Hidden Nature

Sloan has dinner at Nash’s with Theo and Drea, who has brought over Elsie’s stew. Theo and Drea are looking for a house, either buying or building. Drea pulls Sloan aside to ask about her relationship with Nash. Sloan is cautious, but Drea shares that Nash always protected Theo from their parents when the boys were younger. Drea comments of Sloan’s recovery, “You pulled yourself out of the hole someone else put you in” (306). Drea is glad to see that Nash makes Sloan happy. Sloan is impressed by how in tune Drea and Theo are with what they want.

That night, Sloan has her recurring nightmare, but this time, the five abduction victims are in the mini-mart. They ask her to find them and warn Sloan that she could be next. In her dream, the gunman shoots all five, then Sloan. When she wakes, she tells Nash about the nightmare, remembering how helpless she felt. She’s surprised that it doesn’t feel wrong or weak to lean on Nash. She tells Nash she’s ready when he wants to confide in her in return.

Theo offers her breakfast, and Sloan hugs him, accepting him as a new part of her family. Sloan walks home and sees crocus peeking through the snow. She makes brownies, and then Nash picks her up for a family dinner. At the Coopers’ home, Nash feels that he has been absorbed into the family, in a good way. Joel and Sari are there as well. Sloan gets a call that there has been another abduction.

Sam and Clara dispose of Lori Preston’s body in an abandoned well. They are disappointed that she didn’t have a story for them. Clara worries that Lori’s soul is going to eternal punishment, not peace.

Sloan reads up on Lori Preston’s file and learned that she was resuscitated by her daughter when she accidentally shocked herself while changing a light bulb. Nash stops by, and Sloan discusses the case with him. She suspects that the kidnappers work in some sort of medical facility and have a way to access patient records. She thinks they must have a place where they take their abductees and a way to dispose of the remains.

Nash confesses that he came over because he missed her, and shares more about his and Theo’s past. Their parents were demanding and emotionally abusive. Sloan reminds him, “They didn’t make you what you are. You and Theo made yourselves what you are” (323).

Sloan and Elsie accompany Drea as she shops for a wedding dress. Elsie says she admires the men the Littlefields have become, given their upbringing. Sloan and Drea agree they are lucky to have a mother who loves them. Elsie helps Drea find the perfect wedding dress. While her mother and sister shop, Sloan visits a nearby hospital where Celia Russell received her surgery. The nurses remember how kind and cooperative Celia was.

Sloan visits the next hospital, which tended Lori Preston, and thinks about her own visit there on Thanksgiving, recalling “[t]he pain, the anger at herself, the depression from knowing she’d undone so much progress” (329).

Sloan talks with Dr. Marlowe and a nurse, Clara. While Sloan waits, Clara pulls up information on her and discovers Sloan was treated for multiple gunshot wounds. She wonders why Sloan is asking questions.

Clara tells Sam about Sloan’s questions, agitated that what she calls “tree-hugger police” (332) are poking into their business. Sam tells her not to worry, but Clara is concerned.

Sloan continues work on her home renovations. She spots flowers and birds on her way to Nash’s for dinner. Sloan admires the addition he is making to the master bedroom. She approves of Nash’s taste, and he is glad she approves.

Clara researches Sloan Cooper and learns that the Natural Resources Police work throughout the entire state. Clara reflects that God gave man dominion over animals and tells herself that while “[n]ever in her life had [she] wished anyone dead” (338), Clara wishes God would call Sloan Cooper home. Clara tells Sam she feels there is a message trying to get through to her, and she says Sloan has witch’s eyes. Sam feels a thrill at the thought of killing Sloan. Clara insists, “We don’t take lives, we heal. And we release the resurrected so they can go where they were meant to go” (339).

Clara uses her work clearance to obtain Sloan’s medical records. Though tired and worried, she makes an effort to cook for Sam, believing that a good woman takes care of her man. She reflects on her background and her calling, and her belief that consuming the blood of the “resurrected” gives her clarity of vision and purity of understanding. As Sam raves about her cooking, Clara reflects that they make a good team. She reads Sloan’s files and discovers Sloan, too, was “resurrected.” Clara is now convinced Sloan is part of her mission.

Spring arrives, and Sloan enjoys watching the wildlife around her cottage. Sloan updates Travis on her cases and believes she’s found another victim who was taken last May. She returns home to find her driveway has been resurfaced. Nash and her father are framing out a new carport, have put on new siding, and built her a deck. Sloan loves the changes and hugs Nash to tell him so. Robo, their helper, is pleased at what he is learning. Sloan thinks her house looks happy. Nash joins her for a drink and feels content. The next day, while the men work, Sloan tackles her bedroom. Since she can’t sleep there, she stays at Nash’s and admires his large, well-equipped kitchen.

Clara drives past Sloan’s house. She’s now convinced Sloan is a witch. She believes part of their mission is to get rid of Sloan, whom she believes is evil.

Sloan finishes renovating her bedroom and feels a sense of accomplishment that she did this herself. Nash approves, and to celebrate, he invites Sloan out on a date.