Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens
Contents
50. The Journal
Overview
At trial, the prosecution introduces Kya’s illustrated journal through Patti Love, establishing that Kya gave Chase the shell necklace and once climbed the fire tower with him. Patti Love testifies Chase wore the necklace the night before he died, but it was missing afterward, strengthening the state’s theory. The judge curbs prosecutorial speculation, and the defense offers no cross-examination. Jodie’s arrival signals support for Kya amid mounting circumstantial evidence.
Summary
Kya enters court and spots Tate, Jumpin’, Mabel, and her brother Jodie in uniform, a quiet show of support that heightens her shame and resolve. The prosecution calls Patti Love, Chase Andrews’s mother, as a key witness.
Eric presents a leather journal Kya made for Chase. As Kya remembers crafting the painted gift and the joy of giving it, Patti Love recounts finding it hidden in Chase’s room, realizing her son’s secret relationship. The journal includes an image of Kya and Chase atop the fire tower, with Kya handing Chase the shell necklace.
Patti Love testifies that Chase wore the rawhide-and-shell necklace constantly for four years and was wearing it when he left their home around 11 p.m. on October 29. She further states that when she identified Chase’s body the next day, the necklace was missing.
When Eric asks why anyone else would remove the necklace, the judge sustains Tom’s hearsay objection and admonishes Eric for speculation. Eric then underscores that Kya gave Chase the necklace and had been on the tower with him, and that the necklace disappeared the night of his death. Tom declines cross-examination, leaving the testimony intact.
Who Appears
- Patti Love (Mrs. Sam Andrews)Chase’s mother; confirms constant wearing of the shell necklace and identifies Kya’s journal with a fire tower scene.
- Kya ClarkDefendant; recalls gifting the journal; observes Jodie’s support as evidence links her to necklace and tower.
- EricProsecutor; presents the journal, leads testimony on necklace continuity and disappearance, admonished for speculative questioning.
- TomDefense attorney; objects to hearsay and declines to cross-examine Patti Love.
- JudgePresides over trial; sustains objection and warns prosecutor against speculation.
- JodieKya’s brother; arrives in uniform and provides visible support in court.
- TatePresent in the gallery as Kya enters, part of her support network.
- Jumpin’Friend and supporter; attends the trial to back Kya.
- MabelJumpin’s wife; attends the hearing in support of Kya.
- Chase AndrewsDeceased; subject of testimony about his ever-worn shell necklace and the fire tower.