Chapter 106 (Chapter 103): News of Jamie’s Will
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Lindsay Boxer has just parked near the Hall of Justice when Arthur Bevaqua calls. He is walking on Bay Street, feeling sad about recent events. Arthur tells Lindsay that Ms. Borinstein, the notary, confirmed that Jamie’s signed will leaves the house to Ms. Rae. Lindsay is surprised because she knew Jamie loved Rae but had assumed the estate might go to his sons or a charity. Arthur admits he did not expect to inherit the house himself. He sounds worried and distressed. Lindsay asks if Christophe knows; Arthur hasn’t spoken to Rae. They end the call with Lindsay asking Arthur to stay in touch. In a moment of reflection, Lindsay acknowledges she both cares for and mistrusts Arthur, and he has not fully explained his distress.
Key Events
- Lindsay receives a call from Arthur Bevaqua while parking.
- Arthur reveals that Jamie’s signed will leaves the house to Rae.
- Lindsay is surprised by the inheritance decision.
- Arthur expresses sadness and confusion about the will.
- Lindsay wonders if Christophe is aware of the situation.
- Arthur admits he hasn’t spoken to Rae yet.
- Lindsay reflects on her mixed feelings—care and mistrust—toward Arthur.
- The call ends with Lindsay asking Arthur to keep his phone charged.
Character Development
- Lindsay Boxer: Demonstrates her investigative instincts by probing Arthur’s emotional state. Her inner confession of caring for yet mistrusting Arthur shows a layered, intuitive side—she reads people beyond their words. She also balances professionalism with empathy, agreeing to take night calls.
- Arthur Bevaqua: Former manager of Jamie’s household, Arthur is clearly grieving. His call is not just about delivering news; he sounds lost and fearful. His admission that he did not expect the house to go to Rae hints at possible jealousy or uncertainty about his own future.
- Jamie (deceased): Though not present, his will reveals a romantic side—he followed his heart by leaving the house to Rae, prioritizing love over practical distributions.
- Rae: Mentioned as the principal heir, Rae is in Malibu and plans to visit the house next week. Her off-stage presence drives the chapter’s tension.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Trust vs. Mistrust: Lindsay’s conflicting feelings about Arthur embody this theme. She cares for his well-being yet senses he is withholding something. The chapter underscores how trust is fragile in the aftermath of death.
- Inheritance and Unintended Consequences: Jamie’s will diverts the house from a conventional sale or donation to a personal bequest. This choice unsettles Arthur and implies potential conflict among those who expected something different.
- Grief and Ambiguity: Arthur’s repeated phrase “So many questions. No answers” captures the disorienting nature of grief. The chapter shows that even practical matters like a will carry unresolved emotional weight.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 106 serves as a turning point in the estate subplot. The revelation that Rae inherits the house sets up future tension: What will she do with the property? How will Christophe, Arthur, and Jamie’s sons react? The chapter also deepens Arthur’s character, introducing an undercurrent of mistrust that could complicate Lindsay’s investigation. It reinforces that Jamie’s legacy is not neatly resolved, leaving room for conflict in later chapters.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Lindsay feel both care and mistrust toward Arthur?
Lindsay has known Arthur for six months and seen his distress. She cares because he seems genuinely sad, but she mistrusts him because he hasn’t explained why he is so worried and because his reaction to the will feels evasive. -
What does Jamie’s decision to leave the house to Rae suggest about his character?
Jamie followed his heart, prioritizing his love for Rae over more pragmatic options such as selling the house for his sons or turning it into a public facility. This shows he valued personal connection over conventional legacy. -
How does Arthur’s call affect Lindsay’s next steps in the story?
Lindsay asks Arthur to keep his phone charged and to call anytime, including at night. She realizes she needs to stay close to him and gather more information, implying she may investigate further or talk to Christophe and Rae.