Contents
Chapter Four
Overview
Jane recounts to Dexter her near-fatal encounter from 2000, confirming the Thornwood house and jeep connection. Just as they accept Hugo’s return as closure, Hester calls with news that renter Rose White and a small white dog have vanished from a nearby annex. With police en route, Jane and Dexter rush back to inform Hugo Tucker.
Summary
Over coffee in Hampstead Village, Jane and Dexter sit in strained silence until Dexter asks if Jane is OK. Jane shares the full story of the night in 2000 when she followed a charming older man home, sensed danger, and fled with the help of his wary wife after a bang and a child’s scream upstairs. She emphasizes the man’s elegance, the wife’s complicity, and her terror running back through the Vale.
Jane and Dexter compare details to the house they visited to return Hugo. Jane confirms it is the same property, and the jeep ties it together. They conclude the tenant wasn’t the man from her past, and speculate the “pretty wife” still owns the house, perhaps having ousted the predatory husband. They accept that the “Hugo Incident” seems over, though both feel sad parting with the dog.
Hester calls with urgent news: local landowner Helen Yaxley’s annex tenant, a young woman who arrived a week earlier with a small white dog, has vanished. Helen found signs of abrupt departure—unlocked door, fresh tea, laundry drying, half-eaten cereal—but no tenant or dog. Police are on their way.
Jane and Dexter decide to return to Thornwood to alert Hugo Tucker in case he knows the missing woman. Hester provides the name: Rose White.
Who Appears
- Jane TrevallyProtagonist; recounts her 2000 near-miss at the Thornwood house and resolves to warn Hugo about a missing tenant.
- DexterJane’s stepson; reacts to Jane’s story, notes the coincidence, and agrees to return to Thornwood.
- HesterLocal vet; phones Jane with news of a missing tenant and small white dog; provides the name Rose White.
- Hugo TuckerRegistered owner of Hugo the terrier; tenant at the Thornwood property whom Jane plans to warn.
- Helen YaxleyLocal landowner; reports her annex tenant’s disappearance and alerts police.
- Rose WhiteMissing tenant at Helen Yaxley’s annex; last seen with a small white dog.