Marcus visits the hole where workers have found Nola’s body and meets Sargent Perry Gahalowood. Perry tries in vain to remove him from the property. Later, Marcus visits Travis to show him the anonymous message; Travis tells him not to “underestimate the emotional impact of this case” (101). Travis agrees to take Marcus to Side Creek, where the original events took place. Marcus talks to retired chief Gareth Pratt, who believes in Harry’s guilt, although he says, “he seemed like such a nice guy” (105). Back at the house, Marcus plants the hydrangea bushes (Nola loved the flowers).

On June 19, Marcus visits the Sea Side Motel. He finds out that one could walk along the beach from Somerset, through the forest to the motel. He looks at the old newspapers: The day Nola disappeared, some neighbors reported “noises and shouts” (108) from the Kellergan house, while others “stated that the noises were actually music” (109) David Kellergan always played. Marcus learns Nola’s mother had died long before Nola’s death and that her father always blamed himself for playing music that day. Ernie the librarian tells Marcus that Mrs. Quinn, former owner of Clark’s, told him she had known Harry had designs on Nola and had evidence of it.