The House Across the Lake

Resuming a “Then” section, after Wilma confides in Casey and Boone that Tom is being investigated for murder, they struggle to process what they’ve learned. Boone suggests that they go to the store that Megan Keene’s parents own to see what they can find out. Casey suspects that Boone is still motivated by his old profession as a police officer, but goes with him anyway. In the store, they meet Megan’s sister, and Boone asks her if Tom ever comes into the store, prompting her with a photo. However, the girl seems confused. Casey interrupts the conversation, feeling sorry for the young girl, and she claims that Boone is her boyfriend and they’re out for ice cream. He plays along, taking her hand as they leave.

As they eat their ice cream, Boone reveals that he had been put on a six-month suspended leave after responding to a call while drunk and nearly shooting a man. They tentatively discuss alcohol, and Boone points out that Casey hasn’t had a drink the entire day they’ve spent together, telling her it means that sobriety is possible. Casey realizes, with surprise, that he’s right.

While driving back home, Boone and Casey pass the Royces’ house and see Detective Anson having a conversation with Tom.