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SUMMARY OF THE STORY SO FAR . . .
(Updated Weekly -Last Updated 2/28/10)

Chapter One

The story begins at nighttime with a crowd of people at an undetermined lake. They see Roy approaching them, who is a person from their past. They can't believe their eyes since no one expected to see him. They all move to greet Roy. We see the reunion from the eyes of an, as yet, unidentified individual (we will refer to this individual at this point as the "narrator"), who is clearly stressed by Roy's appearance. Another character, Benson, is concerned with the narrator's reaction to Roy.

The narrator initially refuses to approach Roy. She flashes back to younger days, standing by her dying father's bedside, alongside Benson and the rest of her family. The father whispers unknown, but painful, words to the narrator and Benson. At this point, we do not know the contents of those words. The narrator's focus comes back to the present. It seems like Roy is back from the dead after so many years. Perhaps the narrator's father was right about Roy all along. The narrator is hesitant to confront Roy. Benson (who we now learn is the narrator's stepbrother and husband) questions whether it is a good idea. The narrator can't deal with the situation, and starts running away. She eventually drops to her knees, weeping.

Chapter Two

After blacking out, the narrator awakens in an unfamiliar place. It is a mental institution. She is bound to the bed. She was told by the nurse that her "husband" brought her there the previous night. She doesn't understand why she would be brought there, and the nurse doesn't give her any other information. She questions Benson's motives, and also realizes that her surroundings have a vague familiarity. She is given an injection, and before involuntarily falling asleep, she sees the nurse speaking to a familiar man. She doesn't know where she has seen him before. After an unknown period of time, she awakens. She keeps her eyes closed, and listens to hushed voices talking about her.
She hears the voice of Detective Lawry, who investigated her stepmother's drowning 15 years earlier. She also hears Benson's voice. Someone walks over and sits next to her bed.

She realizes it is Benson, but she doesn't trust him, Roy, or Sister Kathryn. Why was Detective Lawry here? Sarah Tate's drowning was ruled an accident.
She hears Detective Lawry say that there is new evidence, and the case will be re-opened. Her thoughts go back to that day. She flashes back to her stepmother working on a quilt.

Chapter Three

The narrator's mother died when she was six, and she was devastated by her mother's death. Sarah Kendell was the narrator's teacher in 2nd grade. Her father, Edward Tate, married Sarah when Benson was 12, and the narrator was 10. Sarah was 17 years younger than Edward, and Sarah's 1st husband was killed in a car accident. Sarah brought joy back to Edward's and the narrator's lives. We now find out that the narrator's name is Rebecca. She loved Benson as her stepbrother, but he was defiant as a kid. Benson and Rebecca met Roy, who was handsome, fearless, and clever. All three went on adventures together, and became very close friends. Rebecca came to learn that Roy's motives may not have been very honorable, and that he had a dark secret. Roy eventually revealed the secret to Benson and Rebecca, but we don't know what he said.

Rebecca came out of her daydream to find Benson sitting next to her. He seemed caring, but she wasn't sure whether to trust him. Something wasn't right with him. He brought her to the institution because he found her hysterical, out of control, and grasping the cemetery gate. He said that he and Roy had trouble getting her in the car.

Roy left after putting her in the car. Benson told Rebecca that only he and Sister Kathryn knew she was there. Why did he leave out Detective Lawry? Rebecca sensed that Benson was lying about something. When asked about Lawry, Benson said he just had a few routine questions for her, but Rebecca didn't believe him. After Benson leaves, Rebecca finds that she can free herself from the leather restraints. She decides to wait for her best opportunity to escape, and learn the truth about her situation.

Chapter Four

The focus of the story shifts to Detective John Lawry, discussing the Sarah Tate case with Sergeant Dan McCullough. Something about the case has bothered Lawry for years. McCullough recalls that Roy Hunt used to live near Foggy Break. Lawry has spoken to Hunt since he returned to town, but questions are still unanswered. He wants to speak with Rebecca Tate. McCullough recalls his wife telling him that Hunt liked both young and old women. Lawry's interest is piqued. Lawry decides to speak with Dan's wife, and also Emily Pearson who has lived in the Foggy Break area for many years. Lawry drives through Morgan Pass to get to Pearson's house. He recalls driving on that road 15 years ago as a uniformed deputy when he got the call about Sarah Kendell's body. He was a young officer when he saw Sarah Kendell's body on the rocks. At the scene so long ago, he meets Detective Stanton from an adjoining county. Lawry thinks it is odd that another county would join in the investigation. Stanton asks Lawry to help in the investigation. Ultimately, the coroner determines the drowning accidental, even with evidence of foul play. Stanton vowed to find more evidence, but he died a few years ago. Lawry sees Roy Hunt's reappearance as an opportunity to close the case.

