24th Hour Chapter 81: Approaching the Interview with Rae Bergen
⚠️ 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 drives to the Fricke residence in Pacific Heights, replaying the morning’s thoughts: the Fricke conundrum, the executions of Holly and Jamie, the clueless house staff, and Claire Washburn’s observation of Jamie’s skinned knuckles. She reflects on Rae Bergen — a divorced mother of one, known as a party girl with writing talent, who had been having a long-term affair with her sister’s husband. Lindsay wonders if that’s why Rae has avoided talking to them. When she arrives, Rich Conklin pulls up behind her in his Bronco and hands her coffee. They discuss their lack of sleep: Rich because Cindy was restless, Lindsay because Joe came home late from a big assignment for Steinmetz involving St. Vartan’s mission. Rich reassures Lindsay that Rae will talk to them after the funeral, citing his instincts. They walk to the front door and ring the bell.
Key Events
- Lindsay reflects on the case while driving to Pacific Heights.
- Rich Conklin arrives and offers Lindsay coffee, showing his kindness.
- Rich explains he didn’t sleep because of Cindy’s restlessness, not the case.
- Lindsay reveals Joe Molinari’s late-night assignment (the “Apocalypto” matter) that successfully reopened St. Vartan’s.
- Rich expresses confidence that Rae Bergen will speak with them after the funeral.
- The two partners approach the Fricke house and ring the doorbell to begin the interview.
Character Development
- Lindsay Boxer: Demonstrates a relentless focus on the case, replaying clues (skinned knuckles, house staff) and speculating about Rae’s motives. She also shows vulnerability by acknowledging her own sleeplessness due to Joe’s work.
- Rich Conklin: Displays optimism and support, both for Lindsay (the coffee gesture) and for the investigation. His instincts give him confidence that Rae will cooperate.
- Rae Bergen (offstage): Characterized through Lindsay’s thoughts as a party girl, a writer, and a woman who engaged in an affair with her sister’s husband — raising questions about guilt and secrecy.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Family Betrayal: The affair between Rae and Jamie Fricke (her sister’s husband) underscores a theme of broken trust within families.
- Secrets and Lies: Lindsay’s speculation about why Rae has been avoiding them points to hidden truths that may be central to the murders.
- Coffee as Ritual: Rich’s act of bringing coffee symbolizes partnership and the small gestures that sustain investigators under pressure.
- Skinned Knuckles: Claire’s observation of Jamie’s injured hands is a motif of violence and potential struggle, a clue that may link to the execution-style murders.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter sets up the crucial interview with Rae Bergen, who holds a complicated and potentially incriminating connection to the victims. By showing Lindsay and Rich’s preparation and personal distractions, the narrative deepens the emotional stakes. Rich’s confidence and Lindsay’s doubts create tension, while the mention of Joe’s successful mission with St. Vartan’s provides a rare positive note amid the grim investigation. The doorbell rings just as the reader anticipates the confrontation — a classic cliffhanger that propels the story forward.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What does Lindsay think about Rae Bergen’s background and her possible motive for avoiding an interview?
Lindsay recalls that Rae is a divorced mother of one, known as a party girl with writing talent. She suspects Rae may be avoiding them because she loved both Holly and Jamie simultaneously, or because she harbors something she does not want to reveal — the most obvious being the affair itself.
2. What clue does Claire Washburn observe that could be important to the case?
Claire noticed that Jamie Fricke had skinned knuckles. This physical detail may indicate a fight or struggle prior to his death, offering a potential lead in understanding the sequence of events.
3. Why does Rich Conklin say he did not sleep the night before, and how does Lindsay respond?
Rich says he did not sleep because Cindy was restless — “flipping. Flopping. Getting out of bed. Coming back. Kicking the mattress. Talking in her sleep.” Lindsay reassures him that it is not about him but about Cindy’s personal adjustment to marriage.
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