Chapter 9
Contains spoilersOverview
Jackson calls Tegan during a blizzard, trying to warn her that Simon has contacted the police, but the connection keeps breaking up. Seeking better reception and shaken by the news, Tegan attempts to pull over. She loses control on the icy road and crashes into a tree, sharply raising the stakes.
Summary
Tegan drives through worsening snow when a call from Jackson Bruckner comes in. Still hurt that Jackson dismissed her the day before, Tegan answers curtly. Jackson urgently asks where she is and insists they need to talk.
The call repeatedly crackles, cutting off Jackson’s words. Tegan catches fragments—Jackson says Simon is involved and that Simon told the police something—without understanding the full message. Worried and wanting clarity, Tegan decides to pull over to get her bearings and improve reception.
As the windshield whites out, Tegan presses the brake, but the car has no traction on the slick road. She pumps the brakes and tries to steer, but the vehicle continues sliding toward a tree. The weight of her pregnancy makes maneuvering harder, and the snowstorm nullifies her control.
Despite her efforts, the car does not slow. The hood slams into a tree and crumples, ending the call and leaving Tegan crashed in the blizzard, with Jackson’s warning about Simon unresolved.
Who Appears
- Tegan
Pregnant clerk; drives in a blizzard, answers Jackson’s call, hears partial warning about Simon, then crashes.
- Jackson Bruckner
Attorney; calls urgently with news about Simon and the police, but reception cuts out.
- Simon Lamar
Married man accused of raping Tegan; reportedly contacted the police, prompting Jackson’s warning.