Cover of The Reappearance of Rachel Price

The Reappearance of Rachel Price

by Holly Jackson


Genre
Mystery, Young Adult, Thriller
Year
2024
Pages
449
Contents

Chapter Twenty-four

Overview

Bel escalates her investigation by taking Ash and his camera to confront Julian Tripp, the teacher Sherry linked to Rachel shortly before the disappearance. Tripp denies having driven Rachel anywhere, contradicting Sherry’s account, and his evasiveness, alcohol-fogged home, and angry reaction deepen Bel’s suspicion that he knows more than he admits.

The confrontation shifts Tripp from helpful witness to potential participant or protector in Rachel’s secret, giving Bel a new target in her effort to prove Rachel’s return is built on lies.

Summary

Bel brings Ash with her to Julian Tripp’s house because she wants their investigation recorded as possible evidence. Ash records reluctantly, explaining that Ramsey wants footage if Bel is going to investigate Rachel on camera. Bel states for the documentary that Rachel is lying, that Bel believes Rachel planned both her disappearance and reappearance, and that Sherry has identified Julian Tripp as someone Rachel may have been close to before vanishing.

As Bel and Ash walk, Bel explains that Sherry saw Rachel getting into Tripp’s car shortly before the disappearance. Bel reasons that although Tripp did not disappear with Rachel, he might have been the reason Rachel left or might have helped her. Ash questions how Bel knows where Tripp lives, and Bel recalls a past yard sale there.

At Tripp’s neglected house, Ash worries about filming without consent, but Bel insists he keep recording. When Tripp opens the door, he seems startled and asks whether Rachel is okay. Bel notices a stained carpet, boxes full of empty beer cans, and the smell of alcohol; Tripp tries to block the view inside and says he does not have time for an interview.

Bel pressures Tripp by implying that refusing to speak now would look suspicious after he had previously spoken when everyone believed Rachel was dead. On camera, Tripp says he was shocked by Rachel’s return and then happy to see her alive, describing her as a good person who survived something terrible.

Bel then asks how close Tripp and Rachel were before her disappearance. Tripp claims Rachel was only a coworker and friend and denies ever giving her rides or having Rachel in his car. Bel confronts him with Sherry’s account, accuses him of lying, and asks whether he helped Rachel disappear, knows where she has been, or is still in love with her.

Tripp’s demeanor hardens. Instead of answering, Tripp tells Bel he will see her Monday morning, using her full name in a threatening tone, and slams the door on Bel, Ash, and the camera.

Who Appears

  • Bel Price
    Investigates Rachel aggressively, uses Ash’s camera, and confronts Tripp about Rachel’s possible secret relationship.
  • Ash
    Reluctant cameraman and uneasy ally, recording Bel’s investigation while worrying about consent and consequences.
  • Julian Tripp
    Teacher who found toddler Bel; denies Rachel was in his car and reacts threateningly to accusations.
  • Rachel Price
    Absent focus of the investigation; her past connection to Tripp becomes more suspicious.
  • Sherry
    Absent source whose claim about seeing Rachel enter Tripp’s car drives Bel’s confrontation.
  • Ramsey
    Absent documentary director whose filming expectations influence Ash’s decision to record Bel.
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