Summary

Chapter 48 begins Part 3 and returns to the present moment as Leo and Jeremy discuss Emma. Leo tries to digest what he just learned, processing Jill’s involvement as well. As Leo tries to discern whether or not Emily attempted to kidnap Charlie, Jeremy agrees that he does not believe that kidnapping was her intention. However, since Emma had been harassing them and was found near Charlie, they obtained the restraining order.

Jeremy adds that Emma started harassing them again four years ago after her cancer diagnosis. After she showed up in Alnmouth while they were there, they called police but filed no charges. Jeremy called Emma three weeks ago to discuss Janice’s disappearance.

Leo is sympathetic to Emma: “I try to imagine a lifetime of separation from Ruby and panic tightens my chest: What Emma’s gone through is unimaginable. How deeply...