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Before long, Ethan encounters Sheriff Arnold Pope, a compelling yet villainous figure who dismisses Ethan’s concerns and refuses to assist him in tracing Kate. During tense back-and-forth conversations, Ethan grapples with the sheriff's strange dismissal of the presence of any authority—leading him to worry that things may be more dire than they appear.

Things take a pivotal turn after Ethan tries to dig deeper. After establishing a plan with Beverly Brown—another unhappy resident—Ethan faces terrifying reality when the locals turn hostile. Despairing, Ethan learns that the town is tightly controlled with an unforgiving enforcement of rules, leading to disastrous consequences for anyone who disobeys.