Dave's secretive behavior and Mia's relentless pursuit of the truth converge as long-buried secrets begin to surface. As Mia delves deeper into the past, a chilling portrait of the killer emerges, revealing a history of violence and a disturbing sense of justification. The Hunter family's facade of normalcy begins to crumble, exposing a web of lies and hidden connections that threaten to consume them all.
Chapter 26: Dave, 2019
Dave Hunter is tailing his daughter-in-law, Mia, in Debbie Hunter's car, drawing on his past experience to remain undetected. He overheard a cryptic conversation between Mia and his son, Finn Hunter, fueling his suspicion that Mia is up to something. Driven by a need to control his own destiny, Dave is determined to uncover her secrets.
Mia's taxi stops at a supermarket where she purchases white lilies before heading to the Crownhill Crematorium. Dave, battling stomach pains and relying on illicit painkillers, checks the crematorium schedule online. He discovers the funeral is for Abigail Douglas, one of the child victims found in his son's attic. The sight of the child-sized coffin deeply disturbs him, prompting him to abruptly abandon his surveillance and drive away, leaving Mia unaware of his presence.
Chapter 27: Mia
At Abigail Douglas's wake, Mia feels like an outsider, acutely aware of the media scrutiny her family faces, especially given the resurfacing of her past engagement to Ellis Anders. The family's refusal to profit from the tragedy underscores their commitment to honoring the victims. Observing the mourners, Mia is struck by the theme of The Past Haunting the Present and wonders if the killer is among them, reliving their dark deeds.
Mia speaks with Jasmine Johnson, whose severely disabled daughter, Precious, was Abigail's close friend and disappeared the same day. Jasmine reveals that Precious was found three days later, the victim of a hit-and-run that left her unable to communicate. Jasmine shows Mia a class photograph, and Mia is shocked to recognize a young Dave Hunter in the picture. When Mia points him out, Precious has a violent fit. In the chaos, the photo frame shatters, and Mia secretly pockets the photograph, disturbed by Dave's hidden connection to the victims.
Chapter 28: Debbie
Debbie Hunter's possessiveness over her grandson, Sonny Hunter, intensifies. She cherishes her daily routine of caring for him in the Annexe, enjoying the constant presence of her grandson while Mia is unwell. Her routine is disrupted when Mia announces she will be looking after Sonny for the day, leaving Debbie feeling hurt and suspicious.
Debbie attempts to undermine Mia's confidence, suggesting she won't be able to handle Sonny. This interaction highlights Debbie's need for Manipulation and Control, particularly concerning her grandson. Feeling pushed out of Sonny's life, Debbie is left resentful and unsettled by Mia's attempt to reclaim her maternal role.
Chapter 29: Twenty-Four Years Earlier
The narrative shifts to 1995, offering a chilling glimpse into the mind of the unnamed killer. The narrator describes a resurgence of their homicidal urges after a five-year period of dormancy. They distinguish themselves from serial killer Fred West, believing their murders are committed "for the greater good." The killer revisits a canal path, the site of their first premeditated murder at age thirteen, where they killed a boy named Justin Powell.
The killer's internal monologue grapples with the theme of Nature vs. Nurture, suggesting that their violent compulsions are an innate part of their being. Despite finding fulfillment in family life, the urge to kill persists. The chapter concludes with the killer picking up their own young child from school, embracing them as "what normality tastes like," followed by the haunting thought: "I only wish it was enough." A newspaper clipping details the abduction of two young siblings, hinting at earlier victims.
Chapter 30: Mia, 2019
Mia confronts Dave about his connection to Abigail Douglas and Precious Johnson, presenting the stolen class photograph as evidence. She has been waiting for an opportunity to speak with Dave alone, sensing he has been avoiding her.
Dave is visibly uncomfortable and admits he was in their class but downplays the connection, claiming he barely knew them. He lies, stating he discussed it with Debbie but saw no reason to tell Mia or Finn. When Mia presses him about Precious, he claims to only vaguely remember hearing about her accident. His evasiveness and nervous behavior convince Mia he is lying. The confrontation ends abruptly when Sonny wakes up crying, but Mia is left with the chilling certainty that her father-in-law knows much more than he is revealing, solidifying the theme of Family Secrets and Lies.
Key Events
- Dave secretly follows Mia to Abigail Douglas's funeral.
- Mia learns about Precious Johnson, Abigail's disabled friend, and her connection to the case.
- Mia discovers a class photo revealing Dave's connection to both victims.
- A flashback reveals the killer's first murder and their internal struggle with violent urges.
- Mia confronts Dave, who lies about his relationship with the victims, deepening her suspicions.
Character Development
- Mia: She transforms from a passive victim to an active investigator, determined to uncover the truth.
- Dave: His paranoia, secrecy, and lies reveal a man burdened by a dark past and actively concealing crucial information.
- Debbie: Her controlling nature is exposed, highlighting her need to maintain control over Sonny's life.
- The Killer: The anonymous narrator provides insight into the psychology of a long-term, calculating killer living a double life.
Themes & Symbols
- Family Secrets and Lies: Dave's lies about his connection to the victims shatter the family's facade and position him as a suspect.
- The Past Haunting the Present: The discovery of the bodies and Dave's connection to the victims tie the events of the past directly to the Hunter family.
- Nature vs. Nurture: The killer's monologue explores the idea that violent compulsions are an innate part of their being.
- The Class Photograph: This object symbolizes the buried past and acts as a catalyst for Mia's suspicion.
Key Quotes
"I only wish it was enough." (Chapter 29)
This chilling thought, uttered by the killer after embracing their child, highlights the inadequacy of a normal family life to suppress their violent urges. It underscores the theme of nature versus nurture, suggesting that their homicidal compulsions are an inescapable part of their being, regardless of their attempts to lead a normal life.
"Quite demanding, he can be." (Chapter 28)
Debbie's seemingly innocuous comment about Sonny reveals her manipulative nature and her desire to undermine Mia's confidence. It highlights her possessiveness over her grandson and her resentment towards Mia's attempt to reclaim her maternal role. This seemingly harmless statement is loaded with underlying tension and reveals Debbie's controlling tendencies.
Significance
These chapters mark a critical turning point, drawing the mystery into the Hunter family and making the threat personal. Mia's discovery of Dave's connection to the victims shifts the narrative from a haunted house story to a domestic thriller. The inclusion of the killer's perspective increases suspense, creating a powerful dynamic between Mia's investigation and the killer's internal world.