Chapter 38 Summary, Analysis, and Key Moments

⚠️ 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

On Sunday morning, Catherine wakes up still drained from the long and difficult day before. She picks up the newspaper outside her door and sees reporters and TV trucks in the street. Up until now the press had mostly left them alone. She quickly slams the door and looks at the paper. The Aylesford Record has again run the story about her parents' murders on the front page, but this time it includes a candid photograph from the funeral—a shot of the moment when Dan started speaking to a detective. Catherine studies the photo and sees herself looking cold and angry, Dan animated, and Jenna startled. It is an unflattering picture that makes her cringe. She reads the article with growing distaste, noting that the distance and respect afforded the Mertons because of their wealth and position has disappeared. The headline reads 'WHO KILLED WEALTHY COUPLE? FAMILY RIFT DISRUPTS FUNERAL.' Key phrases jump out: speculation about a robbery that turned violent, Dan overheard telling police that his sisters should be considered suspects, and a shocking display of dissension in a family that has always been private. The article also mentions that police are focusing on the three adult children, each expected to inherit a portion of the estate, and an anonymous source claims the family was troubled. Catherine feels sick and throws the newspaper onto the table as Ted enters. She tells him that Dan should shut up, and she knows who the anonymous source is.

Meanwhile, Lisa, Dan's wife, stares at her cold coffee after reading the same article. She has never been so frightened or alone. Dan has come unglued and has effectively cut them off from his sisters through his actions at the funeral. He expects her to remain loyal and have nothing to do with Catherine and Jenna. They fought about it last night, but he wouldn't listen to reason. He seems almost to have convinced himself that one of his sisters murdered their parents and set him up to take the fall. Lisa is in an impossible position.

Later, detectives Reyes and Barr re-interview Irena Dabrowski, the cleaning lady, early on Sunday morning while waiting for a search warrant for Catherine's home. Reyes believes she might hold the key. He presses her, saying they know it was one of the kids, or maybe two or all of them together. She denies knowing who did it, but tears form in her eyes. He shows her photos of the murder scenes, and she looks away. Finally, she admits that she thinks any one of the Merton children might be capable of it. She explains that they are clever, selfish, and greedy, and were fathered by a psychopath. She loves them, but she wouldn't put it past any of them. However, she insists they would never have done it together—they don't do anything together.

Finally, Audrey rereads the article and is pleased at the strife among Fred and Sheila's children, but it doesn't dampen her sense of injustice. There is nothing in the article about her being denied her rightful share of the estate. She had been the unnamed source who spoke about the problems within the family, but none of the juicy details made it into the article. She thinks they are afraid of a lawsuit. She considers calling the reporter back to tell her what she told the detectives—that Fred was going to change his will and one of those kids is a murderer. But she doesn't have proof. Her friend Ellen drops by for their regular Sunday morning walk. As they hike, Audrey impulsively tells Ellen what she is thinking of doing. Ellen is cautious, suggesting she leave it to the police. Audrey insists she can't stand by and do nothing, and she wants justice for Fred. Ellen asks how she can be so sure. Audrey stops walking and looks at her, as if coming to a decision. She says she is going to tell Ellen something awful, but she must swear never to repeat it to anyone.

Key Events

Catherine reads the newspaper article and is upset by the photo and the content.
The article reveals Dan's accusation against his sisters and mentions an anonymous source.
Catherine tells Ted that Dan should stay quiet and identifies the anonymous source as Audrey.
Lisa feels isolated and frightened as Dan cuts off contact with his sisters.
Reyes and Barr re-interview Irena Dabrowski, who admits she thinks any of the Merton children could be capable of murder but not together.
Audrey considers escalating her accusations and reveals her plan to Ellen, hinting at a secret.

Character Development

Catherine: Shows her anger and frustration with Dan, and her awareness of Audrey's role. She is protective of the family's reputation and feels the press has turned against them.
Lisa: Portrayed as frightened and isolated, caught between loyalty and doubt. She sees Dan's behavior as unhinged and is torn between supporting him and questioning his accusations.
Irena: Reveals her deep knowledge of the children's flaws and her emotional turmoil. She loves them but fears them, and her confession adds a layer of complexity to the investigation.
Audrey: Shows her determination to seek justice for Fred, and her willingness to go further, hinting at a secret that could change the narrative.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Media scrutiny and public image vs. private reality: The newspaper article exposes the family's dysfunction to the public, contrasting the Mertons' former respectability with the chaos now on display.
Family rift and suspicion among siblings: Dan's accusation deepens the divide, and the article amplifies the suspicion that one of the children is guilty.
Anonymous sources and the spread of accusations: Audrey's role as the source adds a layer of manipulation, showing how unverified claims can shape public perception.
Inheritance motive and greed: The article highlights the children's expected inheritance, reinforcing the financial motive for murder.
Fear and isolation: Lisa's fear and isolation reflect the emotional toll of the investigation and the family breakdown.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter intensifies the media pressure on the family, deepens the rift between Dan and his sisters, and provides insight into Irena's perspective and Audrey's motives. It also sets up potential new accusations and hints at a secret that could change the investigation. The chapter reinforces the theme of public vs. private and shows how the family's secrets are being exposed, while also advancing the police investigation through Irena's confession.

Study Questions and Answers

How does the newspaper article affect Catherine and Lisa differently?

Catherine is angry and feels the family's privacy is invaded, while Lisa feels frightened and isolated because Dan's actions have cut them off from his sisters. 2. What does Irena's confession reveal about her view of the Merton children?

She believes each of them is capable of murder due to their cleverness, selfishness, greed, and their father's influence, but she insists they would never work together. 3. What is Audrey's plan, and what secret does she hint at?

Audrey plans to contact the reporter again to accuse one of the children, and she hints at a secret she wants to tell Ellen, which is not revealed in this chapter.