Chapter 32 Summary: The Spanish Inquisition's Torture Devices

⚠️ 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

Detective Bart Romanski and his husband Nick Wu arrive at the home of Dr. Hitch Baker, a historian who collects Inquisition-era artifacts. Baker shows them his cabinet of curiosities, including a thumbscrew, a “Spanish tickler” frame, and a garrote vil. Romanski inquires about a Spanish boot and a Maundy gag, but Baker does not own those and reacts with horror at the possibility they were used in a modern case. The chapter closes with Romanski recalling the mangled foot of victim Castillo, confirming the link between the historical devices and the current murders.

Key Events

Romanski and Nick enter Baker’s house; the door’s chime alerts the historian.
Baker greets them warmly, mentions the “cabinet of curiosities,” and leads them inside.
They view the Apega of Nabis, a spiked mechanical woman used by King Sparta, which Baker dubs an early robot.
Baker demonstrates the thumbscrew, describing how it crushes finger bones.
Nick shows fascination with the devices; Romanski grows uneasy.
Baker shows the “Spanish tickler,” a folding A-frame that compresses the victim’s body.
Romanski asks specifically to see the garrote vil.
Baker displays the garrote vil, explaining its use by the Inquisition until 1978, and notes the Catalan garrote variant had a spike.
Romanski asks about the Spanish boot and Maundy gag; Baker says he does not own those and is disturbed by the implication.
Romanski thinks of Castillo’s crushed foot, connecting the historical devices to the crime scene.

Character Development

Bart Romanski: His inability to hide his grim emotions deepens. He feels guilt for bringing Nick, who is too enthusiastic. His professional focus narrows as he presses for specific devices central to the case.
Nick Wu: Acts as a social buffer, shaking Baker’s hand and translating a Maya Angelou quote. His morbid curiosity grows; he is thrilled by the collection, which contrasts with Bart’s discomfort.
Dr. Hitch Baker: Portrayed as a jovial academic with a dark passion. He is eager to show off his collection and takes pride in historical authenticity. When confronted with modern use, his demeanor shifts to genuine concern.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Cruelty and Civilization: The historical devices symbolize how sophisticated societies institutionalized brutality. Baker’s casual handling of the tools contrasts with the reality of their purpose.
Curiosity vs. Morbidity: Nick’s excitement and Baker’s scholarly detachment clash with Romanski’s visceral revulsion, highlighting different reactions to confronting evil.
The Persistence of Violence: The garrote vil’s use until 1978 shows that state-sanctioned torture is not a distant, medieval relic but a recent and ongoing human practice.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter provides critical forensic context for the murders. By exploring the Inquisition’s toolkit, Romanski begins to understand the precise mechanisms used on the victims. It also deepens his personal relationship with Nick, showing how their private lives intersect with his work. Baker’s historical expertise offers a plausible source for the murder weapons, narrowing the investigation. The emotional weight of the evidence now feels tangible.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Romanski bring Nick along to meet Dr. Baker, and what does Nick’s presence reveal about their relationship? Romanski normally avoids mixing personal and professional life, but Nick “begged and pleaded” for a tour of the “Jack the Ripper museum.” This shows that their marriage includes compromise and trust; Bart relies on Nick’s social skills and humor to ease tense interactions.

2. How does Baker react when Romanski asks about the Spanish boot and Maundy gag, and what does this reaction suggest about the case? Baker loses his cheerful demeanor and expresses horror at the thought of those devices being used in a modern crime. His reaction confirms that the devices are rare and historically specialized, implying the killer has deep historical knowledge or access to a private collection.

3. What is the significance of the garrote vil’s continued legal use until 1978? It underscores that torture and execution via the garrote remained state-sanctioned into the late twentieth century. For Romanski, this fact narrows the time frame for the devices’ availability and points to a killer who may be obsessed with historical death penalties.