Episode 4 of "The Changeling" kicks off with another enigmatic prologue delivered by LaValle, painting a vivid scene of a youthful Lillian standing solemnly on the bay's edge, clutching a crimson suitcase. LaValle's narrative whispers that witches can effortlessly slither out of the depths and tread upon the earth with unnatural ease.
Meanwhile, Apollo and Patrice find themselves in a tense vigil at the dock, awaiting the arrival of William, a buyer whose pocketbook bulges with a generous offer of up to $70,000 for a first edition of "To Kill a Mockingbird." William perceives a life-altering significance in this tome, though its true worth remains shrouded in mystery. As they play the game of anticipation, the duo engages in a discourse about William and the deal, with Patrice labeling it as "sketchy" and expecting the unforeseen upon William's eventual appearance.
Apollo's heart sinks upon discovering an online "Tribute Page" dedicated to baby Brian. Patrice's involvement as a follower grants Apollo access to a distressing array of vile and insensitive comments regarding the tragic incidents. His blood boils with indignation, witnessing the depths of human depravity and callousness.
Just then, William arrives, his arrival marked by a clunky car and a demeanor lacking in confidence. Patrice's sharp tongue finds fault in his awkward mannerisms, but Apollo intervenes, urging his friend to maintain a civil demeanor, at least until they secure their payment.
He guides them to his makeshift "office," nestled aboard his car near the bustling docks. As the journey unfolds, William casually mentions his two cherished daughters, Agnes and Grace, whose love he holds dear to his heart. The so-called office, it transpires, is actually a sleek boat moored at the dock, and the trio steps aboard with curiosity piqued.
William unveils his latest creation: an innovative app designed to connect users with boats, allowing them to enjoy aquatic adventures akin to renting a cozy Airbnb. He further confides that he has invested his entire life's savings in purchasing this book, harboring a heartfelt hope to rekindle his relationship with his wife, Gretta.
Eleven months prior, she deserted him, taking their daughters with her. Clutching the book tightly to his chest, William's emotions gave way as Patrice seized the opportunity to depart, sensing the moment's gravity. Apollo, haunted by recurrent nightmares of that fateful evening, sought closure with the Valentines by arranging a meeting with Kim at a cozy café. Their interaction was marked by mutual civility, and Apollo presented her with a substantial check in gratitude for her assistance during Brian's birth. Kim, taken aback by the gesture, ultimately accepted it, offering Apollo her support while keeping Emma's third wish a closely guarded secret.
The weight of duty pressed heavily on Apollo's shoulders; he hadn't yet visited Brian's resting place to pay his respects to his fallen angel. Just when the pressure seemed unbearable, Apollo began receiving mysterious texts from an unrecognized number. The messages, claiming Emma's survival and urging him to follow the sender, pulled him into a whirlwind of confusion. Following the trail, he discovered the culprit—William, whose eerie demeanor had been evident since their first encounter. Apollo cornered him against a wall, his voice laced with urgency and suspicion, demanding to know his motives. William, undeterred, insisted that he possessed evidence proving Emma's continued existence, revealing that she was last sighted on an isolated island within the East River's embrace.
He proceeds to present him with CCTV printouts, solidifying his suspicions. With this crucial information in hand, Apollo hastens to Patrice. Upon scrutinizing William's online profile, everything he has asserted about his identity aligns with the truth. Yet, the question lingers: why does he exhibit such bizarre behavior? Similarly, Emma's credentials check out flawlessly, with fleeting glimpses of her captured on CCTV.
Undeterred by the potential perils, Apollo resolves to accompany William on the boat journey. As they traverse the river's coastline, Apollo's keen eyes spot the enigmatic island. Once ashore, William confesses that his sole motive for joining Apollo was Gretta's rejection of his gift, leaving him desperate to reclaim his family. They push through a cluster of abandoned hospital beds, each one a silent witness to the island's former life as a quarantine for the infectious.
Spotting a fluorescent light emanating from a nearby building, Apollo boldly strides forward, shouting, "I am the God Apollo!" But his bravado is cut short by a sudden assault from four cloaked women wielding bats. They drag him into a fountain, intent on drowning him. As his consciousness wanes, memories of his past with Brian resurface, fueling his determination. Breaking free from their grip, he's hauled up by the women to face Cal, or Calisto, revealing her not to be Dr. Calero. Meanwhile, William lurks in the shadows, observing the unfolding scene.
Cal meets their arrival with a nonchalant demeanor, revealing little about her beliefs or the witchcraft's context. She claims to be preparing a spectacle for the children the next evening, while warning of their vigilance against intruders, a lesson learned from a prior attack. Cal hints that Apollo's son, Brian, was an illusion, casting a shroud of doubt over everything. Just as they delve deeper, William's screams interrupt their conversation, drawing Cal's attention. She takes a bat and savagely attacks William, who rises instantly, acting as though nothing has happened.
William confesses to Apollo that he's been trailing their story since Emma's metro train birth was publicized. He sought to ensure their happiness, even sending photos to Emma anonymously. He reveals that Agnes, one of their daughters, met a fate similar to Brian's, having been killed by Gretta. Yet, William harbors forgiveness and longs for Gretta and Agnes's return. He's spent years searching for this island and his wife, pleading with Apollo to convince Gretta to reunite with him. His plea darkens into a threat: failure to comply will mean doom for everyone on the island.
The episode concludes with an elderly Lillian standing at the bay's edge, her red suitcase lying forgotten on the seabed beneath the waves, hinting at untold tales yet to unfold.
