The Inheritance Games, #2
The Hawthorne Legacy
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
CHAPTER 53
Overview
Avery’s search for the meaning of the ring dates stalls, but Libby’s investigation in New Castle produces a direct message from Harry/Toby: STOP LOOKING. The warning devastates Avery because it confirms Toby is aware of her search yet rejects contact.
Avery’s grief and anger erupt at Toby’s sealed wing, where Jameson shifts from puzzle partner to emotional support. By agreeing to help Avery tear down the wall, Jameson turns Toby’s warning into a new act of defiance.
Summary
Late at night, Avery and the others search Hawthorne family history for the meaning of the dates hidden in Alice’s and Tobias Hawthorne’s rings: August 3, 1975, and September 7, 1948. The known family milestones do not explain them, leaving the group stuck.
Before midnight, Libby calls from New Castle, where she and Nash have been asking about Harry. No one at the soup kitchen has seen Harry for weeks, but in the park they find an older man named Frank. Nash tries to bribe Frank, but Frank only responds after seeing Libby and mistaking her for Avery.
Frank gives Libby an envelope addressed to Avery and says it contains a message from Harry. Avery asks Libby to photograph both the envelope and the letter so Avery can read them herself. The handwriting looks familiar, but the message from Toby/Harry contains only two words: STOP LOOKING.
That night, Avery cannot sleep. Holding her mother’s postcards, Avery questions why her mother hid the truth about Avery’s father, why Toby was absent from Avery’s life, and why Toby now does not want Avery searching for him. The rejection and secrecy overwhelm Avery.
Avery runs toward Toby’s sealed-off wing, ignoring Oren’s attempts to stop her. Furious at Toby, the threats, the hidden clues, Ricky, Skye, and everyone trying to control her, Avery punches the brick wall until Oren restrains her from hurting herself.
Jameson steps between Avery and the wall, and Avery accidentally hits him in the chest. Instead of judging her, Jameson asks what Avery needs. Avery says she needs to take the wall down, and Jameson agrees, telling Oren they will need a sledgehammer.
Who Appears
- Avery GrambsReceives Toby’s warning, spirals over her father’s rejection, and demands access to his sealed wing.
- Libby GrambsCalls Avery from New Castle after receiving Harry’s envelope from Frank.
- Toby Hawthorne / HarryAbsent but central; leaves Avery a two-word message telling her to stop looking.
- Jameson HawthorneIntervenes when Avery lashes out and supports her decision to break down the wall.
- OrenGuards Avery, follows her to Toby’s wing, and restrains her from injuring herself.
- Nash HawthorneHelps Libby search New Castle and unsuccessfully tries to bribe Frank for information.
- FrankOlder man in the park who gives Libby the envelope meant for Avery.