Chapter 39 Summary: Hatcher Sighting and Banning's Insult
Spoiler Warning: This summary contains details from Chapter 39. If you have not read the chapter, proceed with caution.
Summary
Michael Bennett is undercover at a bar with his partner Terri. He spots Robert Hatcher, a felon-like figure, who keeps his hands on the bar as if surrendering. Hatcher silently backs away and leaves. Bennett considers calling for backup to catch Hatcher with drugs or a gun but decides against it, realizing he cannot solve all of the city's problems in one night. He refocuses on Terri and Kyle Banning. Terri tries a new tactic, suggesting they move to a quieter coffee shop. Banning instead proposes meeting at a hotel, then insults Terri by saying she is a few years older than the women he usually sees and that reputation is everything in finance. Terri throws her remaining bourbon in his face. Banning calmly wipes it with a monogrammed handkerchief and asks if that means she won't meet him at a Holiday Inn. He joins a group of laughing young men. Terri decides to stay for another drink to avoid giving Banning the satisfaction of chasing her out. Bennett concludes that a direct approach is necessary but wants to gather more information first.
Key Events
- Michael Bennett spots Robert Hatcher at the bar.
- Hatcher keeps his hands visible, then backs away and leaves.
- Bennett decides not to pursue Hatcher.
- Terri suggests moving to a coffee shop; Banning proposes a hotel and insults her age and reputation.
- Terri throws bourbon in Banning's face.
- Banning wipes off the drink, asks if she still refuses to meet him, and leaves to join friends.
- Terri stays for another drink; Bennett considers a direct confrontation.
Character Development
- Michael Bennett: Shows restraint by not pursuing Hatcher immediately; considers undercover strategy and direct approach.
- Robert Hatcher: Demonstrates criminal experience by keeping hands visible, then retreating without confrontation.
- Terri: Maintains undercover persona by throwing the drink instead of punching; stays in the bar to avoid appearing defeated.
- Kyle Banning: Reveals arrogance and obsession with reputation; dismissive of Terri's age.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Reputation: Banning repeatedly emphasizes reputation in finance as justification for his rudeness.
- Ageism: Banning's insult about Terri's age highlights gender and age bias.
- Undercover Persona: Terri's act requires calculated reactions; throwing the drink fits her cover.
- Control: Both Hatcher and Banning try to control situations through body language and social norms.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter advances the Hatcher subplot by reintroducing him and showing Bennett's ongoing surveillance. It also deepens the investigation into Kyle Banning, revealing his arrogance and potential vulnerability. The failed undercover attempt forces Bennett to shift strategy toward a direct interview, setting up the next confrontation.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Hatcher keep his hands on the bar and back away?
Hatcher knows standard police procedure – suspects keep hands visible to avoid looking armed. His retreat avoids drawing attention or provoking Bennett. -
What does Banning's insult reveal about his character?
Banning's insult shows his obsession with reputation and his willingness to demean women based on age. It also indicates he is arrogant and dismissive of Terri's undercover approach. -
Why does Terri throw her drink rather than punch Banning?
Throwing the drink maintains her undercover persona as a woman who would react dramatically rather than physically. It also provides a release without escalating to violence that could expose the operation.