Contents
Chapter Sixty-Eight
Overview
Daisy reappears at Stuart’s house and speaks with Jane, thanking her for finding Hugo and admitting she took him out of fear. She reveals she has been home for weeks and agrees to explain everything, starting from a police visit with a revealing photograph, setting up her full account.
Summary
Daisy sits at Stuart’s table, picking at a bacon sandwich he has set down. She thanks Jane for searching for her and for bringing Hugo back. Jane studies Daisy, recognizing her as both the girl from Spencer’s son’s photo and the plain blond girl Helen Yaxley described, noting Daisy’s weight gain and older appearance.
Daisy admits she took Hugo because she was terrified to be alone, having never been anywhere by herself, and she is relieved he was found safe. Jane asks how long Daisy has been back. Daisy answers that she has been home for a couple of weeks, surprising Jane.
When Jane asks why Daisy abandoned Helen Yaxley’s Airbnb, Daisy says the full story needs to start earlier. She promises to explain everything, beginning with the day a policewoman came to the house and showed her a photograph, signaling the imminent reveal of her disappearance and choices.
Who Appears
- DaisyReturns to Stuart’s house; thanks Jane; admits taking Hugo out of fear; home for weeks; ready to explain.
- JaneConfronts and observes Daisy; confirms her identity; questions her timeline and the abandoned Airbnb.
- StuartProvides Daisy with a bacon sandwich; hosts the meeting at his home.