The rescue plan faces immediate obstacles. Theo resists calling his parents for permission, believing that they’ll refuse and that a successful rescue will excuse his dishonesty. Ike’s unreliable two-seat Triumph Spitfire can’t accommodate the group, so he decides to borrow the SUV belonging to his brother Woods, Theo’s father. Theo vetoes informing Chase’s parents, the Whipples, fearing that Mrs. Whipple will contact his mother and that Ike’s poor reputation among lawyers will cause panic.

At three o’clock in the afternoon, Theo texts his mother a vague message. He and Chase then visit the Whipple home, where Theo conspicuously places his overnight bag, and they fabricate a story about seeing a Harry Potter movie and attending a volleyball game at Stratten College. Mrs. Whipple plans to dine out with her husband, leaving Chase’s older sister, Daphne, in charge.

At four o’clock, Theo, Ike, and Judge depart in the SUV while Chase goes alone to the theater. On the highway, Theo expresses anxiety about deceiving his parents and the Whipples. Ike justifies their actions by emphasizing the importance of rescuing April and promises to accept full responsibility. Theo maintains the deception through texts to his mother, falsely claiming that he’s watching the movie. As they speed through Virginia, Theo wonders why news coverage hasn’t alerted April or her father.