Chapter Eight

Holland opens the glossy black folder from Jake’s apartment and finds a candid photo of herself followed by a detailed dossier of her habits and routines. The next page reveals Jake’s role: to date Holland and learn everything about her and her family, confirming his identity and relationship were fabricated.

Shaken, Holland wonders who in Los Angeles knows her true identity. Her phone rings—she answers, expecting Chance, but the caller is the Watch Man. He denies killing Jake, claiming he only tells people their death times and, when relevant, how to extend them.

The Watch Man admits he told Jake that killing Holland would prolong his life but says it wasn’t wise. He then tells Holland she will die tomorrow, Halloween, at 11:59 p.m., unless she finds the Alchemical Heart. He refuses to explain what it is before the line degrades into static and a coin-operated prompt.

Holland searches online for the Alchemical Heart and finds nothing useful. Sirens approach the apartment complex, likely for Jake’s body. With 29 hours left, she fears becoming a sensational suspect if found with the folder and decides not to wait for police.

As officers arrive, Holland chooses flight over explanation. She runs, intending to find the one person she believes might know what the Alchemical Heart is.