Contents
44. Carter
Overview
Carter spots Eden alive at The Manor, working under the name Mary. While stalling with questions, he learns Gabriella’s trauma has frozen her at a mental age of eight and that she paints Spyglass with a fox and a wolf. Gabriella whispers a chilling warning as Eden enters, recognizes Carter, and bolts.
Summary
Carter, in Gabriella’s room at The Manor, believes he has just seen Eden Fox enter the building in a staff uniform. He restrains himself, recalling DCI Bird’s advice to watch and listen, and keeps Ingrid—the care worker—in conversation while waiting.
Ingrid explains Gabriella’s condition: though eighteen, trauma from an accident left Gabriella with a mental age of eight, near-mute, fearful of her reflection, and dependent on full-time care. Gabriella’s father visits often; her parents never come together. Ingrid says “Mary” recently joined after her elderly employer by the coast died, became close to Gabriella, and records the girl’s rare whispers on an old Walkman.
Carter notices Gabriella’s painting of Spyglass now includes a fox and a wolf, implying Eden Fox and Harrison Woolf. As footsteps approach, Gabriella turns to the door and rasps, “Run rabbit, run rabbit, run, run, run,” sending a chill through Carter.
Eden enters in a white uniform with a MARY badge. She locks eyes with Gabriella, then with Carter, and immediately runs, confirming she is alive and operating under an alias.
Who Appears
- Sgt CarterNarrator; spots Eden alive at The Manor, probes staff, notes Gabriella’s clues, and moves to confront before Eden flees.
- Eeden Fox (alias Mary)Alive and working at The Manor under the name Mary; enters Gabriella’s room, sees Carter, and runs.
- GabriellaEighteen but mentally eight after trauma; paints Spyglass with fox and wolf; whispers “Run rabbit…” as Eden arrives.
- IngridCare worker who briefs Carter on Gabriella’s condition and Mary’s background with a former coastal employer.