Chase, 1969, opens with an unsettling atmosphere, setting the tone for a chapter that blends youthful curiosity with the harsh reality of an untimely death. Two young boys, Benji Mason and Steve Long, begin their day full of excitement as they venture up the fire tower, an activity that fills them with energy and adventure. However, their journey takes a horrifying turn when they spot something out of place—what they initially assume is just a figure in the distance, turns out to be the body of Chase Andrews, a well-known figure in their small town. This stark discovery of a lifeless body lying face-up in the mud, with his blue clothes soaked, takes them from innocent exploration into a world of fear and confusion. The twisted positioning of Chase’s leg and the unnatural manner of his fall leave the boys in a state of disbelief. What should have been a routine adventure quickly morphs into a traumatic experience that marks a turning point for them.

As they get closer, the reality of what they have stumbled upon sets in—this is no ordinary discovery. Chase, a person many in the town knew, is now lying dead with his eyes wide open, staring into nothingness. His body is eerily still, adding to the horror of the situation. The cawing of distant crows overhead compounds the disturbing scene, amplifying the feeling of dread that quickly engulfs the boys. With no signs of other people or disturbances around the area, the boys are left grappling with a frightening realization—they are alone with the body, far from town, and unsure of what to do. Despite their growing fear, they know they cannot stay and allow the crows to descend upon the body, so they make the decision to rush back to the town to find help. The boys’ bond and shared sense of panic push them to act, but neither one wants to remain behind to face the grim task of keeping the birds away.

As they race toward the sheriff’s office, the terror of their discovery weighs heavily on them. Their anxious pedaling across the sand tracks is filled with the anxiety of what they have just witnessed, and each moment that passes only intensifies their fear. Upon reaching the sheriff’s office, they burst in, interrupting Sheriff Ed Jackson’s quiet day, caught off guard by the boys’ frantic arrival. The sheriff’s calm, collected demeanor contrasts with the boys’ panicked energy, yet the gravity of their words hits him immediately. The urgency of their message—the discovery of Chase’s body—leaves no room for doubt. The sheriff, though shaken, quickly shifts into professional mode, setting the wheels of an investigation into motion. This marks the beginning of an intricate and delicate investigation into the tragic death of Chase Andrews, a town figure whose life was seemingly ended by some unknown force. The mix of childhood innocence and the burden of a grown-up mystery sets a complex backdrop for the unfolding drama.

As the investigation begins, the chapter masterfully weaves together the stark contrast between the boys’ innocence and the chilling circumstances of Chase’s death. What should have been an exciting, carefree adventure is overshadowed by the realization that the world they once knew is now tinged with tragedy and suspicion. The weight of the discovery is not lost on the boys, who now must face the daunting responsibility of informing the adults and witnessing the investigation unfold in their once idyllic town. With their initial innocent curiosity replaced by a sense of urgency and fear, the narrative delves into the complicated world of small-town secrets and hidden truths. The unfolding investigation promises to unravel not just the mystery behind Chase’s death, but also the darker undercurrents of a seemingly peaceful community. As the chapter ends, the boys’ lives have been irrevocably changed, and the town of Barkley Cove is thrust into a new, uncertain reality. This shift in the atmosphere signals the beginning of a deeper exploration of the town’s secrets, and the investigation that will reveal much more than anyone initially anticipated. The investigation’s impact on the community and its inhabitants promises to be both profound and far-reaching.