Moving Targets

Jason Whittaker returns to Whit's End after a business trip and finds Eugene trying to remake himself after Katrina's departure. Eugene has taken time away from Whit's End, buried himself in study, and begun growing a mustache as a symbol of change. He insists that he and Katrina have not exactly ended their relationship, but Jason's attempt to sympathize only reminds him how uncertain their future is.

Jason is excited by the Underground Railroad tunnel recently discovered beneath Whit's End. He wants to open it as a historical attraction and asks Eugene to help design a display. A city inspector is already on the way to examine it. Jack, however, has dreamt that the tunnel becomes a path by which evil enters Whit's End. He cannot explain the danger, but every instinct warns him that Jason is moving too quickly. Jason agrees to wait beyond the inspection, though he is frustrated that Jack seems to resist every new idea he proposes.

The city inspector finds the tunnel generally sound but says that state experts must approve both its safety and any changes to the historical site. Jack becomes even more uneasy. The tunnel might also have served as a hiding place for the Israelites, but he has disbanded them after Butch's beating. Billy MacPherson is angry about the decision, yet Jack refuses to risk any more young people.

Eugene's analysis reveals that the tunnel walls contain an unusual substance requiring further research. His study habits have also led him to read the Bible Katrina gave him, as he promised her he would. Before he can report much more, the state inspection team arrives: Professor Bovril and Philip Glossman. Glossman's past efforts against Tom Riley's farm and Whit's End make Connie and Eugene immediately suspicious, but Jack sends both men down alone as they request.

Jason finally learns about the Israelites and is astonished that cautious Jack ever organized anything so daring. He is even more surprised that Jack ended it after Butch was hurt. Jason argues that helping Odyssey involves risk and offers to take command himself. Jack insists that good cannot imitate evil's methods. He believes the Bones are only one piece of a larger plan, and he fears that Jason's aggressive approach will escalate the conflict until someone is seriously harmed.

Their long disagreement about risk and patience erupts again. Jason claims that the troubles caused by his earlier projects were worth what they taught him. Jack believes reckless action produces consequences no one can foresee. When Jason declares that he will revive the Israelites whether Jack approves or not, Jack recognizes that he cannot prevent him.

Below them, Glossman and Bovril discover what they have been seeking in the tunnel. They need tests to confirm it, as well as a way to gain extended access while keeping everyone else out of Whit's End. Glossman says he has a secret advantage. In public, the two claim the tunnel contains potentially hazardous elements and demand further state testing. Glossman points out that the city owns the land under Whit's End and hints that Mayor Riley will soon face problems too large to interfere.

Jason prepares to summon Billy and the Israelites under his new leadership, but Connie still wants to know where Jack has gone. Jason finds the answer in a note: Jack has resigned and will no longer work at Whit's End.