Chapter 32
Contains spoilersOverview
Police arrive to question Polly and Hank about missing Tegan. Polly refuses entry, manipulates Hank into lying, and allows an exterior search. After a tense yard inspection, the officer leaves without discovering the basement. The episode raises stakes yet solidifies Polly’s control and intent to keep the baby.
Summary
Polly opens the door to a lone police officer and forces herself to stay calm, knowing Tegan is hidden in the basement. She orders Hank to keep quiet and refuses to let the officer inside, citing his snow-caked boots.
As Polly steels Hank for lying, she recalls secretly falsifying his taxes after “The Incident,” infertility treatments, and a failed adoption—leverage she now uses to keep him compliant. She believes Hank will do anything for her.
Officer Malloy questions Polly, shows Tegan’s photo, and asks to speak to Hank. After a tense pause, Hank denies seeing Tegan. The officer then requests permission to look around the property, which Polly grants to avoid suspicion.
The officer trudges through the snowy backyard, lingers near an area that could expose a basement window, radios in, and then leaves. Relieved, Polly concludes they “got away with it” and hardens her resolve: Tegan’s baby will be hers.
Who Appears
- Polly Thompson
Narrator; manipulates the police encounter, leverages past tax fraud to control Hank, and resolves to keep Tegan’s baby.
- Hank Thompson
Polly’s husband; conflicted but lies to the officer under pressure and Polly’s blackmail.
- Officer Malloy
Young policeman investigating Tegan’s disappearance; questions the couple and searches the yard before leaving.
- Tegan Werner
Missing pregnant woman hidden in the Thompsons’ basement; subject of the police search.