The island of Nantucket is abuzz with the news of Merritt’s death. Through gossip, the event generates grotesque stories, such as an abundance of blood at the scene of death. Chloe McAvoy, who is both Chief Kapenash’s niece and Finn’s twin sister, works as a staffer at Roger Pelton’s catering company; the previous night, Chloe assisted the team catering the rehearsal dinner at Summerland. Merritt’s death triggers Chloe, prompting her to recall how, when she and her twin brother were only seven, their parents died in a sailing accident. After the accident, Chief Kapenash and his wife adopted the twins. Though Chief Kapenash and his wife, Chloe’s Aunty Andrea, are caring and kind, Chloe misses her parents badly.

Chloe revisits the events of the previous night. On her way back to the kitchen, she recalls spotting Merritt and Tag on a side porch, engaged in a heated discussion. It was clear Tag was asking Merritt to terminate her pregnancy. Merritt was reluctant, as the baby was her only remaining connection to Tag, its father. Tag asked Merritt to stay quiet till the wedding was over, after which he would write her a check—beyond that, though, Tag would have nothing to do with the baby.