Contents
CHAPTER 27: LYRA
Overview
Lyra and Grayson return to Texas to consult Hawthorne files, where a surviving preschool sketch makes Lyra recognize her kidnapper—who strongly resembles her. They resolve to identify him and his tie to Alice Hawthorne. Alisa and Nash reveal Jameson and Xander are unraveling Tobias’s game for Alice, while Gigi and Savannah pursue Brady in Calla Thorp’s hometown under Knox and Rohan’s watch. Grayson, strained and protective, demands contact info as paparazzi swarm Hawthorne House.
Summary
On a flight back to Texas, Lyra fixates on a preschool sketch of her abductor from the sheriff’s file. The man looks strikingly like Lyra, igniting the certainty that he, not Tomás, took her. She and Grayson discuss possibilities, including that the resemblance could stem from a familial connection such as an uncle. They agree their next step is identifying the man and understanding why he believed Alice Hawthorne would come for Lyra.
Landing in Texas, Alisa’s SUV arrives—driven by Nash. During the drive, Nash and Alisa brief them: Jameson and Xander are in Europe, where clues are converging into one of Tobias Hawthorne’s games intended for Alice. Grayson, exhausted and guilty, asks after Jameson and learns he is barely holding it together. Libby, Zara, Max, and Oren are anchoring the home front.
Alisa shifts to Grayson’s sisters. Gigi is with Knox in Calla Thorp’s hometown; Savannah is shadowed by Rohan. The group pursued Brady Daniels in the bayou. Grayson, alarmed and protective, demands their numbers and tracking confirmation. Alisa promises to work her and Oren’s networks to identify Lyra’s kidnapper from the sketch and any ties to Alice.
As they reach Hawthorne House, Alisa warns them to smile. Paparazzi converge at the gate, underscoring the pressure surrounding the Hawthornes as Lyra and Grayson press forward—seeking answers in Tobias’s files and the truth behind Lyra’s abductor and Alice Hawthorne’s connection.
Who Appears
- Lyra CatalinaDetermined to identify her kidnapper after recognizing him in a sketch; suspects a familial resemblance; seeks Alice’s connection.
- Grayson HawthorneExhausted and guilty; escorts Lyra to Hawthorne House; demands control over his sisters’ risky moves.
- Alisa OrtegaCoordinator and fixer; updates on Jameson’s game, tracks Gigi and Savannah, and promises to ID Lyra’s kidnapper.
- Nash HawthorneDrives them from the airstrip; reports on family movements; supports but challenges Grayson.
- Jameson HawthorneIn Europe unraveling Tobias’s Alice-focused game; emotionally fraying and needs support.
- Xander HawthorneAccompanies Jameson in Europe, stabilizing him as they work Tobias’s puzzle.
- Alice HawthorneCentral to motives; the kidnapper expected her to come for Lyra; target of Tobias’s puzzle.
- Avery GrambsMissing; her absence heightens tension and affects the Hawthorne family.
- Libby HawthorneAt home, emotionally affected; anchors the family’s support network.
- Gigi HawthorneIn Calla Thorp’s hometown; under Knox’s protection while pursuing Brady.
- Savannah HawthornePursues Brady alongside Gigi; closely shadowed by Rohan.
- Knox LandryHired to protect Gigi; mistrustful and formidable, emotionally invested in her safety.
- RohanStays near Savannah; associated with the Grandest Game and protective involvement.
- Brady DanielsTarget of Gigi and Savannah’s pursuit in the bayou; tied to ongoing threats.
- OrenSecurity lead assisting Alisa with identifications and protecting the family.
- Tobias HawthorneLeft a puzzle intended for Alice; his files may decode past deceptions.
- Lyra’s kidnapperDeceased; resembles Lyra; believed Alice would come for Lyra; identity unknown.