined their relationship during college. Jack, now working as a speechwriter for Senator Ward's presidential campaign, helps Becca settle into her new life while balancing his own career responsibilities.

The couple establishes new traditions, deliberately avoiding their old college haunts like the 19th Bar in favor of new locations that won't remind them of their complicated past. They find O'Reilly's, a bar that becomes their regular spot, marking a fresh start in their relationship. Their time together is particularly meaningful as it represents their first extended period of being able to openly display their affection without fear of discovery, a stark contrast to their previous need for secrecy during senior year.

During their last Sunday before classes begin, Becca suggests they move in together, but Jack firmly declines, citing practical reasons including their existing leases and her father's potential reaction. The conversation reveals the ongoing tension between their desire to progress their relationship and the practical constraints they face. The chapter ends with an intimate scene that demonstrates their physical chemistry while highlighting Becca's ability to playfully manipulate situations to get what she wants, even if only partially.

Detective Madison's threatening visit forces Kelsey to take precautions against surveillance as she prepares for another covert operation. She updates Penn Courtney on her investigation's progress, though keeping the details of her planned break-in vague. Penn expresses concern about her activities and demands a draft of her story, while making it clear that bail money won't be covered by her expenses. Their conversation reveals that Kelsey's assignment was primarily meant as a recovery period, though she's now deeply invested in uncovering the truth about Becca's murder.

Kelsey meets with Peter Ambrose, warning him about potential consequences from their previous break-in at the county building, as Detective Madison has surveillance footage of their unauthorized entry. Despite the risks, they proceed with their plan to search Millie's house while Rae keeps her occupied at dinner. The pair methodically searches the house, looking for Becca's journal in bedrooms, closets, and common areas, taking care to leave everything undisturbed. During their search, Peter and Kelsey share a moment of emotional intimacy, with Kelsey finding herself surprisingly comfortable with his physical proximity despite her recent trauma.

The search appears unsuccessful until a casual comment from Peter about secrets triggers Kelsey's memory of her previous conversation with Millie about her recipe book. Recalling Millie's words about keeping her secrets in her recipe binder, Kelsey checks the kitchen and discovers Becca's journal hidden in the back pocket of Millie's recipe book. This breakthrough discovery promises to provide crucial information about the circumstances leading to Becca's death.

Four months before her death, Becca discovers she's pregnant during her first year at GW Law School. After confirming her suspicions with multiple pregnancy tests, she realizes this threatens her carefully planned future and drives to Jack's office at the campaign headquarters, unable to reach him by phone.

Struggling to identify herself to the secretary—painfully aware that not being his wife complicates matters—Becca finally delivers the news to Jack. His composed, systematic response to each of her concerns surprises her, as he helps her see she can complete her first year before the baby arrives and suggests arranging a leave of absence through his connections.

Jack's mature handling of the situation deepens Becca's feelings for him. Rather than panicking, he commits to facing her parents together and assures her this won't damage their relationship. The revelation concludes with Jack's decisive statement that they need to marry quickly, adding another layer of complexity as the baby is due in May or June.

Kelsey and Peter fall asleep together on his couch while reading through Becca's journal, the stolen documents spread between them after their successful break-in at Millie's house. The morning after brings an awkward but comfortable dynamic between them, highlighted by their shared use of his bathroom and attempts to restore their appearances after spending the night together.

Over breakfast at a local diner, Kelsey shares her analysis of Becca's journal contents with Peter. The journal reveals several significant relationships in Becca's life beyond Jack, including her complex friendship with Brad, a potentially inappropriate relationship with an unnamed professor, and continued interference from her high school ex-boyfriend who frequently visited her at GWU from Harvard. The entries confirm Becca's marriage to Jack following her pregnancy discovery, though many details remain unclear.

Recognizing the urgency created by Detective Madison's threats, Kelsey and Peter devise a plan to investigate the people mentioned in Becca's journal. Since the journal oddly contains no last names, they decide to split their efforts - Peter will track down Gail, Becca's roommate who now attends Stanford, while Kelsey focuses on investigating the other men in Becca's life. Despite Kelsey giving Peter an opportunity to back out due to potential legal consequences from their previous break-in, he commits to helping with the investigation, demonstrating their deepening partnership in solving the case.

