Chapter 99: The Aftermath of Joe Tavarez’s Death
Spoiler Notice
WARNING: This summary contains spoilers for Chapter 99 of Crosshairs. Do not continue if you haven’t read the chapter.
Summary
The chapter opens with Detective Michael Bennett sitting on the curb a few feet from Joe Tavarez’s body. Paramedics draw a tarp over him, but the blood pool remains. Rob Trilling joins Bennett wordlessly. Bennett is in shock, mentally replaying how Tavarez—a veteran officer benched unfairly—was killed while trying to help. He longs to go home to his family but knows the day’s work is far from done. A new Dodge Charger arrives, and Bennett recognizes Dennis Wu, an Internal Affairs sergeant in a suit. Wu delivers a stinging rebuke: “Looks like you’re oh for two, Bennett. Excellent job, as always.” Trilling starts to rise in anger, but Bennett grabs his arm and urges him to let it go, admitting Wu is right. Harry Grissom then approaches and, in a blunt attempt to refocus Bennett, declares they can now remove Tavarez from the suspect list. He orders Bennett and Trilling to notify Joe’s wife, Cindy, hoping she may reveal who else saw a leaked memo. Grissom hands over his car since their surveillance vehicle was destroyed. Bennett declines Trilling’s offer to drive. He takes one final look at the tarp-covered body, offers a prayer, and wonders what Tavarez had been on the verge of telling him.
Key Events
- Bennett sits in shock beside Tavarez’s covered corpse.
- Dennis Wu, IA, arrives and mocks Bennett’s record.
- Bennett physically restrains Trilling from confronting Wu.
- Harry Grissom confirms Tavarez is cleared as a suspect and assigns the widow notification.
- Bennett accepts Grissom’s car and decides to drive.
- Bennett says a prayer for Tavarez and ponders his unfinished revelation.
Character Development
Michael Bennett: His numbness and self-blame reveal a detective who internalizes loss. Instead of lashing out at Wu, he exhibits restraint and a painful recognition that his failures have consequences. His longing for family contrasts with his duty-bound reality, and his prayer shows a personal, spiritual side rarely seen in the heat of an investigation.
Rob Trilling: Offers quiet solidarity but also a protective anger on Bennett’s behalf. Bennett’s intervention highlights Trilling’s loyalty and the depth of their partnership.
Dennis Wu: Embodies the adversarial, unfeeling Internal Affairs archetype. His suit amid emergency gear and his immediate blame underscore the institutional pressure bearing down on Bennett.
Harry Grissom: His brusque approach to clearing Tavarez as a suspect is a practical way to jolt Bennett back into action. His assignment of the notification detail shows trust in Bennett’s empathy while keeping the investigative thread alive.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Sacrifice and Service: Tavarez gave his career to the force, was sidelined, and died trying to help; Bennett’s reflection on the injustice underscores the theme that service does not always bring reward or protection.
- Institutional Antagonism: Dennis Wu’s appearance immediately after a tragedy exemplifies the friction between the officer on the street and the internal bureaucracy, reinforcing the “us vs. them” dynamic.
- Numbness and Grief: The silent curb-side vigil and Bennett’s shock capture the emotional cost of violent death, where work must continue despite personal devastation.
- Unanswered Questions: The persistent mystery—what Tavarez was about to say—becomes a haunting motif that drives the remaining plot and symbolizes lost truth.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 99 serves as the emotional fallout from the preceding violence. It pivots from action to introspection, anchoring the reader in Bennett’s psychological state. The scene with Wu escalates the internal pressure on Bennett, hinting at deeper consequences for his career. Grissom’s directive to notify Cindy Tavarez shifts the investigation toward a possible breakthrough while honoring the human cost. The chapter’s unanswered question about Tavarez’s last words injects suspense, ensuring the reader remains invested in the memo’s origin.
Study Questions and Answers
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How does Bennett’s reaction to Dennis Wu’s insult illustrate his character?
Bennett’s calm restraint and his quiet admission that “Wu’s right” reveal a man who is more self-critical than defensive. He prioritizes the investigation and avoids escalating a toxic situation, even when a partner is ready to fight for his honor. -
What is the narrative purpose of Harry Grissom’s order to notify Joe Tavarez’s wife?
The order serves multiple purposes: it removes Bennett from the immediate scene and from Wu’s scrutiny, advances the plot by seeking information on the leaked memo, and introduces an emotional beat that tests Bennett’s sensitivity and resolve. -
Why is the question of what Tavarez was about to say so significant to the chapter’s ending?
The unanswered revelation creates a sense of tragic loss and unresolved tension. It reminds the reader that the killer not only ended a life but also silenced potentially crucial information, deepening the mystery and personal stakes for Bennett.