Chapter 15

Geoffrey, Professor Fogle’s teaching assistant, brings Cassie to a large lecture hall for a private “show.” Staying cautious, Cassie holds position until Michael arrives unexpectedly with Bryce, a student who clearly dislikes Geoffrey. Cassie and Michael use aliases while Bryce forces her way into the presentation.

Onstage, Geoffrey connects his laptop and performs Professor Fogle’s opening lecture for Psych 315, “Monsters or Men,” flashing graphic images and arguing society’s fascination with killers. He culminates with Daniel Redding, detailing the modus operandi—binding, branding, cutting, and hanging—and notes Emerson Cole was branded, implying Fogle’s relevance to her murder. Geoffrey confirms Fogle is writing a book on the Redding case.

Bryce undercuts Geoffrey’s authority, saying he is parroting Fogle, and shares that Emerson was in their professor-assigned small group with a very shy student and a loudmouthed student named Derek. Bryce describes Emerson as unusually kind and effective at managing group dynamics.

Geoffrey recounts that Emerson was the only student who missed their exam; he had printed the tests, and Fogle was out sick that day. When pressed, Geoffrey withholds what he initially “thought” about Emerson’s absence. A text summons Michael away—he mouths “Lia” to Cassie—prompting Cassie to end the encounter.

Before leaving, Cassie asks Geoffrey for his number, securing a contact to pursue leads tied to Fogle’s class, Emerson’s group members, and the suspicious timing of Fogle’s absence.