Chapter 109: Murder Investigation Moves to Malibu
⚠️ 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
Brady contacts the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department to coordinate an investigation into Rae Bergen's murder. The sheriff, who knows the victim, agrees to cooperate, leaving the crime scene untouched until Lindsay and Conklin arrive. While waiting for transport to the airport, Lindsay tries to question Christophe Picard in jail, but he has been sedated after a hysterical breakdown. The murder is linked to the Fricke killings, giving SFPD jurisdiction. Lindsay and Conklin fly to Los Angeles, pick up a loaner squad car from local officers, and drive to Rae Bergen's apartment in Malibu with backup and an APB in effect.
Key Events
- Brady calls the LA sheriff and arranges joint cooperation; the crime scene is preserved.
- Lindsay visits Christophe Picard on the seventh-floor jail but finds him unconscious after being tranquilized.
- She asks to be notified when he wakes up.
- Rae Bergen's murder is added to the Fricke case board, making it a San Francisco-led investigation.
- Lindsay and Conklin fly from SFO to LAX, where uniforms provide a squad car.
- They drive to Malibu with lights and sirens, coordinating with dispatch and backup teams.
- An APB is issued for a murder suspect, though no specific person is named yet.
Character Development
- Lindsay Boxer demonstrates resilience and determination to pursue justice despite the emotional strain of the day. Her brief smile at Sergeant Waters reveals her human side amid grim circumstances.
- Brady takes decisive command, leveraging interagency connections to expedite the investigation.
- Christophe Picard appears increasingly unstable, now requiring sedation—a possible shift from witness to suspect.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Interagency cooperation: The seamless collaboration between SFPD and LASD underscores the importance of shared resources in multi-jurisdictional cases.
- Urgency and momentum: The rapid movement from one crime scene to another reflects the relentless pace of the investigation and the pressure on law enforcement.
- Justice + mental health: Christophe's breakdown raises questions about the treatment of emotionally fragile individuals within the justice system.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter transitions the story from San Francisco to the new Malibu crime scene, expanding the scope of the serial murder case. It confirms that Rae Bergen's death is connected to the Fricke murders, uniting the investigations. The failed attempt to interrogate Christophe leaves a key witness unreachable, adding suspense about what he knows.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Lindsay decide not to wait for Christophe to wake up?
The team is under time pressure to reach Malibu before the crime scene is altered. Brady has already arranged air transport, and leaving immediately is essential to preserving evidence.
2. How does the relationship between SFPD and LASD affect the investigation?
The LA sheriff's willingness to cooperate allows for a combined effort where local CSU processes the scene while SFPD leads the case. This avoids jurisdictional delays and ensures both departments share findings.
3. What does the APB with "no actual suspect" indicate about the case's status?
It shows that despite connecting the murders, investigators lack a confirmed perpetrator. The alert puts all officers on lookout for any suspicious activity, reflecting a broad net cast without a clear target.