Chapter 29 Summary: Sarah Morgan Under Pressure
⚠️ 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
Sheriff Hudson and Chief Deputy Olson visit Sarah Morgan at her nonprofit office to question her about two cases: the reopened Kelly Summers murder and the recent disappearance of Stacy Howard. Sarah is confrontational and sarcastic, accusing the sheriff’s department of mishandling the Summers case. Hudson reveals that former Sheriff Stevens has been murdered—his throat slit—and asks for Sarah’s cooperation. She maintains her alibi from twelve years ago: drinks with assistant Anne Davis until after midnight. When pressed about Stacy, Sarah says she knows the woman only as her husband Bob’s affair partner and claims she was home with Bob and her daughter the evening Stacy vanished. Just as the interview gains traction, Hudson is called away to a possible homicide at a salon. In the elevator, Olson points out that Sarah never asked how Stevens died, suggesting she either was tipped off or involved in his death.
Key Events
- Hudson and Olson arrive unannounced at Sarah Morgan’s office to question her.
- Sarah greets them with sarcasm and accusations about the Summers case.
- Hudson reveals that former Sheriff Stevens has been murdered.
- Sarah maintains her alibi for the night of Kelly Summers’ murder, referencing a statement from twelve years ago.
- Questioned about her divorce and Stacy Howard, Sarah confirms Bob had an affair but claims she doesn’t know Stacy personally.
- Sarah states she was home between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the night Stacy disappeared, with Bob arriving around 7:30 p.m.
- Hudson receives a radio call about a potential homicide at a salon and must leave abruptly.
- In the elevator, Olson notes Sarah didn’t ask how Stevens died, implying she already knew.
Character Development
- Sheriff Hudson shows increasing frustration as Sarah deflects his questions. He reveals critical information (Stevens’ murder) to gain her trust but is forced to cut the interview short when duty calls.
- Deputy Olson observes closely and notices a telling omission—Sarah’s lack of surprise about Stevens’ death. Olson’s insight deepens the suspicion around Sarah.
- Sarah Morgan remains composed and adversarial. She uses legal tactics, refuses to provide new evidence, and shifts blame. Her failure to ask about Stevens’ death hints at hidden knowledge.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Power and Knowledge: Sarah deliberately withholds information, understanding that what she says can be used against her. She treats the interview as a chess match, controlling what she reveals.
- Betrayal and Infidelity: Both Sarah’s ex-husband Adam and current husband Bob are accused of affairs, tying infidelity to the central mysteries.
- Unreliable Alibis: Sarah’s alibi for the Summers night (a bar receipt from twelve years ago is missing) and her alibi for Stacy Howard’s disappearance (dependent on Bob’s timeline) both feel fragile.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter tightens the connection between the Kelly Summers cold case and Stacy Howard’s disappearance. Sarah emerges as a suspect not merely because of her husband’s affairs but because her reaction to Stevens’ death seems rehearsed. Olson’s observation plants doubt: did Sarah know the former sheriff was murdered before being told, and if so, how? The chapter also advances the subplot of Stevens’ murder, raising the stakes for Hudson’s investigation.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Hudson choose to visit Sarah at her office rather than bring her to the station?
He believes Sarah will be more forthcoming if the setting is informal and on her own turf. Arriving unannounced also prevents her from preparing polished answers, a tactic he uses to catch her off guard.
2. What detail in Sarah’s behavior leads Olson to suspect she knew about Stevens’ murder?
Sarah immediately insinuates that Stevens’ death is “convenient” for the sheriff’s office but never asks how he died. Olson finds her lack of shock and curiosity suspicious, suggesting she was already aware of the killing.
3. How does Sarah’s alibi for the night of Stacy Howard’s disappearance compare to Bob Miller’s statement?
Sarah claims she was home by 6 p.m., with Bob arriving around 7:30 p.m. and leaving shortly after 9 p.m. Bob said he hadn’t seen Stacy in weeks and was with Sarah and their daughter. Their timelines align, but the hours before 7:30 and after 9 remain unverified, leaving Bob with possible opportunity.