Contents
52. Birdy
Overview
Birdy visits Carter’s home, masking her intent while assessing his family situation. Carter begs for secrecy, then reveals evidence that Mary has been impersonating Eden, including records, Eden’s website, and Eden’s engraved key chain found at the cliffs. Convinced, Birdy praises his initiative and decides they must confront Harrison immediately and locate Mary.
Summary
Birdy arrives at Sergeant Carter’s house during the Day of the Dead festivities, observing the warm but chaotic family home curated by his young wife, Jane, and their baby, Steren. As Jane steps out to tend to the baby, Carter anxiously begs Birdy not to reveal their affair or his supposed suspension.
Birdy rebukes Carter for infidelity but reveals his suspension was only to appease Harrison. She asks what he learned from interviewing Gabriella. Carter produces an employment file showing Gabriella’s carer, Mary, whose photo matches the local artist Eden Fox. He corroborates it by pulling up Eden’s website, confirming Mary and Eden’s public identity are the same person.
Carter then places a silver key chain engraved with Eden’s name on the table, explaining he found it on the cliffs. He outlines his theory: the woman arrested earlier was the real Eden, Mary later impersonated her with Harrison’s complicity, and the body found on the beach is likely the real Eden—killed or coerced into suicide.
Birdy acknowledges the theory sounds outlandish but recognizes Carter’s good police work and the coherence of the evidence. Reaffirming her purpose to seek justice, Birdy decides they must confront Harrison immediately and, in parallel, prioritize locating Mary.
Who Appears
- Birdy (DCI Bird)Visits Carter’s home, tests him, recognizes his evidence, and decides to confront Harrison and find Mary tonight.
- Sergeant CarterBeggs Birdy for secrecy; presents Mary/Eden evidence and Eden’s key chain; outlines impersonation theory; wins Birdy’s support.
- JaneCarter’s young wife; hosts Birdy for dinner, tends to their baby, unaware of Carter’s affair or job issues.
- Harrison FoxAllegedly complicit in Mary’s impersonation of Eden; target of Birdy and Carter’s planned late-night questioning.
- MaryGabriella’s carer; revealed to be impersonating Eden through records and online evidence; now a key suspect to locate.
- Eden FoxReal wife and artist; likely the beach victim; her engraved key chain was found on the cliffs.
- Gabriella WoolfHer confusing statements led to discovering her carer Mary’s true identity as the Eden impostor.
- SterenCarter and Jane’s infant daughter; her presence underscores Carter’s stakes and family situation.