Brynn's Search for the Truth Takes a New Turn

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

The chapter opens in the Motive offices, where Carly is furious. Ramon d'Arturo, a corporate figure, has interrupted her staff mid-presentation and questioned her judgment. Brynn initially fears Carly's anger is aimed at her, but quickly realizes it is directed at Ramon. Carly declares she did not get where she is by letting a corporate hack tell her what to do, and she authorizes the team to take preliminary steps on the William Larkin story. She instructs Lindzi to contact the Sturgis Police to see what evidence they are willing to share, and to post a call for information on the Motive website, including Larkin's name, picture, age at death, date of death, and a hotline email. Lindzi notes that posting this will alert Ramon to their pursuit, but Carly dismisses the concern, arguing that pursuing stories is the lifeblood of the organization.

Carly then assigns Brynn to research the students who found Larkin's body—Shane Delgado and Charlotte Holbrook—and their families. Brynn recalls that earlier that day she attended a Saint Ambrose memorial garden committee meeting, where she was surprised to see Tripp Talbot. The two former friends spent the first ten minutes ignoring each other, and Ms. Kelso paired them together, much to Tripp's visible displeasure. Brynn reflects that this pairing may now prove useful.

That night, Brynn is unable to sleep and dives into online research. She compiles findings on the Delgado and Holbrook families into a spreadsheet she labels