Skeleton Creek

The section begins in the early morning on Wednesday, September 15. Sarah responds to Ryan’s email. This begins the part of the novel that functions as a secret dialogue between characters, as they unravel the mystery and hide their communication from their parents. They discuss the videos and what Ryan discovered about New York Gold and Silver through email.

Meanwhile, Ryan’s parents help him get around more as his healing progresses. As he spends more time with his father, he begins to suspect his father is a member of the Crossbones. He grows increasingly suspicious and afraid of his father as a result.

On Thursday, September 16, Ryan watches the third video, “pitandpendulum” (67), which begins with a monologue from Sarah from her car as she hides from her parents. It quickly moves to an edited analysis of the first two videos.

Ryan begins to highlight the sounds in the videos more, making connections and revelations he previously overlooked. He asks his father about Joe Bush, and Paul reveals that he knew him. He gives Ryan the picture and a warning about being careful to avoid a fate like Joe’s.

Ryan watches Sarah’s fourth video, “amontillado” (91), which begins back in Sarah’s room before moving to spycam footage of an interview with the wilderness ranger, Daryl Bonner.