Chapter summaries Never Lie Freida McFadden

Never Lie Chapter 22: Session 138 with EJ – Summary and Analysis

Spoiler Warning: This summary exposes key events from Chapter 22 of Never Lie. If you haven’t read this chapter, proceed with caution.

Summary

Chapter 22 presents the full transcript of Dr. Hale’s 138th therapy session with EJ, a 29-year-old man diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. EJ begins by flattering Dr. Hale, but she remains distant. He complains of boredom and dismisses working, expecting to inherit his parents’ wealth. When Dr. Hale suggests a career as a sommelier, EJ cites the effort required. He then makes an offhand remark about the possibility of his mother’s brakes failing, causing Dr. Hale to grow pale. EJ denies tampering but floats the idea. He announces a weekend trip to Foxwoods casino, boasting about his poker skills and intent to find a woman. Dr. Hale tries to steer the session toward productivity, but EJ insists on discussing his sexual fantasy. He describes a silent woman at a craps table who seduces him for a one-night stand. Dr. Hale offers to refer him to another therapist, but EJ refuses, stating directly, “Because I want you.” The chapter ends on a note of ominous control.

Key Events

  • EJ comments flippantly about his parents’ possible death (brake failure), making Dr. Hale uncomfortable.
  • Dr. Hale suggests career paths, but EJ dismisses them as too much work.
  • EJ announces plans to gamble at Foxwoods and pick up a woman.
  • EJ uses his therapy session to describe a sexual fantasy, overriding Dr. Hale’s attempts to redirect.
  • Dr. Hale offers to transfer EJ to another therapist, but EJ refuses because he wants her specifically.

Character Development

  • Dr. Hale: Struggles to maintain professional boundaries as her patient manipulates the session. She shows visible discomfort (pale complexion) and finally tries to exit the therapeutic relationship, revealing her vulnerability.
  • EJ: Demonstrates classic narcissistic traits: grandiosity (expecting inheritance, poker skills), lack of empathy (describing his parents’ death without remorse), and entitlement (demanding the session focus on his fantasy). His final line, “Because I want you,” underscores his possessive, controlling nature.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Power and Control in Therapy: EJ wrests control of the session from Dr. Hale, dictating what they discuss and rejecting her professional advice. The therapy room becomes a stage for a power struggle.
  • Manipulation and Guilt: EJ’s comment about his parents’ brakes is a veiled threat rather than a confession; he instills unease in Dr. Hale while maintaining plausible deniability.
  • Fantasy as Escape: EJ’s fantasy at the casino involves anonymity and instant gratification, mirroring his refusal to engage with long-term responsibilities.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens the psychological tension between Dr. Hale and EJ. It reveals EJ’s predatory nature and Dr. Hale’s growing inability to manage him as a patient. The refusal to transfer care signals that EJ is a threat, not merely a difficult case. For the reader, this chapter establishes a clear motive for potential future conflict and for Dr. Hale to fear EJ.

Study Questions and Answers

1. How does EJ manipulate the therapy session to serve his own purposes?
EJ ignores Dr. Hale’s attempts to focus on productive topics, instead steering the conversation toward his gambling plan and sexual fantasy. He uses flattery and guilt (“Sarcasm doesn’t suit you”) to dismiss her professional direction, ultimately asserting that his session should be about what he wants.

2. What is the significance of Dr. Hale’s offer to refer EJ to another therapist?
Dr. Hale’s offer signals her desperation and recognition that the therapeutic relationship is ineffective and possibly harmful. EJ’s refusal (“Because I want you”) transforms the dynamic from medical to personal and possessive, heightening the sense of danger.

3. How does the mention of his parents’ brakes function as a threat?
EJ presents the brake failure as a neutral hypothetical (“Brakes fail”), but the context of his narcissism and lack of empathy suggests he is testing Dr. Hale and hinting at violence. He denies intent while allowing the idea to linger, demonstrating manipulative control over the conversation.

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