Contents
Chapter 52
Overview
Veronica follows a lead to Jeremy Roth’s Long Island home, shadowing him and his son to a park. Seeing Teddy’s striking resemblance to Clay convinces Veronica the boy may be Dominic. She briefly speaks with Jeremy, learns Teddy is five, and notes his early-morning running routine, planning next steps.
Summary
On her day off, Veronica drives to Long Island to investigate Jeremy Roth after Lola’s discovery of a suspicious birth certificate for “Theodore.” She parks near Jeremy’s large home and debates whether her lead could realistically connect to Dominic, given past police indifference and the family’s wealth.
When Jeremy leaves in a Tesla with a child, Veronica follows to a public park. Watching from a distance, she sees the boy and is shocked by his uncanny resemblance to Clay, which powerfully reinforces her belief that Teddy could be Dominic despite her lack of hard evidence.
Veronica texts Lola that the lead may be right, then sits on a bench to observe. Jeremy approaches and sits nearby, prompting a brief conversation. Veronica learns the boy is “Teddy,” that he is five years old, and that Jeremy runs the park’s trail Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6:30 a.m.
Weighing her options, Veronica resists any rash attempt to obtain DNA, recognizing it would lead to arrest. Instead, she leaves with strengthened conviction, new details about Jeremy’s routine, and a plan to proceed carefully while believing Teddy may indeed be her missing son.
Who Appears
- VeronicaSearches Long Island, tails Jeremy to a park, sees Teddy’s resemblance to Clay, speaks with Jeremy, plans next steps.
- Jeremy RothInvestment banker and Teddy’s father; plays soccer with his son, chats with Veronica, mentions Teddy is five and his running routine.
- Theodore "Teddy" RothFive-year-old boy playing at the park; strongly resembles Clay, intensifying Veronica’s belief he is Dominic.
- LolaProvides the lead on the birth certificate; texts with Veronica as she observes Jeremy and Teddy.
- Clay BarkleyDominic’s presumed father; his likeness in Teddy persuades Veronica the boy may be her missing son.