Not Quite Dead Yet
by Holly Jackson
Contents
Chapter 16
Overview
Henry nearly shoots Jet and Billy, then reveals he has been terrified enough to buy a gun and is nursing fresh injuries, but refuses to say who he fears. When Jet asks about Mason Construction and the hammer set tied to North Street, Henry startlingly claims he has never worked for Jet’s father’s company, contradicting Jet’s past and deepening the mystery around the attack.
Jet’s condition abruptly worsens after a nap when Jet wakes with complete paralysis and numbness in her right arm. Billy rushes Jet toward the hospital, raising the stakes that Jet’s time is running out faster than expected.
Summary
Jet and Billy arrive at Henry’s house and Henry almost shoots them, lowering the gun only when he realizes it is Jet. Henry admits he bought the gun recently, says it is registered, and appears badly shaken; Jet notices fresh injuries on Henry’s face and that Henry is right-handed.
Jet presses Henry about JJ, who vanished the same Friday night Jet was attacked. Henry insists JJ would not hurt Jet and admits he cannot reach JJ, then reacts with horror when Jet reveals the attack will kill Jet soon because of skull damage and a fatal aneurysm.
Jet pivots to the investigation and shows Henry a photo of the Coleby hammer set connected to the North Street project, asking if Henry recognizes it from Mason Construction work. Henry denies owning it and, more alarmingly, denies ever working for Mason Construction at all, contradicting Jet’s memories. As Jet’s vision starts doubling and her headache worsens, Henry explains ongoing eye damage from an earlier accident and says he cannot afford more surgery, while still insisting he never worked for the company.
Jet tries to stop Henry from shutting the door, accusing Henry of lying and asking whether someone attacked Henry and whether that is why Henry bought the gun. Henry refuses to explain and forces Jet and Billy out, slamming the door; Jet’s vision clears immediately afterward.
Back at Billy’s, Jet blames exhaustion and the mounting lies (Sophia’s, Luke’s, and now Henry’s) and insists on a brief nap. When Billy wakes Jet forty minutes later, Jet realizes her right arm is completely numb and immobile, panics, and calls for help. Billy confirms Jet cannot feel touch in the hand and rushes to take Jet to the hospital; Jet, unable to drive, finally hands Billy the truck keys.
Who Appears
- Jet MasonInjured investigator; confronts Henry, experiences double vision, then wakes with right-arm paralysis.
- BillyJet’s ally; defuses Henry’s gun scare, cares for Jet, and drives her to the hospital.
- HenryFrightened, injured man who bought a gun; denies Mason Construction ties and shuts Jet out.
- JJHenry’s missing brother; disappeared the night Jet was attacked and cannot be reached.
- SophiaSuspect discussed; Jet believes Sophia lied about Halloween actions and leaving her phone.
- LukeMentioned as handling company finance/employee matters; suspected of lying or covering for Sophia.