Chapter Thirty-two: Tripp — Summary and Analysis

⚠️ 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

The chapter opens with Tripp and Brynn driving to New Hampshire. Tripp reflects on the recent revelation about his father—he no longer believes his father killed Mr. Larkin, but the guilt of having covered for him has poisoned their relationship for years. That morning, he considered texting his father to talk but deleted the message, unsure how to bridge the distance between them.

During the drive, Charlotte texts Tripp about the Winter Dance. She's still inviting him, though she notes he was rude the night before. Tripp decides to take her messages at face value, uncertain what she really knows about the day Mr. Larkin died. He asks Brynn to the dance, and she accepts, marking a significant step in their relationship.

They arrive at Mad Dog Tavern, a biker bar with a snarling dog sign matching the medallion. Inside, they meet Rose, the owner, who immediately assumes they're underage. Brynn asks about Dexter Robbins, and Rose reveals he no longer owns the establishment. Brynn shows Rose a photo of Mr. Larkin, and Rose recognizes him as Billy, Dexter's son.

Rose explains that Billy's mother died when he was a baby, and Dexter neglected him, considering child-rearing women's work. Dexter remarried and had another son, Mikey, and became religious. Rose shares that Lila and Mikey went missing, with rumors that Dexter was controlling—keeping Lila prisoner and refusing to treat Mikey's asthma. People stopped looking for them once those stories emerged.

Billy changed his name and cut ties with his father. Rose last saw him in college, noting he seemed harsher than before. Brynn shows Rose the medallion, and Rose reveals Lila had it made for Billy's thirteenth birthday, with a matching one for Mikey. Brynn asks if Dexter could have killed Mr. Larkin. Rose admits Dexter was capable of dark things but doesn't know where he is—last she heard, he was working at a pawnshop.

Key Events

Tripp reflects on his father's innocence and his own complicity in covering for him
Charlotte texts about the Winter Dance; Tripp asks Brynn to attend with him
They arrive at Mad Dog Tavern and meet owner Rose
Rose reveals Dexter Robbins no longer owns the bar
Rose identifies Mr. Larkin as Billy, Dexter's son
Rose provides backstory: Billy's mother died young, Dexter neglected him, remarried, had Mikey
Lila and Mikey went missing; rumors of Dexter's controlling behavior
Billy changed his name and cut ties with his father
Rose identifies the medallion as a birthday gift from Lila to Billy, with a matching one for Mikey
Rose says Dexter was capable of dark things but doesn't know his whereabouts

Character Development

Tripp: This chapter shows Tripp's emotional growth. He's no longer afraid of his father but is grappling with the guilt of having covered for him. His decision to ask Brynn to the dance signals his willingness to let himself have good things again. He's also more trusting of Brynn, sharing his thoughts openly.

Brynn: Brynn is focused and determined in the investigation. She's honest with Rose about being hired partly because she pitched the story about Mr. Larkin. Her acceptance of Tripp's invitation shows her growing trust in him.

Rose: A new character who provides crucial backstory. She's a practical, no-nonsense woman who genuinely cared for Billy and is disturbed by the news of his death.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Guilt and complicity: Tripp's reflection on covering for his father is central. He acknowledges that his silence poisoned their relationship.

Father-son relationships: The chapter contrasts Tripp's complicated relationship with his father against Billy's relationship with Dexter—one neglectful and abusive, the other strained by misunderstanding.

Identity and name change: Billy changed his name to William Larkin to escape his father's legacy, mirroring the theme of reinvention.

Family secrets: Rose's revelations about Dexter's controlling behavior and the disappearance of Lila and Mikey highlight the hidden darkness in families.

The medallion as clue: The medallion connects Mr. Larkin to his past and to his brother Mikey, suggesting a matching one exists.

Trust and vulnerability: Tripp and Brynn's relationship deepens as they share truths with each other.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is pivotal for the investigation. It establishes Mr. Larkin's true identity as Billy Robbins, son of Dexter Robbins, and provides a motive for his murder—or at least a suspect in Dexter. The medallion is now tied to a specific person and a matching piece that may still exist. The chapter also advances Tripp and Brynn's relationship, showing Tripp's growth and his willingness to trust again.

Study Questions

Why does Tripp delete the text to his father, and what does this reveal about his emotional state?

Tripp types a message asking if they can talk but deletes it because he doesn't know how to bridge the distance. He's no longer afraid of his father but is uncertain how to address the years of silence and his own complicity. This shows his guilt and his struggle to reconnect.

What does Rose's account of Dexter Robbins reveal about the possible motive for Mr. Larkin's murder?

Rose describes Dexter as controlling and capable of dark things, noting he kept Lila prisoner and neglected Mikey's asthma. She says Dexter was capable of harming his son, though she doesn't know where he is now. This establishes Dexter as a viable suspect.

How does the medallion's origin change the investigation?

Rose reveals Lila had the medallion made for Billy's thirteenth birthday, with a matching one for Mikey. This connects the medallion to Billy's family and suggests Mikey may have a matching piece, potentially linking the investigation to the missing brother.