Chapter 39 (Chapter 36) Summary and Analysis
⚠️ 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 examines a series of note cards found in a safe deposit box. The first note, signed by Jamie Fricke, is addressed to Patricia “Pattycakes” Delaney. It expresses deep affection and promises financial support, along with a “remembrance” held by lawyer Judy Borinstein. A second note to “Dearest Marly” (Marilyn Stein, Holly’s assistant) speaks of shared intimacy and regret that their love could not be formalized. Lindsay is stunned by the revelation that Jamie maintained romantic relationships with Patty, Marly, and presumably Holly all at once. She ponders which of these women might have harbored enough resentment to kill him—or if the motive lies elsewhere. A third envelope is addressed to Arthur Bevaqua. Just as Lindsay is about to open it, her phone rings. Detective Alvarez urgently insists she come out of the room immediately. Lindsay hears scrabbling overhead and the tail end of a scream, signaling immediate danger.
Key Events
- Lindsay retrieves and reads three note cards from Jamie’s safe deposit box.
- The first note, to Patricia Delaney, refers to her as “Pattycakes” and mentions money and a shared remembrance.
- The second note, to Marilyn Stein (called Marly), describes a physical and emotional relationship and expresses regret they couldn’t formalize their love.
- Lindsay realizes Jamie was involved with at least three women: Holly, Patty, and Marly.
- She considers whether any of them might have wanted Jamie dead because of his infidelity.
- A third envelope addressed to Arthur Bevaqua remains unopened.
- Alvarez calls Lindsay with a frantic warning; sounds from above indicate a disturbance or attack.
Character Development
- Lindsay Boxer: Her investigative instincts are on full display as she processes the emotional weight of the letters. She maintains professional focus—she wears gloves, makes careful observations, and immediately pivots to a security threat when Alvarez calls.
- Jamie Fricke (through his notes): Is revealed as a man who conducted multiple romantic relationships simultaneously. The letters are affectionate and poetic, suggesting he either genuinely cared for each woman or was skilled at feigning emotion.
- Patricia Delaney and Marilyn Stein: Are given new depth as women who were secretly involved with Jamie. Their potential motives—jealousy, betrayal, revenge—now become central to the investigation.
- Alvarez: Demonstrates sharp situational awareness and a sense of urgency, likely because she has heard or seen something inside the building.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Infidelity and Betrayal: The notes expose Jamie’s double (or triple) life, making romantic betrayal a clear motive for murder.
- Secrecy and Hidden Truths: The safe deposit box itself serves as a symbol of the hidden compartments in Jamie’s life. The letters are intimate artifacts that contradict the public version of his relationships.
- Love as a Weapon: The language of love is used here as evidence in a homicide investigation. It underscores that affection can be both sincere and dangerous.
- Impending Danger: The chapter ends with a scream and urgent warning, reinforcing the motif that the truth is perilous and that uncovering secrets can put the investigators in harm’s way.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is a turning point in the investigation. The love letters provide concrete evidence of Jamie’s infidelities, giving multiple suspects a clear reason to want him dead. It shifts the case from a random killing to a crime of passion with several possible perpetrators. Additionally, the cliffhanger ending—Alvarez’s cry and the scream—raises the stakes and reminds the reader that Lindsay is not safe. The note to Arthur Bevaqua remains unread, promising further secrets.
Study Questions and Answers
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What do the first two love letters reveal about Jamie Fricke’s personal life?
The letters show he was having romantic affairs with both Patricia Delaney and Marilyn Stein while presumably also involved with Holly. He wrote affectionate, emotionally charged notes to both women, promising money and declaring love. -
Who is “Marly” and how is she connected to the case?
“Marly” is Marilyn Stein, Holly’s assistant. The note indicates she and Jamie shared a deep physical and emotional connection, giving her a possible motive if she felt used or betrayed. -
What interrupts Lindsay’s examination of the third note, and why is it significant?
Alvarez calls urgently and orders Lindsay to leave the room because she hears movement and a scream from the floor above. This suggests that someone is in the building—perhaps a suspect or an accomplice—and that the investigation has taken a dangerous turn.