Two months before her death, Becca and Jack struggle with their secret marriage and pregnancy, originally planning to reveal everything to her parents during Thanksgiving. Their hesitation stems from concerns about her father's upcoming judgeship and the potential scandal of his unmarried daughter's pregnancy. Despite their initial plan, they lose their nerve during Thanksgiving dinner in Greensboro, leaving both sets parents still unaware of their situation.

As Becca completes her first semester of law school, she manages to keep her pregnancy hidden, with her due date calculated for May 18 - conveniently two weeks after final exams. The timing allows her to potentially complete her first year before the baby arrives, though she and Jack have discussed various options including taking a year off or switching to part-time studies. After finishing her exams, Becca celebrates alone at O'Reilly's, where she encounters an unexpected visitor.

The evening culminates in two uncomfortable encounters at O'Reilly's. First, Thom Jorgensen appears and reveals he had pulled strings to get Becca accepted at Cornell, expressing disappointment that she declined the offer. The situation becomes tense when Jorgensen's wife Elaine bursts in, accusing him of infidelity and warning Becca to stay away from her husband. Following this dramatic scene, Richard Walker appears and attempts to rekindle their past relationship, expressing regret about not trying harder to win Becca back when they broke up. The chapter ends with Richard reluctantly accepting Becca's firm stance that she's committed to Jack.

Kelsey and Peter separate after leaving the restaurant with Becca's journal, planning to pursue different investigative angles. Peter heads off to research Becca's roommate while Kelsey returns toward the Winchester Hotel, only to find multiple state police vehicles with flashing lights stationed outside. The sight forces her to abort her plans and find alternative shelter.

Seeking sanctuary at Millie's Coffee House proves equally problematic when Kelsey spots Detective Madison already inside, questioning Rae about her whereabouts. Rae's quick thinking and subtle signals allow Kelsey to slip away undetected, making her way to Rae's apartment above the cafe while state troopers patrol the surrounding streets. The coordinated police presence indicates a systematic effort to shut down her investigation.

Trapped without access to her hotel room or rental car, Kelsey channels her energy into documenting her findings. She produces a comprehensive 2,000-word draft covering the essential elements of Becca's story: the murder details, her pregnancy, probable marriage, and the various men connected to her at the time of death. Managing to email this draft to Penn just before Rae returns, Kelsey learns that her investigation has indeed stirred up serious trouble with local authorities.

The journal entries reveal Becca and Jack's struggles during the holiday season months before her death. Following their failure to reveal their marriage during Thanksgiving, their Christmas trip to Green Bay proves equally unsuccessful in disclosing their secrets. Despite spending the holidays with Jack's family, Becca is only introduced as his girlfriend, and their marriage and pregnancy remain concealed. The burden of their growing secret weighs heavily on them both, particularly as Becca continues to withhold information about her recent encounters with Thom Jorgensen and Richard Walker at O'Reilly's.

The couple retreats to Summit Lake for five quiet days between Christmas and New Year's, taking advantage of Becca's parents' absence as they vacation in Venice, Florida. Their time together takes on added significance as Jack prepares for extensive campaign travel supporting Senator Ward's presidential bid, which will begin after New Year's and potentially extend through Super Tuesday in March. They spend their days quietly, venturing out only occasionally for dinner or movies, while Jack works on speeches and Becca takes a break from her law school studies.

During their intimate New Year's Eve celebration at home, Jack and Becca have a heartfelt discussion about their future. Jack reassures Becca that while their marriage and pregnancy weren't planned, he views it as simply accelerating their inevitable path together. However, Becca expresses deep concerns about how their baby might impact Jack's political career, particularly if Senator Ward wins the presidency. Though Jack maintains optimism about balancing family and work, Becca worries about becoming an obstacle to his dreams, revealing her underlying anxieties about their rushed circumstances and uncertain future.

Trapped in Rae's apartment above Millie's Coffee House, Kelsey watches through the window as state police swarm Summit Lake, systematically searching for her and Peter. Detective Madison has mobilized significant resources to shut down their investigation, with officers combing through local establishments and maintaining surveillance throughout the small town.

Rae reveals that Detective Madison questioned her about both Kelsey and Peter's whereabouts, but she managed to avoid revealing information by technically telling the truth - stating she didn't know Peter since she only knew about him. The conversation confirms that Becca's journal was successfully retrieved from Millie's recipe book, and Kelsey spent the previous night reading it entirely at Peter's house, where she fell asleep on his couch.

