Contents
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Overview
Jane and Dexter stake out Thornwood, tail Stuart and Hugo into Hampstead, and confront Stuart in a pub. Jane presents the circus/Jasper lead and urges a police report; Stuart resists, fearing greater danger to Daisy. He finally agrees to talk, beginning a confession about events that escalated during lockdown.
Summary
Jane meets Dexter in Belsize Park to plan how to approach Stuart away from the house. They buy coffee and watch Thornwood from the Heath until Stuart appears with Hugo. They covertly follow him through Hampstead as he shops and then enters a pub on Flask Walk.
Inside, Jane observes Stuart’s gaunt, battered state and feels unexpected empathy. Hugo recognizes Jane and pulls to her, forcing an encounter. Jane and Dexter engage Stuart, who initially bristles but invites them to sit by the fire.
Jane outlines her findings: Daisy likely went to the nearby circus seeking Jasper; her dog scent-matched Daisy’s bra to a coffee cup from the site, indicating Daisy had been there. She argues Jasper is not Daisy’s uncle and may be dangerous, and urges Stuart to report Daisy missing.
Stuart refuses, saying the family’s secrets make police involvement impossible and potentially lethal for Daisy. A message from Jessamine underscores his control and fear. Jane asks about his damaged ear; he deflects, and she waits, offering help and discretion.
Under pressure and moved by Jane’s concern, Stuart admits serious trouble at Thornwood and that calling police could worsen Daisy’s situation. He finally agrees to talk, starting with how tensions in the house exploded during the hot lockdown and a knock came at the door.
Who Appears
- JaneLeads the stakeout, tails Stuart, presents circus/Jasper evidence, urges police, and coaxes Stuart into beginning a confession.
- Stuart TuckerExhausted and fearful; resists police involvement to protect Daisy, then begins describing Thornwood’s lockdown escalation.
- DexterJane’s stepson; assists with the stakeout and approach, backing Jane during the pub confrontation.
- HugoThe dog recognizes Jane in the pub, forcing contact with Stuart and prompting the crucial conversation.
- JessamineStuart’s partner; texts during the meeting, emblematic of control and the peril surrounding Daisy.