Patch Macauley wanders along the wooded edges of Monta Clare, passing the lake, abandoned railroad tracks, and other familiar landmarks. The quiet breaks when Patch hears a sharp scream from a high-sided valley and moves closer to investigate.

From the brush, Patch sees Misty Meyer, a girl from his math class, with a hooded man beside a dark van. At first Patch tries to make sense of what he is seeing, then realizes Misty is in real danger. Unable to find any adult or anyone else to help, Patch steels himself, thinking of the fearless pirate heroes he admires, and decides to act alone.

Patch slides down the bank, grabs a rock, and attacks. The rock and his tackle knock the masked man off balance, and Patch orders Misty to run. Misty is initially too shocked to move, but Patch keeps urging her until she finally understands and sprints away through the woods.

When the attacker tries to go after Misty, Patch blocks him and pulls his dagger. The man overpowers Patch, twists his wrist, and drives the blade into Patch's stomach. As Patch collapses, the narration turns to what will follow: searchers will comb the woods for his eye patch, Chief Nix will hunt for the culprit, Ivy Macauley will be shattered, and Saint will keep searching long after hope fades, marking the start of a lasting tragedy.