Before entering the gates to Emily Pearson's community, Lawry thinks about the cryptic letter recently discovered taped to the underside of Sarah's bed table. It was the reason for re-opening the case, and it provoked more questions about Roy, Benson, and Rebecca.

Chapter Five

In the middle of the night, Rebecca is awoken by Sister Kathryn so she can take some "medication". Sister Kathryn is curt with Rebecca, and insists she take the pill. After Sister Kathryn leaves, Rebecca spits the pill out, and maneuvers it under her pillow. She waits a little while, and then frees herself from the restraints. She inspects the room, including a drawer full of papers. Suddenly, the lock on her door turns, and she returns to bed quickly. It is a custodian. She decides to keep track of the custodian's schedule, and make a plan. She notices that the custodian has a set of keys, and realizes that she has to somehow get them. As the custodian leaves the room, Rebecca overhears Sister Kathryn lying to Detective Lawry on the telephone about her condition, telling him that Rebecca is lethargic and out of touch with reality. Rebecca vows to escape, and decides she must obtain the keys. She falls asleep.

She awakens to a sunny morning. Benson should be coming soon, and she will try to get information from him. She can always tell when he is lying. She remembers the pill under her pillow, and tries to get rid of it, but quickly returns to her bed when Sister Kathryn starts to enter the room. She feigns sleep. When Sister Kathryn speaks to her, she acts as though she is waking up. Rebecca takes the "medication" that Sister Kathryn gives her, but spits it out after the nurse leaves. Another woman, Geri, comes in with a tray of food. As she is feeding Rebecca, she quietly hands Rebecca a note, and whispers to her "You need to know. Don't let Sister Kathryn see this." Geri leaves without any further discussion. Rebecca opens the paper to see what is written on it. It reads, "You can't trust Sister Kathryn or your husband. I will help you." There is also a name and phone number of "K. Mitchell". Rebecca is confused, and has even more questions.

Chapter Six

Detective Lawry knocks on Emily Pearson's door, and a small, mousy woman answers. It is Emily's sister, Carole. Emily died two years earlier, but Carole confirms that Emily kept meticulous records of people in Foggy Break. Lawry engages in small talk with Carole. He notices a photo of Carole and Emily taken at the lake shortly before Sarah's death. Carole agrees to let Lawry obtain a copy of the photo. After further idle chat, Carole takes Lawry to the attic. Shelves of journals are collecting dust. Carole points to a small shelf that has journals written about Foggy Break residents within the past 15 or 20 years. The journals are full of references to Benson Kendell, Rebecca Tate, and Roy Hunt. Carole shares that Emily had a crush on Benson Kendell, and was very hurt when he married Rebecca. Carole agrees to let Lawry take some of the volumes with him. Lawry learns from Carole that Emily's late husband was Hugh Mitchell, a very prominent state citizen. He died of a brain aneurysm 10 years after they were married. Lawry also notices a photo on the wall showing Benson, Roy, Rebecca, Emily, Carole, and an unidentified girl. Carole identifies her as "Kathy", who spent time with the others that summer. She didn't know Kathy's last name, nor ever saw her again.

Chapter Seven

We now find Roy Hunt in a small diner about 20 miles from town. He is reading some documents, and trying not to be noticed. Bobby, the cook, believes Roy may be up to no good. After Clara, the waitress, brings Roy his breakfast, Benson Kendell walks in and joins Roy. Clara states that Benson and Roy together is just like old times, but she is uncomfortable with the reunion. Benson is concerned about meeting with Roy in public. Roy has read the papers Benson gave him, but doesn't understand what they have to do with him. He insists that he didn't kill Sarah. Roy tells Benson that Lawry was asking questions about Benson, Sarah, Rebecca, and some letter. Benson becomes very distressed upon hearing about Lawry asking questions about him, and finding the letter. Roy tries to find out what Benson knows about the letter, but Benson quickly leaves the diner, upset and agitated. As Roy drives toward the lake, he recalls the day when Benson told him that Sarah was really his stepmother. It was a secret that Benson had shared with no one else. Benson's parents had divorced, and his mother disappeared. Sarah had been awarded custody of Benson, but Benson harbored ill-will toward her. Roy couldn't understand why Benson treated her so cruelly. While driving to the lake, Roy notices Benson digging in the forest. He waits to see what Benson is doing.

