Obsessed Chapter 4: Estella Abreu Identified; Balancing Family and Work
Spoiler Notice
Warning: This chapter summary contains spoilers for Chapter 4 of Obsessed.
Summary
Michael Bennett is at his desk sifting through missing persons reports when Detective Walter Jackson enters. Jackson identifies the Hudson River victim as Estella Abreu, a nursing student from East Harlem, using fingerprints from a preschool job application. He also shares a photo of Emma Schrade, the earlier Bronx victim, a Juilliard student. Bennett and Jackson discuss the difficulty of balancing intense police work with family life. Bennett mentions he will start coaching his daughter Fiona’s basketball team. The chapter ends with a lighthearted exchange about the weight of butane versus water, revealing the detectives' camaraderie and humor as a coping mechanism.
Key Events
- Walter Jackson approaches Bennett’s desk and places a photo of the Hudson River victim.
- Jackson reveals the victim’s identity: Estella Abreu, a nursing student at Pace University, who lived in East Harlem.
- The identification was made through fingerprint matching facilitated by the FBI and a preschool application.
- Jackson also provides a photo of Emma Schrade, the Juilliard student whose body was found in the Bronx.
- Bennett and Jackson talk about the emotional weight of murder cases and how they manage their family responsibilities.
- Bennett mentions he will start coaching his daughter Fiona’s basketball team, highlighting his commitment to parenting.
- The two detectives share a joke about the weight of butane versus water, demonstrating their friendship and need for levity.
Character Development
- Michael Bennett: Bennett is portrayed as efficient (“moving like a shark”) and deeply committed to both his job and his ten children. His decision to coach basketball despite a heavy caseload shows his prioritisation of family. He also shows humanity through the hurt he feels seeing Estella’s smiling photo.
- Walter Jackson: Jackson’s meticulous work (finding the fingerprint match quickly, preparing photos) reveals his dedication and empathy. His silent prayer for each victim underscores his faith and the personal toll the job takes. His careful sitting and jokes highlight his size and considerate nature.
- Estella Abreu and Emma Schrade: Though victims, they are humanised through photos and background details (student, nursing, Juilliard singer), making the investigation feel personal.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Family Versus Work: Bennett’s balancing act is a central theme. He sees professional efficiency and personal time as a constant struggle, echoed by Jackson’s experience.
- Humor as Coping: The butane joke at the end provides tension relief after a heavy identification scene. It shows how detectives use humour to manage the emotional weight of murder.
- Efficiency and Process: Jackson’s rapid identification and Bennett’s “keep moving like a shark” philosophy highlight the procedural aspects of police work.
- The Photo as Symbol: The photo of Estella smiling symbolises the normal life snatched away by violence, and it deepens Bennett’s investment in the case.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is pivotal because it formally identifies the first victim (Estella Abreu) and connects her to the earlier Bronx murder (Emma Schrade) through the shared status of being young female students. It also deepens the series’ recurring theme of Bennett’s demanding family life, which colours his approach to cases. The introduction of Walter Jackson as a competent, empathetic partner enriches the supporting cast. Finally, the chapter balances grim police work with moments of warmth, setting the tone for the investigation ahead.
Study Questions and Answers
1. How does Bennett’s mention of coaching his daughter’s basketball team reflect his character?
It shows that despite his gruelling job, Bennett actively schedules time for his children. The detail underscores his principle of “keeping moving” to avoid being overwhelmed by the darkness of his cases.
2. Why does Walter Jackson test chairs before sitting, and what does this reveal?
Jackson’s habit stems from a chair that “crumpled under his weight” in the past. It reveals his large stature, his carefulness, and his learned caution—qualities that translate into his meticulous police work.
3. What is the significance of the butane weight joke at the end of the chapter?
The joke provides a moment of shared laughter after a somber identification scene. It illustrates how Bennett and Jackson use humour to bond and relieve stress, highlighting their friendship and the need for levity in a grim profession.