Patch throws himself into the search by borrowing art books from the small library in Pecaut and studying them on bus rides, trying to improve the posters he makes of the missing girl. He travels from town to town, posting Callie Montrose's face in places like Lewisville, Le Masco, Afton, Saddlers Clay, Lenard Creek, Newton Bale, and other small settlements. Chief Nix complains about the flood of useless calls to the police number on the posters, but Patch keeps going because he has little else to work with.

Saint helps Patch cover some towns, showing that she remains committed to the search alongside him. As Patch's search area grows wider, he marks more and more of his map until the scale of the task becomes emotionally overwhelming. The canvassing is repetitive and discouraging, with strangers offering little response, but Patch continues because he still believes Callie may be connected to what happened to him.

Norma notices the effect Patch's absences and choices are having on Saint. During a bus ride, Norma warns Patch that Saint is deeply invested in him, has even skipped school while worrying about him, and is vulnerable to heartbreak. Patch acknowledges what Norma says, but Norma gently makes clear that he does not fully understand the risk to Saint.

Norma drops Patch in Darby Falls, where Patch finally visits the Montrose house. Richie Montrose, drunk and distracted by a baseball game, lets Patch in after recognizing him as the boy who has been calling. When Patch says there is a chance he was held with Callie, Richie says he needs to believe that Callie was not taken by the same man, but he still allows Patch to look in her bedroom.

In Callie's room, Patch studies the details of her life, including her books, posters, and a framed photograph, hoping her face or presence will match something from his fractured memory. As Patch stands there trying to summon recognition, he hears music downstairs. When Patch returns, he finds Richie slumped in his chair while a record player spins a Johnny Cash song, and the singer's voice strikes Patch as a meaningful clue, suggesting a new connection between Callie and his own captivity.