Chapter Eight

The next day at the police station, Detective Lawry is poring over Emily Pearson's journals. He engages in conversation with Sargent Dan McCullough about Emily Pearson. Lawry is frustrated with the lack of evidence, and his inability to speak with Rebecca. He questions why Emily's house was almost barren of furniture if she was married to such a rich man. Dan thinks it's odd that those with information are dead, Emily and Edward, and that Rebecca is suddenly inaccessible. Lawry also questions why Carole believed Ed Tate was an "awful" man. Lawry mentions that the cryptic letter probably has the answers. While Lawry was pondering further over the journals, he notices an entry about Roy and Benson arguing. Emily wrote that Benson made a comment about his mother (Sarah) not being his mother. Lawry finds that interesting.

Sister Kathryn calls to inform Lawry that Rebecca Tate has disappeared. It's possible she had assistance. She claims Rebecca might be delusional. Her demeanor somehow doesn't seem credible to Lawry, but he takes it at face value. Lawry meets with Sister Kathryn at the hospital. She explains that Rebecca suffers from schizoaffective disorder which prevents her from distinguishing between fantasy and reality. The nurse insists that Rebecca needs her medication, otherwise she might hurt herself or someone else. Lawry senses an underlying motive. Lawry learns that Rebecca's only visitor that morning was Geri, who brought her breakfast. The only outside visitor she has ever had was Benson. Sister Kathryn had advised Benson that Rebecca was missing. Lawry asks if Sister Kathryn knew of anyone who would want to harm Rebecca. The nurse took a piece of paper out of her bible, and told Lawry he should read it. The note said, "I'm on to you. You're going to pay." Lawry didn't believe the note was from Rebecca. It seemed the nun was trying to paint a picture that just didn't work. Also, Rebecca's room was too clean. It appeared someone was covering something up. As he was leaving the room, he found a piece of paper protruding from under the mattress. He snatched it quickly so Sister Kathryn wouldn't see. While waiting to speak with Geri, he read the note. It was the note Geri handed to Rebecca saying she shouldn't trust Sister Kathryn or her husband, Benson.

Geri was nervous speaking with Lawry. To encourage Geri's candor, Lawry asked Sister Kathryn to get him something to drink. Geri noticed nothing strange about Rebecca that morning. While Lawry was showing Geri the note he had found, Sister Kathryn returned to the room. Geri became flustered, and said she had no helpful information. She quickly left the room. After Geri left, Sister Kathryn tells Lawry that Rebecca told her that Sarah Tate's death wasn't an accident, and that the murderer would be sorry. Sister Kathryn added that everyone at the hospital loved Rebecca, and that she needed help.

Chapter Nine

Rebecca is alone in the forest, thinking about how Geri helped her escape from the mental institution. After running for awhile, she reads the portion of Geri's note she had torn off; the name "K. Mitchell", and a phone number. The name is familiar, but it causes her feelings of dread. She doesn't know why. It starts to rain hard, and she runs to find shelter. She remembers the shelter house by the lake, and runs in that direction. She finally arrives, finding it as she remembered it so many years ago. While inside the shelter house, there is a loud knock on the front door. Rebecca crouches under a window sill, not sure if it might be someone trying to bring her back to the mental institution. She realizes it is Roy, and opens the door. They have a tearful reunion, and Rebecca tells Roy that Benson put her in the mental institution. Roy says he didn't know she was there, and that Benson never told him. Roy helps Rebecca to dry off. Roy tells Rebecca that he came back to Foggy Break because Benson said he should return; something about Sarah and a letter. Rebecca asks why he left Foggy Break so many years ago. Roy doesn't respond, and Rebecca becomes angry since it seems no one will tell her the truth about anything. Roy finally opens up. He tells Rebecca that he stole jewelry from a neighbor before coming to Foggy Break. He was terrified, and ran away to Foggy Break. He loved Rebecca, but her father found out about his crime, and threatened to go to the police. Roy then left Foggy Break. Although he came back six months later, he decided not to stay after learning that Sarah had died, and Rebecca had married Benson. Roy explains that the rumors of him with many woman was not true. The "favors" he did for women were only manual labor around their homes, mostly in Foggy Break. Roy and Rebecca leave the lake house to go to Roy's motel where they won't be noticed.

