Chapter 49 (Chapter 46) Summary: Judy Borinstein's Testimony on Jamie Fricke
⚠️ 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
Detective Lindsay Boxer meets with Judy Borinstein, Jamie Fricke’s financial manager and a former lover. Boxer begins by stating she has spoken with women who loved Jamie and asks Judy for an honest account. Judy clarifies she does not become involved with married men or clients, but admits to a one-week affair with Jamie in Bermuda years earlier, when she was single. She describes the week as memorable but not life-changing, and notes that Jamie proposed during that time, though she never believed he would leave his wife, Holly.
After Holly’s murder, Jamie contacted Judy to update his will. He signed a hand-edited version shortly before his own death, with Judy as a witness. Boxer presses about the possibility of Jamie planning to divorce Holly, but Judy insists that was never his intention. She characterizes Jamie as a narcissist who specialized in sexual wish fulfillment—creating elaborate fantasies for women without genuine emotional commitment. Judy also reveals that Holly came from a hedonistic family, the Bergens, and was not bothered by her husband’s affairs. The conversation ends with Boxer reflecting on her own marriage to Joe and asking a final question about Arthur Bevaqua.
Key Events
- Boxer initiates a candid interview with Judy Borinstein.
- Judy admits to a weeklong affair with Jamie in Bermuda years ago.
- Judy witnesses Jamie’s hand-edited will after Holly’s murder, signed just before his death.
- Judy describes Jamie as a “world champ” narcissist who treated sex as wish fulfillment for women.
- Judy explains that Holly’s parents, Bill and Sassy Bergen, were hedonists, which may have made Holly tolerant of Jamie’s behavior.
- Boxer reflects on her stable marriage to Joe.
- Boxer asks one more question about Arthur Bevaqua, leaving the chapter on a cliffhanger.
Character Development
- Lindsay Boxer: Demonstrates her investigative technique by building rapport and asking direct, nonjudgmental questions. Her internal reflection on her own marriage highlights her ability to contrast her personal life with the troubled relationships she encounters.
- Judy Borinstein: Portrayed as professional and candid. She gives a nuanced view of Jamie—acknowledging her past affair while maintaining skepticism about his promises. Her loyalty to Holly is evident, and she is genuinely upset by the murders.
- Jamie Fricke (offstage): Through Judy’s account, Jamie is revealed as a master manipulator who used charm and fantasy to control women, yet remained committed to his marriage. His narcissism is presented as a key trait.
- Holly Fricke (offstage): Shown as a tolerant spouse shaped by her hedonistic upbringing, though her own perspective remains unexplored.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Narcissism and Manipulation: Jamie’s ability to craft romantic illusions is central. Judy’s description of him as the “world champ” narcissist underscores the theme of performative love.
- Marriage and Fidelity: The chapter explores the boundaries of a seemingly open marriage. Holly’s non-jealousy contrasts with Jamie’s serial affairs, raising questions about true commitment.
- Hedonism vs. Stability: Holly’s family background in hedonism is juxtaposed with Boxer’s quiet, stable home life with Joe. This contrast highlights different models of partnership.
- The Unreliable Will: The hand-edited will symbolizes unfinished business and unresolved motives, hinting that Jamie’s death may be tied to financial or emotional entanglements.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 49 provides critical insight into Jamie Fricke’s personality and his relationships. By presenting a firsthand account from a woman who knew him intimately but professionally, the chapter deepens the mystery of who might have wanted both Jamie and Holly dead. Judy’s testimony eliminates the theory that Jamie planned to leave Holly, refocusing suspicion on other possible motives—including jealousy, financial gain, or secrets tied to Arthur Bevaqua. The chapter also humanizes Boxer by showing her personal reflection on her own marriage, adding emotional depth to her investigation.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What reason does Judy give for not believing Jamie would divorce Holly?
Judy states that during their affair in Bermuda, Jamie proposed to her but she never took it seriously. She observed that he always seemed committed to Holly and that his womanizing was an ego-driven fantasy rather than a sign of real intent to leave his wife.
2. How does Judy describe Jamie’s approach to sex and relationships?
She explains that Jamie treated sex as wish fulfillment, tailoring his behavior to each woman’s fantasies. He enjoyed the “knockout effect” of making women feel deeply desired, but the feelings were contrived. She calls him a narcissist who used charm as a tool for control.
3. What does the chapter reveal about Holly Fricke’s background and its possible impact on her marriage?
Judy mentions that Holly’s parents, Bill and Sassy Bergen, were notorious hedonists. This upbringing may have made Holly more tolerant of Jamie’s extramarital affairs, suggesting she was not easily shocked or threatened by his behavior.