The journal's contents reveal new complexities in Becca's life, particularly regarding her relationships with multiple men. Kelsey shares that Becca appears to have been something of a 'social butterfly' and possibly a manipulator of men, though the journal entries make it difficult to determine the exact nature of these relationships. With time running out and police presence intensifying, Kelsey and Rae decide to work together using their computers and internet access to investigate three key men from Becca's life: Brad, Richard, and Thom. They divide the research tasks between them, with Rae taking Brad and Kelsey focusing on Professor Thom, while Peter continues his separate investigation into Becca's former roommate.

Two days before Becca's death, Milt Ward's campaign momentum builds through January and early February. Ward's domination of the Iowa caucus and the subsequent withdrawal of his only serious contender makes his nomination inevitable, marking a historic moment that Jack and Becca share over the phone as he prepares Ward's acceptance speech.

Becca's doctor's appointment reveals complications with her pregnancy timeline, as the baby is larger than expected for twenty-three weeks. The technician and doctor move her due date up by a week, suggesting the baby won't wait until after her finals in May. This development forces Becca to confront the reality that she needs to tell her parents about both her marriage and pregnancy, especially given Jack's increasing campaign travel obligations.

During an emotional phone call with Jack, Becca expresses her anxiety about their secrets and the mounting pressure of managing law school with her pregnancy. They agree to meet at Summit Lake over the weekend to plan how to tell her parents everything, with Jack promising to either get Ward's permission or quit his job to make it happen. The chapter ends ominously as Becca returns to her apartment, experiencing an unsettling sense of being watched. While she showers, someone tests her front door from outside, though the deadbolt holds firm.

While hidden in Rae's apartment from the police search, Kelsey and Rae work together to identify and locate the three key men mentioned in Becca's journal. Through intensive online research, they successfully identify Brad Reynolds, confirming his connection to Becca through their shared freshman dorm and a sophomore internship program. Though Brad has no social media presence, they manage to find his parents' contact information in Maryland.

Their investigation into Professor Thom Jorgensen yields significant results, confirming he taught Logic and Critical Thinking at GWU during Becca's sophomore year, where she earned an A grade. The discovery that Jorgensen is married with two children adds new context to the potentially inappropriate relationship suggested in Becca's journal, especially given his subsequent move to Cornell University during Becca's senior year.

The most intriguing breakthrough comes with the identification of Richard Walker, Becca's high school boyfriend. Not only do they confirm his attendance at Harvard Law School, but they also discover his family owns a vacation home in the foothills near Summit Lake, placing him in potential proximity to Becca on the night of her murder. The chapter ends on a mysterious note when Kelsey's phone call to the Reynolds household results in some concerning news about Brad that remains undisclosed.

On the day of her death, February 17, 2012, Becca skips her morning class and departs early for Summit Lake, having packed her car the night before. Before leaving, she speaks with Jack, who has arranged with Senator Ward to take four days off - two days at Summit Lake, one day to finally tell her parents about their marriage in Greensboro, and one day to return to DC before resuming campaign duties. The carefully plotted timeline reveals their intention to finally break their long-held secrets.

Arriving at the stilt house around 3:00 PM after a seven-hour journey that included multiple bathroom stops due to her pregnancy, Becca settles in and then heads to Millie's Coffee House. She spends two hours studying Constitutional Law while drinking sweet tea instead of coffee, maintaining her caffeine-free routine of the past four months. During her study session, she takes a break to write in her private journal, documenting her recent doctor's visit, fears about early delivery, and hopes for the upcoming weekend with Jack.

The chapter culminates in a significant conversation between Becca and Livvy Houston at the cafe. Their interaction reveals a deep historical bond, built on Livvy's history of keeping Becca's childhood secrets, including a memorable incident at the zoo when Becca was ten. This established trust leads Becca to confide her marriage to Jack, marking the first time she has shared this secret with anyone outside the relationship. The revelation to Livvy, made just hours before her death, adds a tragic dimension to Becca's final day.

Following their discovery of Becca's journal, Peter Ambrose returns to the hospital to maintain his normal routine while pursuing leads about Becca's former roommate. After completing his medical duties, including a complicated drainage tube replacement, he begins researching Gail Moss. His investigation is interrupted when police officers arrive at the hospital searching for him, forcing him to execute an elaborate escape through the hospital's basement, laundry facilities, and delivery bays.