Chapter Ten

After Detective Lawry's interview with Geri, Sister Kathryn calls Hugh Mitchell (son of Keagan Mitchell) at Mitchell Industries to advise that Rebecca had escaped. Hugh is angry, but controls his outward demeanor. He doesn't want Kathryn to know why he needed Rebecca sequestered. He tells Kathryn to keep him informed as to the status. We learn that Hugh was named after Keagan's twin brother, Hugh Mitchell. The younger Hugh (named Hugh-B) was spoiled as a child, and had a sense of entitlement which turned into greed later in life. He had resentment toward Emily for marrying his uncle, especially due to her modest roots, and spending money which he believed was rightfully his. Shortly after the elder Hugh and Emily married, they visited Emily's family in Foggy Break. Hugh-B met Rebecca, Benson, and Roy, all of whom were about the same age. While Hugh and Benson became immediate friends, Roy and Rebecca had their reservations about Hugh-B. Benson idolized Hugh-B, and wanted everything Hugh-B had. Roy and Rebecca found Hugh-B to be an "intolerable braggert", and wanted nothing to do with him. Emily would express displeasure with Hugh-B's spoiled attitude, and Hugh-B resented her for having control of his inheritance.

While Hugh-B was lost in thought about his past, he is visited by James Tanner, a security guard from St. Dymphna Hospital. Tanner threatens to go to Det. Lawry about Hugh and Benson keeping Rebecca "hidden away" if Hugh didn't pay Tanner blackmail money. Hugh orders Tanner out of his office. After Tanner leaves, Hugh tries to analyze what Tanner actually knew, and who he had heard it from. He made a phone call to an unidentified individual, who advises that he take care of Tanner, either by buying his silence, or with some other resolution. The person on the phone was not pleased with these new developments. Hugh makes another phone call, and requests that information be obtained regarding Tanner. He then leaves his office.

Chapter Eleven

Lawry was seated at his desk reading Emily's journals when a familiar woman entered his office. It was Geri Walden, and she introduced herself as Officer Geraldine Bishop with the Mason Creek County Sheriff's Office. She explains that, based upon information received about Sister Kathryn and St. Dymphna's, she was working in an undercover investigation. While she can't discuss details about the investigation with Lawry, she begins to provide information about Rebecca Kendell. At Lawry's urging, she opens up about the pending investigation with information about Hugh-B purchasing the St. Dymphna Hospital, about Rebecca being put into the Mason County Mental Institution 15 years prior (the predecessor to St. Dymphna), as well as more details about Rebecca's recent stay at the hospital. She also explained that the note was given to her by a middle-aged man outside the hospital. She also confirmed Lawry's suspicions that Sister Kathryn was purposely keeping Rebecca sedated so she couldn't answer any questions. Since Rebecca's escape was not completely planned ahead of time, Officer Bishop lost track of her. After Lawry receives a rude call from Benson Kendell, he asks Officer Bishop about Benson's or Roy Hunt's possible involvement. She is unaware of Hunt's involvement, but is highly suspicious about Benson Kendell. He would have late night discussions with Sister Kathryn at the hospital, and had been staying at a hotel in downtown Hawley rather than his own home. Geri leaves, and promises to update Lawry with any additional information she discovers. Lawry realizes that he needs to review Emily's later journals, and starts driving over to Carole Pearson's house.

Later that night, James Tanner, the hospital security guard, is driving home from the hospital when he is run off the road by another car. His car careens into the fast flowing river adjacent to the road. He is knocked unconscious, and ice cold water starts filling his truck cab. An unidentified person exits the other vehicle, and watches Tanner's car fill with water. After about 15 minutes, this person calls 911 to anonymously report the accident, and then drives away.

Chapter Twelve

Benson nervously enters his hotel suite, takes a shower, and questions how the plan had gone so wrong. He watches a news report about Officer Tanner's car plunging into the river, and is surprised to hear that Tanner was a Mason Creek County sheriff. There is a knock at the door, and Benson lets in Hugh Mitchell. Benson nervously asks Mitchell why he hasn't kept this situation under control. Benson accuses Mitchell of killing Tanner, but Mitchell adamantly denies it. Mitchell tries to get any information that he can from Benson, but Benson is distraught. Neither Benson nor Mitchell want to be linked to a murder. Plus, Mitchell couldn't tell Benson about that phone call since he'd realize there was another player involved in this. Benson mused about his love for Rebecca, and how Roy had interfered.

Chapter Thirteen

Detective Lawry is frustrated with this case. He connects Sister Kathryn to all the other players, but he has more questions than answers. Just then, the phone rings.