Chapter 9

Before dawn, Griffin leaves Winn’s house after another night together. Winn reflects on their weeklong, boundary-based fling and the way sex has replaced routine as she heads into a productive morning at the station, still struggling with Officer Smith’s frostiness.

Pops invites Winn to lunch at Eden Coffee, where they run into Frank. Inside, Winn spots Griffin with Lyla Eden and Emily Nelsen. Emily’s touch and familiarity spark Winn’s jealousy and insecurity, especially since her relationship with Griffin has never addressed exclusivity.

Lyla greets them, and introductions are made: Griffin pointedly introduces Emily Nelsen. Pops and Frank trade barbs about Edens and Nelsens, hinting at local tensions. Outside, Winn watches Griffin speak sternly with Emily before the two leave together, deepening Winn’s feeling of betrayal and confirming her decision to end the fling.

That night, Winn bolts awake from a horrific nightmare, reliving her parents’ fatal crash and, unbidden, the image of Lily Green’s broken body. Unable to sleep, she turns on all the lights, brews coffee, and channels her agitation into unpacking.

As she works through the night, Winn notes Griffin’s absence and concludes the fling is effectively over. Alone with her grief and determination, she resolves to establish her home and focus on building a stable life in Quincy.