51. Carter

Carter reels from his suspension and trudges to the cliff waterfall where he once concluded Eden jumped. While retracing the scene, he spots a small silver key chain engraved EDEN—the same name he saw on the woman he tried to arrest—suggesting crucial evidence was missed and Eden may still be alive.

He avoids the bustling Smuggler’s Inn, wary of Birdy and the festival crowds, and heads home, anxious about money and his future. On the way he calls a contact at HQ to ask if Birdy can suspend him, leaving a discreet message.

At his cottage, Carter reflects on a one-night stand that led to Jane’s pregnancy, a rushed marriage, and a life that feels morally compromised. He loves his infant daughter, Steren, but admits he never loved Jane, concealed his marriage from Birdy, and feels guilty for interviewing Gabriella against orders.

Jane has cooked dinner and unexpectedly reveals she invited Birdy, who visited earlier worried about Carter not answering his phone. As Carter processes the collision of his secrets with his professional crisis, a knock at the door signals Birdy’s arrival and the impending confrontation.