Chapter 34

Returning to the house, Cassie, Dean, and Michael are met by Judd and Agent Sterling, who have learned of their unauthorized trip. Sterling reveals Christopher Simms has reported Dean to police for violent behavior; Briggs is taking his statement and hearing about Trina’s ties to Daniel Redding.

Sterling confiscates Michael’s keys and announces new constraints: Dean will never be alone and must bunk with Michael to ensure an alibi if the UNSUB strikes. She keeps Cassie back to demand why they visited the Redding property; Cassie explains Dean needed to see it, hinting this was about Dean’s mother, not his father.

Sterling confirms she contacted Dean’s mother, Marie, who lives in Melbourne, Australia, has no relevant information, and did not ask about Dean. Cassie urges adding Christopher to the suspect list, profiling his controlled manner, inhibited aggression, and his choice to target Cassie during their earlier confrontation.

Sterling’s phone call interrupts: there’s a new victim. She informs Cassie that Trina Simms has been murdered and that neighbors called 911 while Christopher was with Briggs, giving him an alibi and undercutting Cassie’s suspicion.

Before leaving, Sterling fits Cassie with an ankle tracker, promising immediate enforcement if Cassie crosses the perimeter. She acknowledges Cassie’s potential but declares she is not ready to act as an agent today, leaving Cassie feeling trapped and powerless.