After successfully evading detection, Peter makes his way to a lakefront pub, noticing heavy police presence throughout Summit Lake. At the pub, he discovers text messages from Kelsey warning him about the police search and informing him that she and Rae are pursuing a lead in the foothills regarding one of the men from Becca's journal. Unable to reach Kelsey directly, Peter uses his gathered information to contact Gail Moss at Stanford.

The conversation with Gail proves revelatory but not in the way Peter anticipated. When he questions her about Becca's marriage and pregnancy, Gail firmly denies any knowledge of either situation. Most significantly, when Peter suggests Jack might be a suspect in Becca's murder, Gail delivers a shocking revelation - Jack couldn't have killed Becca because he died the same day she did, completely upending the investigation's current theory.

Jack's final moments unfold aboard Senator Ward's private jet as he travels to surprise Becca with his early arrival in Summit Lake. After boarding Ward's plane in Denver, Jack expresses gratitude for the senator's understanding about putting family first. The flight encounters severe turbulence, leading to a catastrophic crash outside Omaha, Nebraska, killing everyone aboard including Jack and Senator Ward.

Meanwhile, completely unaware of the tragedy, Becca returns to the stilt house after her conversation with Livvy Houston, feeling lighter after finally sharing the secret of her marriage. Her mood is optimistic as she takes a moment to examine the ultrasound photos from her recent appointment, studying the images of her developing daughter with joy and amazement at her impending motherhood.

In what becomes her final act, Becca writes a heartfelt letter to her unborn daughter, placing it along with the ultrasound photos in an envelope marked 'To My Daughter.' The chapter ends with tragic irony as Becca leaves this envelope on the kitchen island, distracted by the relief of sharing her secret with Livvy and unaware that she has left her journal behind at Millie's Coffee House - a crucial detail that will impact the investigation of her murder.

Peter's shocking discovery about Jack's death catalyzes Kelsey and Rae's urgent departure from Summit Lake as they pursue a lead in the foothills regarding one of Becca's former acquaintances who might have been in the area on the night of her murder. Their escape becomes increasingly critical as police presence in the town intensifies, with officers searching everywhere for both Kelsey and Peter.

Kelsey reflects on how drastically her situation has changed in the mere two weeks since she fled Miami and her own traumatic past. The consequences of her investigation have already resulted in Commander Ferguson's firing, while Peter has become unreachable and likely faces serious trouble for his assistance. The magnitude of her predicament becomes clear as she realizes her escape now depends entirely on Rae, someone she met less than two weeks ago.

Rae demonstrates remarkable composure and strategic thinking as she helps Kelsey evade the police blockade. Using back alleys and alternate routes to avoid the heavy police presence on Maple Street, particularly around the Winchester Hotel, they successfully navigate their way out of Summit Lake. After reaching the town limits and ensuring they weren't followed, they begin their thirty-minute journey into the foothills to pursue their lead, marking a critical turning point in their investigation.

Becca remains unaware that Jack has already perished in Senator Ward's crashed private jet in Denver, along with eleven other passengers. After finishing her letter to her unborn daughter, she settles at the kitchen island to study Constitutional Law, her iPod playing softly in the background. The tragic news spreads across the country, but Becca's isolation keeps her from learning of the disaster that has already claimed her husband's life.

An unsettling noise outside the mudroom door briefly interrupts her studies. Initially dismissing the sound as wind or rattling keys, she returns to her work after a quick investigation. Twenty minutes later, three loud knocks shatter the peaceful silence.

Becca's heart leaps with unexpected hope - though she hadn't dared imagine Jack might arrive early by taking the senator's private jet, the knock triggers an outpouring of optimism about their relationship. She rushes toward the mudroom door, believing her husband has returned early, unaware that she is about to encounter her killer instead.

Peter's revelation about Jack's death sends Kelsey and Rae into the foothills during early evening, pursuing a lead regarding one of the men from Becca's past. Using directions received from an unidentified female caller, they navigate through increasingly remote terrain, following gravel roads surrounded by thick vegetation.

Their journey takes them through several turns and forks in the road, with Kelsey carefully tracking their progress on a map while repeatedly checking a recorded set of directions on her phone. The environment becomes more isolated as they progress, with the paved roads giving way to gravel paths barely wide enough for their vehicle.

