Chapter 17

Contains spoilers

Overview

Freed under conditions, Evie realizes her Evie Porter identity is now indelible, and she must face Atlanta detectives Friday. An origami warning from Mr. Smith delivers photos tying her to Amy Holder and a demand to access a safe-deposit box.

On a call, Mr. Smith admits staging the crash deaths, sets a Wednesday/Thursday Atlanta handoff, and threatens exposure if she refuses. Evie destroys the message, leans on Ryan’s support, and resolves to act.

Summary

After Judge McIntyre secures her release, Evie rides home with Ryan while Rachel follows, having agreed to be accountable for Evie’s actions. The terms require Evie to meet Atlanta detectives on Friday about Amy Holder’s death. Being photographed and fingerprinted cements “Evelyn Porter” in official systems, making escape from this identity far harder.

Ryan avoids forcing answers, saying he won’t invite lies, but pledges support and a trip to Atlanta together. Back home, Rachel presses to talk, but Evie takes an hour. She finds their bedroom door closed and discovers an origami swan on her nightstand containing photos: one of Amy Holder flipping Evie off outside an Atlanta hotel, and another of Evie following Amy inside—clear leverage against her.

The note’s reverse shows Evie leaving a nearby bank and a phone number. Evie calls Mr. Smith. He demands the contents of a Wells Fargo safe-deposit box, claiming surveillance shows she rented it during the fire, and orders her to Atlanta by Wednesday with a Thursday 10 a.m. handoff at the Candler Hotel to his representative. He promises to ease police pressure if the box isn’t tied to Amy.

As he taunts her for creating a record as Evie Porter, Mr. Smith admits the crash that killed James and the impostor “Lucca” was orchestrated, and that the impostor’s job was to rattle Evie and force police scrutiny. He threatens to give Atlanta PD everything and unleashes others to hunt her if she refuses. Evie burns the message to ash.

Overwhelmed, Evie breaks down in the shower; Ryan returns, comforts her, and insists he and Rachel will stand by her. After regrouping, Evie agrees to eat, lets Rachel stay close, and resolves to prepare for Atlanta, planning additional stops before the meeting.

Who Appears

  • Evie Porter (Lucca Marino)
    Con whose identity is now in police systems; receives Mr. Smith’s ultimatum about a safe-deposit box; resolves to proceed.
  • Mr. Smith
    Handler turned antagonist; sends photos, demands box contents, admits staging the crash, sets Atlanta rendezvous, threatens exposure.
  • Ryan Sumner
    Boyfriend; refuses to press for lies, offers steadfast support, comforts Evie, plans to accompany her to Atlanta.
  • Rachel
    Ally who agrees to be accountable for Evie; stays close and plans to travel to Atlanta with her.
  • Amy Holder
    Deceased target from Atlanta; photos show a confrontation with Evie, central to Mr. Smith’s leverage.
  • Judge McIntyre
    Judge who helps secure Evie’s release, enabling her to avoid immediate transfer to Atlanta.
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