Returning to the brownstone and confirming Whitney was not home, Blake opened his laptop to review the background check he had downloaded on Whitney Cross months earlier. The report showed no arrests or warrants, but listed her birthplace as Telmont, New Jersey, which prompted Blake to research the town and its single high school.

As he debated his next step, Blake received a call from his boss, Kenny, who demanded to know why Blake missed a meeting. Blake lied that he was ill, but Kenny revealed a coworker saw Blake that morning on the west side, partially undressed, exposing the lie. Kenny criticized the deception and immediately fired Blake, saying the company would mail his belongings.

Shaken and blaming Whitney in his mind, Blake refocused on Telmont High School and decided to call. He dialed the school, adopted the alias "John Sanders," and claimed to be an employer seeking Whitney’s high school transcript, further asserting a signed release had already been faxed.

The school’s receptionist initially agreed, but when Blake provided the name "Whitney Cross," her tone shifted. After confirming the name, she advised that if Whitney was applying for a job, Blake should choose another candidate, adding that Whitney was "extremely dangerous" and that he should stay far away.