Chapter summaries Southern Man: A Novel Greg Iles

Chapter 107 Summary & Analysis

Spoiler Warning: This page contains detailed plot points for Chapter 107 of Southern Man. Read at your own risk.

Summary

Kendrick Washington announces he will reveal the identity of the Bastard Sons of the Confederacy arsonist at 5:30 p.m., forcing a move to the amphitheater. Backstage, Penn Cage notes the electric tension and the loss of Confederate symbols as a visual backdrop. The Reverend Aaron Baldwin’s congregation has organized a production village, with two canopy tents and two RVs: one mobile command post for Chief Morgan’s police, and a silver Airstream where Lanying waits in extreme anxiety. Penn fears that Lanying faces either state prison or flight to a nonextradition country. Annie stands with Kendrick, who now wears a black suit, white shirt, and skinny black tie to cover a bulletproof vest. Daniel Kelly has returned, having rescued Annie and Lanying from Barlow’s crew. Judge Shelby, bruised from his encounter, accompanies them and discusses the possible involvement of Bobby White and Charles Dufort. Meanwhile, sniper Donny Kilmer lies prone on the Bienville North Water Tower with an HK417 G28 rifle, waiting for the go code “Arcadia” from Bobby White. An FBI helicopter with a FLIR pod threatens to expose him. Kendrick’s speech recounts the true story of Isaac Simpson, a formerly enslaved man who spiked cannons during the Vicksburg Campaign, arguing that history has been falsified to credit white men. Bobby gives the order to fire, but Donny does not hear it; Bobby then receives a call from Shot Barlow warning that Lanying knows about the fires, prompting Bobby to order a new target and to contact Sheriff Buck Tarlton to muddy the waters.

Key Events

  • Kendrick Washington announces he will name the arsonist, moving the rally to the amphitheater.
  • Backstage preparations: tents, RVs, and police security are set up by Reverend Baldwin’s congregation.
  • Penn Cage learns that efforts to gain legal immunity for Lanying have failed; he fears she may need to flee the country.
  • Daniel Kelly returns to Bienville and joins the security detail, reassuring Penn.
  • Judge Shelby warns Penn that Bobby White and Charles Dufort may be forming an alliance with national implications.
  • Donny Kilmer positions himself on the water tower with a sniper rifle, waiting for the code “Arcadia” from Bobby White.
  • An FBI helicopter with a FLIR pod appears, forcing Donny to reposition and lose his line of sight to the stage.
  • Kendrick delivers a speech about Isaac Simpson, a formerly enslaved man who spiked cannons at Bienville in 1863, to illustrate how Black contributions have been erased from history.
  • Bobby White gives the “Arcadia” go order via radio, but Donny does not hear it.
  • Shot Barlow calls Bobby to warn that Lanying knows about the fires; Bobby then orders a new target and instructs Sheriff Buck Tarlton to start a press conference blaming Kendrick.

Character Development

  • Penn Cage: Reacts with increasing anxiety to the unfolding crisis. He feels like a failure regarding Lanying’s legal situation and is suspicious of Bobby White’s motives. His reliance on Daniel Kelly shows his need for trusted allies.
  • Kendrick Washington: Transforms from a nonviolent protester to a commanding orator. His choice of a black suit over a combat uniform signals a shift toward a more traditional, leaderly image. He uses historical narrative to challenge the audience’s understanding of racial injustice.
  • Bobby White: Revealed as the orchestrator of the sniper plot. He is calculated, patient, and willing to adapt when plans change. His phone calls to Shot Barlow and Buck Tarlton show his ability to coordinate multiple actors to shift blame.
  • Donny Kilmer: A fanatical sniper whose nerves betray him. He struggles with arousal and doubt, but his commitment to altering history remains strong. His hesitation due to the FBI helicopter introduces a critical delay.
  • Judge Shelby: Provides a grounded, legal perspective. His advice to Penn about Bobby White underscores the depth of the conspiracy.
  • Daniel Kelly: Returns as a capable, reassuring presence. His easy camaraderie with Ray Ransom and Chief Morgan demonstrates his professionalism.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Historical Erasure: Kendrick’s story of Isaac Simpson illustrates how Black contributions have been systematically omitted from official accounts. The spiking of cannons becomes a symbol of hidden agency.
  • Mistaken Identity vs. False Blame: Kendrick contrasts two types of historical “mistaken identity”: white men taking credit for Black achievements, and Black men being blamed for white crimes. This directly ties to the arson spree.
  • Escalation of Violence: The chapter juxtaposes Kendrick’s nonviolent speech with the sniper’s preparation and Bobby’s orders. The threat of mass violence hangs over the rally, suggesting that peaceful protest is always at risk of being shattered.
  • Surveillance and Counter-Surveillance: The FBI helicopter’s FLIR pod, the drone feed, and the police radio channels create a layered sense of observation. Both sides are watching each other, and the sniper’s fear of being seen mirrors the broader theme of exposure.
  • The Water Tower as a Sniper’s Nest: A symbol of impersonal, elevated power. Donny’s position gives him a godlike vantage, but the FLIR pod—the “eye of God” —threatens to reveal him.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 107 is the dramatic high point before the climax. It brings together all major plot threads: the arson investigation, the legal threat to Lanying, the sniper plot, and Kendrick’s speech. Kendrick’s historical lesson reframes the entire conflict, arguing that racial injustice is rooted in the denial of Black agency. Bobby White’s reaction—ordering a sniper and a smear campaign—shows the lengths to which the old power structure will go to preserve itself. The chapter also deepens the theme of mistaken identity, setting up a reckoning for those who have falsely blamed Black activists for crimes committed by white supremacists. The fate of Lanying and the success of the sniper plot hang in the balance.

Study Questions and Answers

  1. Why does Kendrick choose to tell the story of Isaac Simpson during his speech?
    Answer: He uses the story to illustrate a pattern of historical erasure: a formerly enslaved man spiked cannons to help the Union, but a white officer received the credit. This supports his claim that the Bastard Sons of the Confederacy fires were falsely attributed to Black radicals, when in fact white arsonists were responsible.

  2. What does Bobby White’s reaction to Shot Barlow’s call reveal about his strategy?
    Answer: Bobby immediately shifts his plan from assassinating Kendrick to targeting Lanying, whom Barlow claims knows about the fires. He also directs Sheriff Buck Tarlton to start a press conference blaming Kendrick for conspiracy. This shows he is willing to kill witnesses and manipulate public perception to protect the true arsonists.

  3. How does the FBI helicopter affect Donny Kilmer’s ability to carry out the assassination?
    Answer: The helicopter is equipped with a FLIR pod that can detect body heat against cold structures. Donny fears being seen, so he retreats behind the water tank, losing his line of sight to the lectern. This delay prevents him from hearing Bobby’s “Arcadia” order and may ultimately scuttle the assassination attempt.

Navigation