Contents
Chapter 59
Overview
The power returns, and Casey braces for consequences after leaving Jolene’s body. Rudy unexpectedly visits, apologizes for his prior behavior, and offers repairs. He reveals Lee knew Casey’s full name beforehand and asked if she lived alone. Shaken, Casey decides Rudy will fix the roof and grows wary of Lee’s intentions.
Summary
As evening falls, the electricity comes back on, and Casey reflects briefly on her father and her legal name, Elizabeth Casey Carter. She makes a simple meal and worries the police might arrive after she left Jolene’s body for discovery.
Instead, Rudy knocks. Casey, tense after their last encounter and her recent actions, lets him in. Rudy notes her phone is still out and apologizes for his earlier behavior, admitting he was inappropriate and worried about her during the storm. Casey accepts the apology as he offers to fix the roof and arrange tree removal.
When Casey mentions Lee planned to help, Rudy laughs and suggests Lee is fond of her. He then reveals a troubling detail: before moving in, Lee asked Rudy questions about “Elizabeth Casey” and specifically whether she lived alone. This revelation alarms Casey, who wonders how Lee knew her name and why he was probing about her situation.
Shaken by the implication that Lee had been investigating her, Casey reverses course and tells Rudy to handle the roof instead of Lee. Though Rudy agrees, Casey’s trust in Lee erodes, and she resolves to keep him away from her home.
Who Appears
- Casey (Elizabeth Casey Carter)Narrator; regains power, fears police discovery, learns Lee researched her, decides to keep Lee away and hires Rudy for roof.
- RudyLandlord; visits to check on Casey, apologizes for prior conduct, offers repairs, reveals Lee’s prior inquiries about Casey.
- LeeNeighbor and Nell’s uncle; off-page, revealed to have known Casey’s name and asked if she lived alone, prompting Casey’s distrust.