Chapter 84: Doyle's New Target
⚠️ 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
Kevin Doyle temporarily sets aside the task of dealing with Detective Bennett, focusing instead on his next assignment. He drives a stolen Ford Taurus taken from a Brooklyn construction site. Doyle stakes out a drug dealer named Jaime Nantes, who is under indictment for a violent assault on a stockbroker who refused to pay an inflated price for cocaine. The assault, which occurred in a nightclub restroom, was interrupted by a former Marine bouncer who subdued Nantes and led to his arrest. Doyle watches Nantes enter a busy chicken restaurant called Island Delight in the Bronx, a routine stop on his daily path from the gang's warehouse. Doyle knows Nantes will spend about thirty minutes inside before crossing the street back to his headquarters. He plans to run Nantes down with the car at that moment. Despite feeling tempted to act immediately, Doyle restrains himself, preferring to stick to his plan. He also contemplates trying the chicken before leaving and hopes to finish the job and leave town quickly to avoid having to confront Bennett and his partner.
Key Events
- Doyle postpones confronting Bennett and starts a new assignment.
- He steals a Ford Taurus and uses it to surveil Jaime Nantes in the Bronx.
- Doyle recalls the details of Nantes's indictment for assault with a firearm.
- He observes Nantes enter Island Delight, a busy chicken restaurant.
- Doyle decides to wait for Nantes to cross the street after his meal before striking.
- He briefly considers acting immediately but adheres to his planned method.
Character Development
Kevin Doyle: This chapter deepens Doyle's profile as a methodical contract killer who attempts to rationalize his work. He collects backstories about his targets—like Nantes's violent history—to justify his actions as socially beneficial. He exhibits both discipline (sticking to his plan) and a surprisingly casual attitude (thinking about trying the chicken), which humanizes him without excusing his crimes. His conscious decision to avoid dealing with Bennett reveals a hint of caution and self-preservation.
Jaime Nantes: Though not active in the chapter, Nantes is characterized as a violent drug dealer through the indictment story, positioning him as a morally unambiguous target for Doyle.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Rationalization of Violence: Doyle mentally catalogues Nantes's crimes to convince himself that killing him makes the world better. This mirrors the broader theme of moral ambiguity—Doyle sees himself as a vigilante cleansing society, despite operating outside the law.
Planning vs. Impulse: Doyle is tempted to run Nantes down immediately but restrains himself because "that wouldn't follow his plan." The contrast underscores his professional pride in preparation, even as he contemplates a post-mission distraction (trying the chicken).
The Ordinary and the Criminal: The fast-food restaurant as a setting for a hit blurs the line between mundane life and violent intent. Doyle's casual thought about eating chicken while on a murder mission highlights the banality of his profession.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 84 serves as a stand-alone episode that showcases Doyle's operating procedure, while also advancing the larger story arc. It introduces a new target (Nantes) whose eventual death will likely have repercussions for Doyle and the police investigation. The chapter keeps the Bennett thread alive by showing Doyle's reluctance to engage with the detective, building tension for a future confrontation. Additionally, the detailed look at Doyle's rationalization process reinforces the novel's exploration of moral justification in organized crime.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What does Doyle's consideration of stopping for chicken after the hit reveal about his character?
Doyle's casual thought about trying the chicken demonstrates his ability to compartmentalize violence and routine. He treats murder as a job, not an emotional act, and views the aftermath as a normal part of his day, which underscores his detachment from the human consequences of his actions.
2. Why does Doyle choose to wait rather than act immediately when he feels tempted?
Doyle prides himself on being an excellent planner. He restrains his impulse to strike early because he knows Nantes's schedule precisely—thirty minutes in the restaurant followed by a return walk. Acting immediately would deviate from his plan and increase the risk of error. This decision reinforces his core trait of patience and methodical execution.
3. How does this chapter advance the subplot involving Bennett?
The chapter explicitly states that Doyle is putting off confronting Bennett and hopes to finish his current job quickly so he can leave town and avoid that confrontation. This raises the stakes for future chapters: Bennett remains a looming threat that Doyle is trying to evade, which likely means their paths will eventually cross.