Chapter summaries Crosshairs James Patterson & James O. Born

Chapter 85: The Veterans’ Encounter Group

Spoiler Warning: This analysis reveals detailed plot points from Chapter 85 of Crosshairs by James Patterson. If you haven’t read this far, consider bookmarking and returning later.

Summary

Michael Bennett arrives at the address Walter Jackson provided, discovering it is not a Holiday Inn but a rundown establishment called Holliday’s Tavern and Inn. The green paint dates to the 1980s, and the parking lot’s older cars suggest budget-friendly rates. Ignoring the musty smell, Bennett approaches the empty front desk, avoiding the bell so as not to annoy whoever might help him.

Three physically fit men in their mid-thirties stand nearby; one has a Marine Corps tattoo. Bennett shares a silent nod with them. After waiting, he calls out to the back office. An older woman with wild gray hair and glasses on a beaded strap, Margaret “Maggie” Holliday, eventually emerges. Startled, she jokes that he must be a ninja. Bennett identifies himself as an NYPD detective. Maggie, who has run the inn for 32 years, expresses support for police and military. She explains that VA encounter groups rent her conference room monthly, benefiting from low rates and flexible scheduling.

Bennett asks about a specific veterans’ group and slides a note with dates and Rob Trilling’s name. Maggie confirms she knows Trilling, who stays every few months. Checking the computer, she verifies he was present for four nights plus a fifth day donated for free to complete the program. When Bennett requests the original registration card with a signature, she hesitates, then inquires directly what kind of detective he is. He answers “homicide.”

The tension escalates when the tallest man, David Klatt, interjects. Bennett’s neck tingles as he anticipates confrontation. Klatt asks about a warrant, introducing himself as an attorney with the VA. The other tall man, an accountant, clarifies he hasn’t fought since basic training. The shorter Marine, an unemployed house painter, quips he’ll fight if Bennett wants but really needs a key replaced. Bennett assures them he’s not investigating the VA itself. He tells Maggie to hold the signature card, promising to return with a warrant, and leaves for Manhattan, still needing to sort out the case.

Key Events

Bennett discovers the address leads to a shabby independent motel, not a Holiday Inn.
Maggie Holliday readily confirms Trilling’s presence at the relevant VA encounter group.
Three veterans initially seem threatening but turn out to be a lawyer, accountant, and house painter, mostly curious about Bennett’s intentions.
Maggie agrees to preserve the registration card until Bennett obtains a warrant.

Character Development

Michael Bennett: This chapter shows Bennett operating on instinct, rushing out of the city without a warrant, solely fixated on Rob Trilling. His internal monologue about the men looking like fighters and his request to take a possible brawl outside reveal a readiness for physical confrontation, but he also demonstrates restraint by de-escalating and agreeing to return with proper documentation. His humor persists even when tired (“A tired one”), but the encounter reinforces his isolation outside his jurisdiction.

Maggie Holliday: The innkeeper is folksy and cooperative, openly sharing information without pressure. Her decision to pause only when a signature card is requested shows a pragmatic boundary—helpful, but not reckless. Her cheerfulness under tension suggests comfort dealing with both veterans and law enforcement.

David Klatt: The VA attorney acts as a protective gatekeeper for his group, asserting legal awareness by asking about a warrant. His firm but non-aggressive stance highlights the veterans’ collective defensiveness toward outsiders poking into their affairs.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Appearance vs. Reality: The motel’s name plays a deceptive trick (Holliday’s vs. Holiday Inn), mirroring how the three men initially appear as physical threats but turn out to be ordinary professionals. This pattern echoes the broader mystery of Crosshairs, where surface impressions mislead.

Veteran Solidarity: The encounter group members immediately close ranks when an outsider seeks information about one of their own. Their camaraderie, even if mildly confrontational, underscores a theme of mutual protection among those who served.

The Rush to Justice: Bennett’s admission that he left the city without a warrant or legal documents highlights the tension between urgency and procedure. His willingness to bend rules in pursuit of Trilling contrasts with the foundational need for legal evidence.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 85 serves as a crucial alibi-check that temporarily clears Rob Trilling from suspicion, or at least verifies his claimed whereabouts. The low-key, almost farcical standoff with the veterans provides relief from the book’s mounting tension while reinforcing Bennett’s outsider status. By confirming Trilling’s attendance through Maggie’s records, Bennett now faces the challenge of reconciling this timeline with the evidence pointing toward him. The chapter also introduces the logistical hurdle of obtaining a warrant in another jurisdiction, adding a procedural layer to the investigation.

Study Questions and Answers

Why is Bennett initially uneasy with the three men in the lobby? Bennett notices their physical fitness, the Marine tattoo, and their immediate intervention when he asks for registration details. He fears a repeat of his earlier hostile interviews and instinctively prepares for a physical confrontation, which never materializes because the men are simply protecting their VA group.
What does Maggie’s willingness to help without a warrant reveal about her character and the setting? Maggie’s cooperation without legal formality suggests a small-town trust in law enforcement and a transparent operation. She values the police and military personally, which makes her forthcoming with information. However, her pause at the signature card request shows she knows where to draw the line.
How does this chapter contribute to the overall investigation of Rob Trilling? It provides an independent verification of Trilling’s alibi, placing him at the VA encounter group during the time in question. This forces Bennett to consider alternative theories or suspects, as Trilling’s documented presence weakens the direct case against him.