Chapter 25 (Chapter 24) 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

Mitch and Dylan sit in the safe house after the incident outside Malone’s restaurant. Mitch explains that he had been surveilling Malone for months and describes the moment he saw Malone’s ring, which nearly made him shoot Malone on impulse. Dylan refuses to reveal anything Malone told her in therapy and states that Malone has never confessed to any crimes. Mitch sends a GIF to Andrew to reassure him. Meanwhile, Roland lies awake in his apartment above the restaurant, thinking about his mother’s concept of “niggles”—small irregularities that may signal larger problems. He recalls the evening’s disturbances: El Paso’s defiance, a homeless man’s sudden fighting ability, and Dylan leaving unnoticed. He texts his mole in the Auclair PD to check on Dylan. The mole reports that Dylan never entered the hired car after the curb disturbance and that her house appears empty. Roland realizes Dylan may be with the homeless man (Mitch) and grows convinced that she has betrayed him. He takes out a spare rosary.

Key Events

Mitch reveals he watched Malone’s house for months and nearly shot him on Monday night.
Dylan insists that Malone never discussed criminal business with her.
Mitch sends a text with a GIF to Andrew, showing his paternal care.
Roland recalls his mother’s warning about “niggles” and lists the night’s odd events.
Roland contacts his mole to investigate Dylan’s whereabouts.
The mole discovers Dylan never entered the hired car and her house shows no sign of her.
Roland deduces that Dylan is with the homeless man (Mitch) and feels betrayed.
Roland retrieves his spare rosary, a symbol of his faith and obsession.

Character Development

Mitch Haskell: Shows vulnerability (admission of bloodlust), protectiveness toward Andrew, and willingness to trust Dylan despite their disagreement.
Dr. Dylan Reede: Strongly upholds therapist–patient confidentiality; stands up to Mitch; later her exit line leaves ambiguity about her ethical limits.
Roland Malone: Paranoia escalates; he systematically connects seemingly unrelated events (“niggles”); his controlling nature emerges through orders to the mole and threat to cut out a tongue.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Bloodlust vs. Reason: Mitch describes his “bloodlust” fighting against his self-control, echoing the novel’s title.
Niggles as a Motif: Roland’s mother’s term becomes a diagnostic tool; small discords signal larger ruptures beneath a smooth surface.
Surveillance and Trust: Both Mitch (watching Malone) and Roland (watching Dylan) rely on hidden observation; trust is a fragile commodity.
Symbolism of the Rosary: Roland’s spare rosary suggests a need for ritual and perhaps a twisted form of penitence or readiness for violence.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter crystallizes the triangle of distrust among Mitch, Dylan, and Roland. Dylan’s refusal to violate confidentiality places her in moral jeopardy, while Roland’s investigative mind connects dots that put her in immediate danger. Mitch’s confession about his near-murderous impulse shows how high the stakes are. The chapter ends with Roland actively mobilizing his resources to locate Dylan, setting up the next confrontation.

Study Questions and Answers

What does Mitch admit about his impulse when he saw Malone’s ring, and why is that admission significant?
Mitch says he nearly shot Malone between the eyes because he saw the ring, but reason prevailed. This admission reveals the depth of Mitch’s personal vendetta and the constant struggle between his desire for revenge and his professional discipline.
How does Roland interpret the evening’s “niggles,” and what conclusion does he draw about Dylan?
Roland lists El Paso’s defiance, a homeless man’s agility, Dylan leaving the restaurant unseen, and her failure to answer his calls. He concludes she may be with the homeless man (Mitch) and that she has likely betrayed his confidence.
What does Dylan’s exit line—“if Malone had confessed… I’d be wrestling with a moral dilemma”—imply about her ethical stance?
She does not promise to break privilege, but she admits her professional code would be severely tested. This leaves open the possibility that she might eventually share information with Mitch, depending on the gravity of what Malone has told her.

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