Chapter 30

Cassie wakes to see Michael obsessively working on his car and fields Sloane’s awkward questions about Michael and Dean. Remembering her promise, Cassie invites Sloane into the loop, then heads to the kitchen where Lia teases Dean for nearly sneaking out the previous night.

Dean needs a ride, and Lia volunteers that Michael will drive. When Lia proposes she and Sloane provide a distraction, both Dean and Michael refuse to let Cassie be left out. Lia argues Cassie should go—she can’t lie convincingly if questioned, and Cassie stabilizes Dean and Michael. Cassie agrees to accompany them; Dean accepts.

On the tense drive, Michael breaks the mood with humor and insists they discuss the case. Dean explains they’re going to see Trina Simms, a woman who has visited Daniel Redding with increasing frequency over three years, likely due to romantic fixation or belief in his innocence. Cassie considers whether Trina could be tied to the new murders and how that might relate to Dean’s father.

They settle on a plan: no one goes in alone; Dean will introduce Cassie and Michael as friends and do the talking, using Trina’s fixation on him to let the others observe. With roles set and stakes clear, they arrive at Broken Springs, prepared to confront Trina.