Their destination is revealed to be a hunting cabin, completely off the grid with no electricity and only basic amenities like propane generators and outhouses. Upon arriving at the isolated structure, Kelsey and Rae prepare to confront someone who may have crucial information about Becca's marriage and possibly her murder, though the identity of this person remains unclear as they approach the cabin.

Brad Reynolds stands at Becca's door, dramatically transformed with long, greasy hair and a thick beard - the final visitor she will ever receive. Expecting Jack, Becca is shocked but pleased to see her old friend whom she hasn't encountered since his suicide attempt nearly a year ago. The scene provides crucial context about that traumatic event, revealing that Jack had actually saved Brad's life by lifting him and removing the noose, though Brad's parents later blamed both Jack and Becca for the incident.

Brad explains that he's been living in his father's hunting cabin in the foothills for the past year, effectively becoming a recluse. The cabin, which previously hosted attorney conventions including one attended by Becca's father, has become Brad's sanctuary after dropping out of GW. Their conversation reveals that while the university offered to let him complete his final semester, Brad has completely abandoned his academic pursuits.

The interaction between Becca and Brad is filled with underlying tension, despite Becca's friendly demeanor. Brad's behavior appears oddly detached, with 'lost eyes' and stoic responses to Becca's attempts at conversation. The scene takes on additional tragic weight given the reader's knowledge that this encounter will lead to Becca's murder, particularly as she invites him further into the house to 'get caught up on their lives.'

Peter continues his phone conversation with Gail Moss at the pub, learning crucial new information about Becca's past relationships. Gail reveals that Becca had a tendency to unknowingly lead men on, maintaining many male friendships that often carried unspoken romantic undertones. This pattern of behavior was something Becca seemed oblivious to, despite its impact on those around her.

The conversation takes a significant turn when Gail discloses that Brad Reynolds was deeply affected by Becca's relationship with Jack, leading to his suicide attempt and subsequent withdrawal from society. Gail's revelation that Brad has been living in his father's hunting cabin in the foothills near Summit Lake creates an immediate sense of danger, as Peter realizes this is likely where Kelsey and Rae are heading.

Mounting tension builds as Peter desperately tries to reach Kelsey, knowing she's likely out of cell phone range. His unsuccessful attempts to contact her lead him to search for an alternative solution, culminating in him retrieving a business card from his wallet - presumably to alert authorities about the potential danger Kelsey and Rae are walking into.

Brad Reynolds confronts Becca in her kitchen, initially attempting to maintain a friendly demeanor while expressing his deep hurt over their past relationship and his belief that she had manipulated him, particularly regarding the stolen Business Law exam. The conversation grows increasingly tense as Brad questions her relationship with Jack and reveals his year-long obsession with their perceived romantic connection.

The situation rapidly deteriorates when Brad's behavior becomes erratic, showing signs of drug use with his twitching eyes and slurred speech. When Becca attempts to defuse the situation by suggesting they talk the next day, Brad violently grabs her and pins her against the wall. In desperation, Becca reveals her pregnancy and marriage to Jack, which only serves to enrage Brad further, triggering the brutal attack described in the opening chapter.

The horrific details of Becca's assault and murder unfold as Brad drags her through the house, resulting in the scattered evidence and chaos previously described by investigators. The scene ends exactly as revealed in Chapter 1, with Becca lying on the floor after Brad's departure through the sliding glass door, focusing on the lighthouse beam while distant sirens approach. In her final moments, Becca's thoughts turn not to her own survival but to that of her unborn child.

Peter's desperate warning sends Kelsey and Rae racing to Brad Reynolds' isolated hunting cabin in the foothills outside Summit Lake. The remote location, positioned at the forest's edge near a cascading creek and pond, creates an eerie atmosphere in the dying evening light. With no vehicles or lights visible, the cabin appears empty, though its isolation makes it an ideal hideout.

Kelsey reveals a crucial phone conversation she had with Brad's father, who claimed to have no contact with his son. However, Brad's mother, Diane Reynolds, subsequently left a message confirming Brad's connection to Becca and providing directions to the cabin, along with a plea for Brad to contact his family. The contrasting responses from Brad's parents highlight the family's internal divisions and Brad's complete estrangement from his father.

Approaching the cabin, Kelsey and Rae discover the front door standing open. Inside, they find a cluttered, disheveled interior filled with scattered papers and stacked newspapers. The discovery of an incongruous Coach purse on an end table raises immediate alarm—a potential connection to Becca's murder that suggests they may have walked into far more danger than anticipated.

