Chapter 16

At the hospital, Winslow vows to care for Pops after his mild heart attack, while he contemplates retiring as mayor. Dr. Talia Eden examines Pops and plans to keep him under observation for a day, reassuring Winslow with clear guidance on prevention and care.

Outside the room, Griffin confronts Frank for trying to replace Talia due to her residency status. Talia defuses the situation and leaves. Griffin comforts Winslow, then visits Pops before heading out. Frank returns and warns Winslow that Talia is inexperienced and that Griffin has a reputation. He also alleges Briggs Eden abused his ex-wife and is deteriorating mentally.

Back at the station, Winslow runs a background check on Briggs; it shows no criminal history. Weighing Frank’s claims, she decides to speak with Briggs herself, delaying any discussion with Griffin until later.

Winslow visits Briggs’s cabin under official pretense. Briggs appears lucid but forgetful, inviting her in. Inside, Winslow notices a tidy home except for a cluttered bookshelf holding an elegant purse Briggs says he found on a hike near Indigo Ridge.

With permission to inspect it, Winslow discreetly records the purse. Inside she finds a feminine wallet containing Lily Green’s driver’s license, directly connecting Briggs to Lily’s belongings and escalating suspicion around Lily’s death.