Contents
Chapter Sixty-Seven
Overview
On the morning Jane plans to go to the police, Stuart invites her to the Blacks’ house to talk first. Jane takes precautions and checks in with neighbor Spencer. At the house, after tense small talk, Stuart summons a hidden guest: Daisy reveals herself, alive and frightened, reshaping Jane’s investigation.
Summary
Jane wakes early, resolved to give everything to the police, but receives a text from Stuart asking her to come first to hear explanations face-to-face. She agrees, informing allies and warning that others know her whereabouts to reduce risk.
Arming herself with two knives, Jane travels to Hampstead. Feeling uneasy, she stops by neighbor Spencer to say where she is going and to expect her return, securing a safety backstop.
At the Blacks’ house, Stuart greets Jane soberly. The home’s faded neglect and the outhouse’s looming presence heighten her anxiety. In the kitchen, Stuart makes bacon sandwiches and tea; Jane notices a second sandwich waiting and fresh scratches on Stuart’s wrist.
After tentative small talk, Stuart says there is something Jane must hear directly. He calls to someone in the hallway. A young woman enters—bleached hair, wide-set eyes, visibly terrified—and introduces herself as Daisy. The reveal confirms Daisy is alive and in contact with Stuart and Jessamine, reframing the case just as Jane was preparing to go to the police.
Who Appears
- JaneProtagonist; prepares to go to police, accepts Stuart’s invitation, sets safety checks, and meets Daisy alive.
- Stuart TuckerInvites Jane to talk before police; hosts breakfast; shows wrist scratches; reveals Daisy’s presence.
- Daisy BlackAppears alive, frightened, and introduces herself to Jane, shifting the investigation dramatically.
- SpencerNeighbor who Jane informs as a safety measure; offers to help and expects her return.
- DexterTexts Jane, urging caution and to take a knife before the meeting.
- HugoFamily dog who greets Jane at the door, signaling domestic normalcy amid tension.