The Final Gambit

Avery opens the package the courier dropped off, accompanied by Libby and the Hawthorne boys. The package has a stack of papers that create a picture if stacked the right way. The picture is of Alisa: Vincent has kidnapped her. Libby asks what they have to do to get Alisa back. Avery replies: “Find a body—or what’s left of one after forty years” (293).

Jameson and Avery figure out that William’s remains may be buried in the hedge maze on the Hawthorne property. As they search, Jameson and Avery discuss Grayson. Avery admits that she wasn’t always sure about Jameson, but that she chose him and wants him. They find a spot that appears to have something buried underneath it and start digging.

Jameson and Avery’s digging reveals a tunnel that they didn’t know about. They enter. Inside, they find Toby’s handwriting on the wall: “I was never a Hawthorne. I will never be a Blake. So what does that make me? […] Complicit” (300). They continue to search the tunnel for William’s remains, but are interrupted by Mr. Laughlin, accompanied by Thea, Rebecca, and Xander. Rebecca presses her grandfather for answers, and finally, the full truth is revealed.