Chapter Thirty-Nine Summary: The Bar Meeting and Stunning Revelations
⚠️ 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
Jane meets Jimmy at his usual spot during a crowded happy hour. Jimmy introduces Dave Wolk, a young man with a surfer-dude vibe—long hair, beard, deep tan, wearing a Main Beach T-shirt and cargo shorts. Wolk hugs Jane instead of shaking her hand. Jimmy reveals that Wolk recently broke into Elise Parsons’s house, though he wasn’t caught. Wolk admits to a “slip” from his reformed ways. Jimmy then explains that Wolk had a teenage history of break-ins, and pushes him to name his accomplices. Wolk confesses that his crew included Nick Morelli as the boss and Eric Jacobson, the son of Rob Jacobson. Morelli is believed dead but is alive. Wolk describes Morelli as crazy and dangerous, not merely “good crazy.” He also recounts that when he was caught, his accomplices abandoned him, leaving him to serve time in juvie. Jane is stunned by the connections. The chapter ends with her exclaiming, “Jesus Christ.”
Key Events
- Jane arrives at the bar during Jimmy’s happy hour.
- Jimmy introduces Dave Wolk, a thief who broke into Elise Parsons’s house.
- Wolk hugs Jane instead of shaking hands.
- Jimmy explains Wolk’s teenage history of B&Es.
- Jimmy’s contact among East Hampton cops provided the lead.
- Wolk admits his past burglaries were “pure, 200 proof fun.”
- Jimmy prompts Wolk to name his teenage accomplices.
- Wolk identifies Nick Morelli as the boss and Eric Jacobson as the third member.
- Jane realizes Morelli is alive and connected to Jacobson.
- Wolk describes Morelli as dangerous to everybody.
- Wolk tells how his partners left him to face justice alone.
- The chapter ends with Jane’s startled reaction.
Character Development
- Jane: Demonstrates patience and investigative discipline, waiting for the full story despite her need to leave. Her internal note about cross-examining witnesses reveals her professional experience.
- Dave Wolk: Shifts from a laid-back, charming surfer to a serious and angry man when discussing Morelli. His regret about the past and his warning indicate he is more complex than a simple reformed thief.
- Jimmy: Acts as a facilitator, enjoying knowing something Jane does not. His network of bar contacts and police buddies proves valuable, positioning him as a key ally.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Secrets and the Past: The chapter shows that old crimes and relationships never fully disappear. Wolk’s teenage spree resurfaces years later, directly linking to the central mystery.
- Trust and Betrayal: Wolk’s accomplices abandoned him to serve time, a betrayal that echoes larger patterns of loyalty in the story.
- Appearance vs. Reality: Wolk’s surfer-dude exterior hides dangerous knowledge. The friendly hug contrasts with the ominous information he delivers.
- The Bar as Neutral Ground: The crowded, casual setting of the happy hour contrasts with the gravity of the revelations, underscoring how ordinary spaces can hold explosive truths.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 39 is a turning point because it directly connects Jane’s investigation to two major figures: Nick Morelli, the presumed-dead antagonist, and Eric Jacobson, son of a powerful man. It introduces Dave Wolk as a potential informant or target, and reveals Morelli’s leadership of a teenage crime ring, adding depth to his character. The chapter advances the plot by providing new leads and raising the stakes significantly.
Study Questions and Answers
1. How does the author use setting to contrast the gravity of the revelations?
The crowded bar with happy hour, baseball on TV, and relaxed atmosphere creates a stark contrast with the serious and dangerous information being shared. This highlights how ordinary settings can hold extraordinary secrets, making the moment more jarring.
2. What does Dave Wolk’s description of Morelli as “not just crazy” reveal about his character?
It suggests that Morelli is calculated and dangerous, not merely erratic. Wolk’s warning implies that Morelli is unpredictable and capable of causing harm, making him a credible threat beyond his past reputation.
3. Why is the revelation about Eric Jacobson significant for Jane’s investigation?
Eric Jacobson is the son of Rob Jacobson, likely a central figure in the story. This connection indicates that the conspiracy extends beyond Morelli and involves powerful families, giving Jane a new angle to pursue and raising questions about the Jacobson family’s involvement.