Chapter 69
Contains spoilersOverview
Tegan gives birth to Tia and recovers in the hospital, reflecting on her survival and the basement ordeal she has concealed from police. Jackson visits daily, arranges in-home support, and secures child support from Simon. After a gift arrives from Polly, Tegan chooses to keep Hank and Polly’s involvement secret and lies to Jackson.
Summary
Tegan holds her newborn daughter, Tia Marie Werner—small but healthy after a brief NICU stay—and marvels at their survival, recalling how close they came to death. She notes the disappearance of the “baby voice” she heard during pregnancy but feels an enduring connection to Tia.
Despite vividly remembering the days in Hank and Polly’s basement, Tegan has told police she remembers nothing due to a head injury. She repeatedly considers calling Detective Maxwell to confess but can’t bring herself to do it, leaving Hank and Polly unnamed.
Jackson arrives, as he has every day, bringing a teddy bear and updates. He plans in-home help for Tegan’s recovery and newborn care, and he has pressured Simon into immediate child support payments. The hospital room is crowded with gifts and flowers from well-wishers.
Jackson discovers a teddy bear from Polly, prompting Tegan to weigh the truth. Remembering that Hank rescued her from the snow and Polly prevented Dennis from injecting morphine, Tegan decides their actions saved both her and Tia. She ultimately lies to Jackson, denying any knowledge of Polly, and continues to shield Hank and Polly from police scrutiny.
Who Appears
- Tegan
New mother to Tia; recovering in hospital; conceals the basement ordeal from police and lies to Jackson.
- Jackson
Visits daily; brings gifts; arranges home support; pressures Simon into immediate child support payments.
- Tia Marie Werner
Newborn daughter; briefly in NICU but now stable; symbol of Tegan’s resolve and survival.
- Polly
Sends a teddy bear; former captor who also helped save Tegan; protected by Tegan’s silence.
- Hank
Rescued Tegan from the snow and got her to the hospital; his role remains undisclosed.
- Simon Lamar
Baby’s father; jailed; coerced by Jackson into signing immediate child support.
- Detective Maxwell
Lead investigator; gave Tegan his cell number; she considers calling but remains silent.
- Dennis
Simon’s associate; previously attempted morphine injection; his threat influences Tegan’s conflicted judgment.