Chapter summaries Hard to Kill James Patterson & Mike Lupica

Hard to Kill Chapter 75 Summary: Jimmy’s Visit to Retired Lieutenant Paul Harrington

⚠️ 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

Jimmy drops Jane off at her house and returns to his bar to make calls. He asks Dick Kelley for the location of retired Lieutenant Paul Harrington, who left the force ten years ago instead of pursuing a deputy inspector job. Kelley confirms Harrington lives in Water Mill, close to Jimmy. Jimmy obtains the address and phone number; Harrington invites him over immediately. At Harrington’s beautiful house, the former commander explains that his late wife’s family money allowed him to buy the property. The two men sit in the backyard, and Jimmy reveals his ongoing pursuit of dirty cops Licata and Champi. Harrington admits he put Internal Affairs on Licata when he commanded the 24th, and he still despises them. Jimmy states his belief that Licata or Champi killed his partner Mickey Dunne and also made Nassau DA Gregg McCall disappear. Harrington, emotional and angry, asks Jimmy to call him if he ever gets Licata by the balls. Jimmy salutes and agrees, understanding that the badge must mean something.

Key Events

  • Jimmy drops Jane at her house and she asks if he will let the matter go; he says no.
  • Jimmy calls Dick Kelley to locate retired Lieutenant Paul Harrington.
  • Kelley provides Harrington’s location in Water Mill within five minutes.
  • Jimmy calls Harrington, who agrees to meet immediately.
  • Harrington shows Jimmy his house and explains his late wife Sharon had family money that funded his retirement.
  • The two men talk in the backyard; Harrington admits he put Internal Affairs on Licata and hates dirty cops.
  • Jimmy tells Harrington his belief that Licata or Champi shot his partner Mickey Dunne and made DA Gregg McCall disappear.
  • Harrington becomes emotional, slams his beer can, and demands a promise that Jimmy will call him when he gets Licata.
  • Jimmy salutes and says “Yes, sir.”

Character Development

  • Jimmy: Demonstrates relentless determination; he will not let the case go. Shows respect for Harrington’s legacy and maintains his own code of loyalty to his fallen partner.
  • Paul Harrington: Former legendary commander of detectives at the 24th. Now a lonely widower who still carries deep anger toward the dirty cops he once tried to bring down. His outburst reveals the personal toll of police corruption.
  • Licata and Champi (off-page): Described by Harrington as “as dirty as I ever encountered.” Their past actions continue to drive the present investigation.
  • Mickey Dunne and Gregg McCall (off-page): Their unresolved deaths give Jimmy a moral imperative to continue.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • The Badge: Harrington insists “That badge is supposed to mean something.” The badge symbolizes integrity and the duty of a police officer; dirty cops like Licata and Champi corrupted its meaning.
  • Loyalty and Legacy: Jimmy’s refusal to let go of his partner’s murder and Harrington’s lingering hatred of dirty cops both demonstrate how unfinished business haunts retired and active officers.
  • Retirement and Isolation: Harrington’s beautiful house contrasts with his loneliness—his wife is dead, and he admits the quiet gets to him. Retirement does not bring closure.
  • Gut Instinct: Jimmy’s “gut” has rarely been wrong. This motif reinforces his role as a detective who trusts intuition when evidence is lacking.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 75 provides a crucial connection to the past: Harrington, the former commander of the 24th, confirms that Licata and Champi were dirty and that he personally put Internal Affairs on Licata. This validates Jimmy’s hunt and gives him a reliable source of information. Harrington’s emotional reaction shows the scars these men left on the department. The chapter also deepens the mystery by linking Champi to the staging of a crime scene (mentioned in passing) and revealing that Harrington looked into the Jacobson case without finding enough to charge the old man. The promise Jimmy makes—to call Harrington when he gets Licata—sets up a future payoff and underscores the camaraderie of cops who share a code.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Jimmy decide to visit retired Lieutenant Paul Harrington?
Jimmy learned from Dick Kelley that Harrington had retired to Water Mill. Jimmy wants to talk to someone who knows Licata and Champi from their early days in the 24th precinct, hoping to confirm his suspicions and possibly learn new information about the old Jacobson case or other crimes.

2. What does Harrington reveal about his feelings toward Licata and Champi?
Harrington states he put Internal Affairs on Licata before he left the building, and he still “fucking hate[s]” both of them. He calls them the dirtiest cops he ever encountered. His outburst suggests a deep personal betrayal by officers he once mentored.

3. What promise does Harrington extract from Jimmy, and why is it significant?
Harrington asks Jimmy to call him “when you’ve finally got him by the balls.” Jimmy salutes and agrees. The promise symbolizes the bond between two dedicated cops: Harrington wants to know that justice will be served, even if he cannot do it himself.

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