Brad Reynolds stands over Becca's body in a state of shock and panic, surveying the destruction left in the wake of his violent attack. Acting on pure impulse, he grabs only Becca's Coach purse and an envelope from the kitchen floor, ignoring opportunities to stage the scene as a robbery by taking jewelry or tampering with doors and windows. His departure through the sliding glass door marks the beginning of his desperate attempt to avoid detection, as he forces himself to walk calmly to his truck rather than run.

Brad's drive back to his father's hunting cabin becomes a dissociative experience, with the hour-long journey passing in an unconscious blur. Upon arrival, he remains in his truck as it cools, still clutching Becca's purse like a cherished possession. Inside the cabin, Brad confronts the shrine-like collection of mementos from his relationship with Becca - photos from their college days, notes she left on his nightstand, and critically, the stolen Business Law test that he now views as the catalyst for his life's downward spiral.

In a disturbing display of his obsession, Brad goes through Becca's purse, finding intimate items like her lip balm, which triggers memories of their single kiss from years ago. His discovery of her law school ID prompts wishes to rewind time and change the outcome of his visit. The chapter reaches its devastating conclusion as Brad opens the envelope taken from the house, revealing Becca's letter to her unborn child. The revelation of this letter, combined with his earlier discovery of her pregnancy, leaves him rocking back and forth on the couch in the truck's headlights, suggesting a complete psychological breakdown.

Kelsey and Rae's search of Brad Reynolds' hunting cabin immediately yields damning evidence - Becca's Coach purse containing her law school ID sits prominently among the debris. The cabin's interior reveals a disturbing collection of photos, notes, and papers scattered across various surfaces, confirming their suspicions about Brad's involvement in Becca's death.

As they investigate further, they discover a cellar door covered in photos, leading to an elaborate shrine dedicated to Becca. The basement walls are lined with hundreds of photographs, ranging from casual college snapshots to more disturbing surveillance-style images of Becca jogging, sleeping, and going about her daily life. Kelsey, drawing on her investigative experience, begins documenting everything with her phone, recognizing the signs of an organized asocial killer's workspace.

In the basement, Kelsey finds Brad's workstation, complete with tools used to create his shrine, including scissors, paper cutters, and a Nikon camera. The area also contains newspaper articles about Senator Ward's plane crash, multiple unsent letters to Becca, and Brad's law school rejection letters from prestigious universities. Their investigation takes a dangerous turn when they discover a threatening note left by Brad, followed immediately by the sound of a truck arriving outside the cabin, forcing them to seek refuge in the basement.

Brad Reynolds sits alone in his cabin reading the letter to Becca's unborn child, his mind replaying the violent attack that claimed her life. He obsesses over how differently the encounter could have gone, having initially intended only to discuss the Business Law test. The revelation of Becca's pregnancy and marriage has shattered his idealized image of her, leaving him grappling with the reality that she wasn't the person he had imagined.

As dawn breaks, Brad methodically prepares the cabin, spending most of the day in the basement adding final touches to his shrine dedicated to Becca. He deliberately sets up a trail of evidence, starting with Becca's purse at the front door, designed to lure investigators deeper into the cabin. His preparations suggest a calculated plan to trap whoever comes looking for him.

The chapter reveals the extent of Brad's year-long stalking behavior, detailing how he photographed Becca at the law library, outside her apartment, and in various locations around campus. His obsession included waiting in darkness near her apartment and following her to medical appointments, which he had mistakenly assumed were due to illness rather than pregnancy. As evening falls, Brad departs from the cabin with ominous intentions, acknowledging that when he returns, it will be for the last time.

Brad's truck arrival sends Kelsey and Rae fleeing to the basement, where they discover a crawlspace with coffin-like doors leading to the cabin's exterior. Their desperate escape through cobweb-filled passages leads them to emerge behind the cabin, where they're immediately struck by a horrific smell and the overwhelming buzz of thousands of flies coming from a nearby shed.

Their attempted escape is interrupted when Kelsey notices a dark silhouette hanging in the shed. Despite Rae's terrified pleas to keep running, Kelsey approaches the shed and discovers Brad Reynolds' decomposing body, having died by suicide. The gruesome scene reveals his bloated corpse with bulging eyes and a tightly cinched noose, while flies and maggots have begun their natural processes.

