In late July, Cameron uncovers an address for Simon Brinks’s summer estate in the San Juan Islands and invites Avery to join; she declines but suggests meeting later. Buoyed by new hope, steady work at the aquarium, and budding interest in Avery, Cameron prepares to confront his possible father, pocketing a photo and clutching a class ring.

Ethan volunteers to drive, turning the quest into a road trip. As they wind north through waterways and bridges, Cameron rehearses outcomes—from easy confession to legal battles—and admits he wants money owed more than a relationship, hoping to repay Aunt Jeanne.

Conversation drifts to Tova when Cameron mentions her secret after-hours visits. Ethan’s concern betrays affection, and he shares local history: Tova’s husband died of pancreatic cancer, and her son, Erik, drowned at eighteen. The revelations deepen Cameron’s understanding of Tova.

At the supposed address, they find only an empty bluff. While retreating, Ethan bogs the truck in a rut. Cameron takes over, wedges a rock, and executes a hard left then right to regain traction, freeing the truck. The jolt of off-roading exhilarates both men, bonding them despite the failed lead on Brinks.