Contents
CHAPTER 86: LYRA
Overview
At 1 a.m., Lyra learns Odette Morales has resurfaced and will speak only to her. On a video call from Italy’s Adriatic coast, Odette reveals Tobias Hawthorne once set up a trust and bought property tied to a town honoring Saint Thomas. Odette hints she has found not something, but someone there, reframing the search for answers.
Summary
Lyra is jolted awake by Alisa’s phone ringing at 1 a.m. Surrounded by Nash and Libby, she fears news about Grayson, only to learn Odette Morales has been found and will speak solely to her. The call connects by video.
Odette appears composed and formidable, as Lyra remembers. They discuss Odette’s disappearance and her past role in “fixing” a situation for Tobias Hawthorne—something Odette claims she knew little about at the time. Lyra presses for anything Odette knows or suspects, and their conversation turns to love, with Lyra admitting its reality and cost as she worries for Grayson.
Odette then explains why she wanted Lyra: she can read lips and once observed the first dance between Lyra and a Hawthorne, recalling mention of a file. Pivoting to the past, Odette reveals that Tobias asked her to set up a basic trust and buy property in a coastal Adriatic town.
Following her disappearance, Odette reconsidered “Thomas, Thomas,” connecting it to Doubting Thomas—Saint Thomas—whose relics are in the Basilica of San Tommaso Apostolo in an Adriatic town. Believing Tobias left a deliberate clue, she went there.
Odette concludes that she found something significant in Italy—“not what, Ms. Kane. Who.” The revelation suggests a living person at the heart of Tobias’s secret, redirecting Lyra’s hope and the broader investigation amid Grayson’s continued absence.
Who Appears
- Lyra KaneWakes to a late-night call, speaks with Odette, confronts love for Grayson, and pursues a new lead tied to Italy.
- Odette MoralesReappears via video from Italy; reveals Tobias set a trust and property linked to Saint Thomas; claims she found someone.
- AlisaReceives the call and facilitates Lyra’s connection with Odette.
- Nash HawthorneStays beside Lyra during the call, offering silent support.
- LibbySupports Lyra as Odette’s revelations unfold.
- Grayson HawthorneAbsent but central to Lyra’s fear and motivation during the call.
- Tobias HawthorneDiscussed by Odette; previously tasked her with a trust and property purchase that points to Italy.