The situation resolves when Peter and Commander Ferguson arrive at the cabin, having tracked down Kelsey and Rae's location. After ensuring everyone's safety, Ferguson investigates the scene and discovers a final note left by Brad beneath his body. The brief message - 'I only went to talk. I loved her. Despite everything she did.' - serves as Brad's final confession and explanation for his actions against Becca.

In the aftermath of discovering Brad's body, Kelsey spends her final three days in Summit Lake at the Winchester Hotel. She cooperates with Detective Madison's questioning, though his initially aggressive approach softens after his superior arrives. Commander Ferguson returns to the department to help wrap up the Eckersley case, marking a satisfying vindication of his earlier support of Kelsey's investigation.

Kelsey shares a poignant farewell with Rae at the coffeehouse, where both women process their traumatic discovery at the cabin. Their conversation reveals the depth of friendship that has developed between them over the past two weeks, with Kelsey inviting Rae to visit her in Miami and both acknowledging how the investigation brought them closer together despite its horrific conclusion.

The chapter concludes with Kelsey's intensive three-day writing session, during which she crafts a three-piece article about Becca's story. Working in an unprecedented state of focus, she comprehensively covers Becca's life from high school through her tragic end, including her relationship with Jack, her friendship with Brad, and her final days. With permission from Jack's parents, she details their love story and includes extensive quotes from Gail Moss. Kelsey deliberately withholds Becca's journal from Detective Madison, using it to ensure accuracy in her narrative while protecting certain details she feels the detective doesn't deserve to know. The finished article, complete with cell phone photos from the cabin, is sent to Penn Courtney at 2:15 a.m., after which Kelsey reflects on Becca's life while drinking wine on her balcony, overlooking the sleeping town of Summit Lake.

Two and a half months after Becca's death, Peter picks up Kelsey at Raleigh-Durham International Airport for what she describes as her 'final hurrah' on the Eckersley article. During their drive to Greensboro, Peter reads Kelsey's completed twenty-five-page article about Becca's case, leading to an extended discussion about her work. Their professional relationship shows signs of evolving into something more personal, highlighted by an awkward but intimate moment when Peter greets her with a kiss on the cheek that Kelsey turns into a kiss on the lips.

The pair check into separate rooms at a Marriott in downtown Greensboro, though Kelsey ultimately decides to stay on Peter's floor. Over dinner, they spend two hours in easy conversation without the pressure of the investigation hanging over them. Peter compliments Kelsey's writing talent, having read not just the article but also her book. Their dinner reveals a deepening personal connection as they linger until they're the last people in the restaurant.

The following morning, Kelsey and Peter drive to the Eckersley residence, where Kelsey makes an unannounced visit to deliver Becca's journal and final letter to her parents. Despite having prepared an elaborate speech about her own assault experience and her connection to Becca's story, Kelsey finds herself speechless when confronted with both Mary and William Eckersley. Instead of delivering her planned words, she simply hands over the manila envelope containing Becca's personal effects, explaining that she believes Becca would want them to have it. The chapter ends with Kelsey watching from Peter's car as the Eckersleys open the envelope and discover their daughter's journal and letter to her unborn child.

Kelsey Castle laces up her running shoes in Miami, preparing to confront the trail where her assault occurred four months earlier. This deliberate act of courage comes on the same day her article about Becca's case is set to be published. Wearing athletic gear, she begins along the beach for a mile before reaching the turnoff that leads to the forest path where her attack took place.

Despite her racing heart and anxiety, Kelsey faces this therapeutic challenge head-on. As she approaches the forest trail, she experiences a moment of hesitation, considering taking an easier route back along the beach. However, recognizing that such a choice would defeat the purpose of this journey, she pushes forward into the shadowed path as a light rain begins to fall, creating a mix of sunlight and shadows through the foliage.

In a powerful display of determination, Kelsey runs past 'The Spot' where her assault occurred, deliberately refusing to look into the woods or let her mind dwell on the traumatic memories. She maintains her pace for two miles until reaching the forest exit, where she increases her speed, running with precise form as sweat mingles with the rain. The chapter ends symbolically as Kelsey approaches the forest exit, where she encounters a sunny rainstorm - a weather phenomenon that held special significance in her childhood memories, suggesting a moment of healing and renewal.