Maren researches the 1995 disappearances at the library. She learns the official story: three teens ruled runaways after leaving a party. But details don't add up—Annie Wren had just received a prestigious scholarship.
At the local bar, Maren is approached by Jonah Vance, whose sister Lily disappeared in 1995. He believes Maren found Lily's remains. He shares the history: Lily, Marcus Cole (the sheriff's son), and Annie Wren all vanished that summer and were ruled runaways.
Excavation of the rose garden begins. In the afternoon, they uncover human remains—a femur and more beneath the soil. Maren immediately recognizes the bones are not historical. Sheriff Dale Reeves arrives and attempts to dismiss the find as an old family burial, despite evidence to the contrary.
Maren meets her crew: Pete Callahan, experienced local contractor, and Maria Santos, project coordinator. They assess the manor, documenting damage and planning restoration. Pete is evasive when Maren asks about the Cairn family. Plans are made to excavate the rose garden for foundation work.
Maren Ashford arrives in Bitter Harbor to restore Cairnwood Manor. She first encounters the fog-shrouded coast, then the crumbling Victorian mansion on the cliffs. She meets Doris Wheeler, the suspicious caretaker who warns her not to ask questions about the Cairns.
