Chapter 4

At home after a long day, Griffin Eden is surprised when Police Chief Winslow (Winn) Covington arrives to ask the questions he dodged at the scene. Their prior hookup lingers in his thoughts, but Winn stays professional, confirming she notified Lily Green’s mother and pressing for details about the Indigo Ridge access.

In the living room, Griffin explains that the steep trail up the ridge was once used rarely for moving cattle, now mostly abandoned since he bought neighboring land with a better road. He notes his uncle lives in a mountain cabin far from that trail and that only occasional, curious local kids venture near the ridge.

Winn shares key investigative points: no suicide note; Lily’s car was left off the highway; from there to the jump site is seven miles; probable death late Sunday night or early Monday; no flashlight or shoes were found; Lily’s feet showed only minor scratches. She questions how Lily traversed the dark trail, suggesting someone may have accompanied her.

Griffin pushes back, framing Lily’s death as another suicide like two previous cases from the ridge. He reveals personal ties: his father found the first victim five years ago (a friend of Lyla), Griffin found the second two years ago (a friend of Eloise), and now Lily. He argues the town needs more mental health resources rather than a murder hunt.

Winn closes the interview and moves to leave. At the door, mutual attraction overwhelms restraint; Griffin kisses her, and she briefly reciprocates before breaking away and driving off. Griffin is left conflicted, aware their personal entanglement now complicates an already sensitive investigation.