Chapter Twenty Summary & Analysis – Payback in Death

Spoiler Warning: This summary and analysis contains spoilers for Chapter Twenty of Payback in Death. If you haven't read the chapter, proceed with caution.

Summary

After the chaotic wake for Ben Greenleaf, Eve and Roarke return home. Summerset notes they are unharmed. Eve immediately updates her evidence board, focusing on Brice Noy and Elva Arnez. She researches Brice Noy’s perfect academic record and volunteer work, then compares it to Arnez’s hardscrabble path through public school and early employment. Roarke investigates Ella Noy, the widow, and learns she lost her fiancé to a violent robbery, then her husband to suicide, and later her son to an overdose. He finds no evidence that she knew about Noy’s corruption. Over dinner, Eve reveals her gut feeling: when Arnez returned to the Greenleaf apartment after the murder, Eve saw a brief look of excitement in her eyes, followed by confusion and calculation. After a walk in the garden, Eve articulates her theory: Robards entered through an unlocked window that Arnez had prepared, killed Greenleaf, staged the suicide note, and left. Arnez provided the alibi by staying with Elizabeth Greenleaf. The attack on Ben Greenleaf was an attempted mirror of Brice Noy’s death. Eve is convinced of their guilt but cannot find the motive. The chapter ends with Eve and Roarke sharing an intimate moment in the garden, after which Eve learns Summerset is out and heads to the pool.

Key Events

Eve and Roarke return home; Summerset greets them at the door.
Eve researches Brice Noy’s high school and college life, finding no disciplinary actions and a perfect record.
She researches Elva Arnez’s parallel timeline, noting her public school education, work-study program, and remote classes at NYU.
Roarke provides a detailed background on Ella Noy, including her engagement to a law student who was murdered, her marriage to Noy, and her later volunteer work.
Eve attempts to contact Taylor Noy in Las Vegas but only reaches her voicemail.
Over dinner, Eve discusses Arnez’s look of excitement when she returned to the crime scene.
Eve and Roarke take a walk to the garden pond; Eve clarifies her theory that Robards killed Greenleaf as a shield for Arnez.
They have sex on the grass, then decide to swim in the pool.
Eve learns Summerset is at the ballet, so she runs naked toward the house.

Character Development

Eve Dallas: Her instincts and observational skills take center stage. Despite a lack of concrete evidence, she trusts her perception of Arnez’s fleeting expression. She is methodical, determined, and deeply committed to finding the truth. Her relationship with Roarke provides both emotional support and a sounding board for her theories.
Roarke: Acts as an investigative partner and a source of calm. He conducts thorough background research on Ella Noy and helps Eve articulate her hunches. His love for Eve is shown through his patience and tenderness, especially during their intimate moment in the garden.
Elva Arnez: Though not present in the chapter, Arnez is characterized through Eve’s analysis as cold, calculating, and manipulative. Eve’s memory of her look suggests a woman who can feign emotion while feeling excitement about the crime.
Robards: Described as the “shield” – loyal to Arnez and willing to carry out the murder. His devotion to her is the key to his involvement.
Ella Noy: Revealed through Roarke’s research as a resilient woman who rebuilt her life after multiple violent losses. She now volunteers with a suicide hotline, suggesting a desire to give back. No evidence of her involvement in Noy’s corruption.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Payback: The central theme, echoed in the novel’s title. The murder of Greenleaf and the attack on his son are direct payback for Noy’s corruption and suicide.
Obsession vs. Love: Eve and Roarke debate whether the murders are motivated by love or obsession. Eve suspects Arnez is driven by a deep, personal fixation, possibly on Noy or his memory.
Instinct vs. Evidence: Eve struggles with having a strong instinct but lacking concrete evidence. She must find the “why” to build her case.
Corruption and Family: The Noy family’s corruption affected many, and the ripple effects continue in the murders. The contrast between Noy’s public image and private deeds is examined.
Summer Evening: The garden setting and intimate moment symbolize peace and connection, offering a respite from the case’s violence. The pool at the end represents freedom and relaxation.

Why This Chapter Matters

This is a pivotal chapter where Eve solidifies her theory of the murder. She identifies Arnez and Robards as the perpetrators and gains Roarke’s full support. The investigation pivots from scattered leads to a focused target. The chapter deepens the emotional bond between the protagonists, providing a necessary respite before the final confrontation. Eve’s determination to find the motive sets up the next phase of the story.

Study Questions and Answers

What does Eve see on Arnez’s face when they return to the apartment that convinces her of Arnez’s involvement?
Eve sees a flash of excitement in Arnez’s eyes when the door opens, followed quickly by confusion and calculation. This fleeting expression tells Eve that Arnez is not simply a grieving neighbor but someone who is emotionally invested in the crime.
Why does Eve believe Robards, not Arnez, physically committed the murder?
Eve theorizes that Arnez unlocked the bedroom window earlier in the evening; Robards then entered through it, killed Greenleaf, staged the suicide, and left. Arnez provided the alibi by being with Elizabeth Greenleaf. Robards acts as the shield, following Arnez’s orders.
What obstacle does Eve face in proving her theory?
Eve cannot find a direct connection between Arnez and the Noy family. Without a motive, she cannot explain why Arnez would orchestrate such a specific payback. She needs to dig deeper into Arnez’s past to find the personal link.