Return of the Spider Chapter 68: The Teacher's Double Life
⚠️ 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
In Chapter 68, Gary Soneji teaches his final computer science class of the day at Washington Day. He deliberately avoids eye contact with student Cheryl Lynn Wise, whose father is the White House chief of staff. Secret Service agent Jezzie Flanagan, who has been monitoring the school, stops Soneji in the hallway to ask about Cheryl's progress. Flanagan mentions that a friend of Cheryl's will transfer to the school soon, requiring additional security. Soneji forces politeness while internally recognizing the danger of being close to a Secret Service agent. He reflects on his separate identities as Gary Soneji and Gary Murphy, recalling his earlier abduction of Bunny Maddox with pleasure. He fantasizes about taking Cheryl Lynn to the Pine Barrens but an inner voice warns him to strengthen his cover first. His students notice his distraction, and he deflects by returning to the lesson.
Key Events
- Gary Soneji smiles and nods to students but avoids eye contact with Cheryl Lynn Wise.
- Secret Service agent Jezzie Flanagan intercepts Soneji in the hallway outside his classroom.
- Flanagan asks about Cheryl's academic and social adjustment; Soneji reports she is bright and shy.
- Flanagan reveals that a friend of Cheryl's is transferring, and the friend's grandmother is a cabinet member.
- Soneji internally acknowledges the risk of being near a Secret Service agent.
- He recalls his abduction of Bunny Maddox, feeling pleasure at the memory.
- He fantasizes about kidnapping Cheryl Lynn but decides he needs more time to deepen his cover.
- A student snaps him out of his trance, and he returns to teaching.
Character Development
Gary Soneji – This chapter exposes the tension between Soneji's public persona as a helpful teacher and his private identity as a predator. He is acutely aware of the need to maintain separation between his two lives. His satisfaction from recalling the Bunny Maddox incident shows his lack of remorse and his growing desire to act again. The inner voice that warns him to slow down suggests he has a survival instinct, but his fantasy of taking Cheryl Lynn indicates his obsession is escalating.
Jezzie Flanagan – Though she appears only briefly, Flanagan is portrayed as observant and professional. She now stands outside the classroom rather than sitting in the back, implying she trusts Soneji less than before. Her mention of the upcoming transfer shows she is proactive about security.
Cheryl Lynn Wise – She remains unaware of Soneji's intentions. Her friend's pending arrival will increase her visibility, making her an even more tempting target.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Dual Identity – Soneji’s internal reference to himself as both Soneji and Murphy underscores the theme of the double life. He actively works to keep those identities separate, especially under the scrutiny of law enforcement.
Proximity to Power – The chapter highlights how children of high‑level officials attend the same school, increasing Soneji’s access to vulnerable targets. The Secret Service presence ironically draws attention to the potential threat.
Risk and Timing – Soneji’s inner warning to “slow down” and deepen his cover before taking action introduces a motif of calculated patience. He weighs the thrill of the hunt against the need for caution.
The Predator’s Gaze – Soneji’s deliberate avoidance of eye contact with Cheryl, combined with his fantasy, illustrates how he objectifies her. The teacher‑student relationship becomes a cover for predatory intent.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 68 is a turning point because Soneji explicitly identifies a new potential victim—Cheryl Lynn Wise—and begins forming a plan. The presence of Secret Service agent Flanagan raises the stakes, creating suspense about whether Soneji’s cover will hold. The chapter also deepens our understanding of Soneji’s psychology: he is not impulsive but strategic, willing to wait for the right moment. This sets up the next phase of the plot, where the conflict between his dual identities will inevitably collide.
Study Questions and Answers
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How does Gary Soneji’s interaction with Agent Flanagan reveal his ability to compartmentalize his criminal and teaching lives?
Answer: Soneji smiles and speaks politely, providing only the information Flanagan requests about Cheryl’s academics. Internally, he acknowledges the danger of being close to a Secret Service agent, but he maintains a calm, professional demeanor. He also consciously avoids looking at Cheryl, showing he is aware of how missteps could expose him. -
What does Soneji’s memory of Bunny Maddox tell us about his emotional state?
Answer: The memory gives him “perverse pleasure” and makes him “yearn to do it again.” This shows that he not only feels no guilt but actively enjoys the memory of his crime, reinforcing his sociopathic tendencies. His appetite for abduction is growing, not fading. -
Why does Soneji decide not to act immediately on his fantasy of taking Cheryl Lynn?
Answer: An inner voice warns him that his cover needs to be “deeper and broader” before he takes such a risk. He realizes that impulsive action would jeopardize his entire double life. This decision demonstrates a degree of self‑control and strategic thinking, making him a more dangerous predator than one who acts rashly.