Chapter 22 Summary, Analysis & Key Takeaways

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

If you're caught up, let's dive into the interrogation that changes everything.

For a refresher on the previous chapter, see Chapter 22 Summary.

If you're ready to move forward, you can jump to Chapter 24 Summary.

Otherwise, continue reading for a thorough breakdown of this pivotal scene.

Summary

The chapter opens with the narrator hidden inside a passage, listening as Ellison Stephens enters the interrogation room. Pilar de León greets him warmly, complimenting his mother's television presence and making it clear he is free to leave at any time. When Ellison asks if his lawyer should be present, de León deflects, suggesting that lawyering up too quickly looks bad in the media—a nod to the power of public opinion. Detective Cates then takes over, and the narrator quickly recognizes their dynamic: de León softens suspects up while Cates fires rapid questions to catch them off guard.

Cates asks Ellison about his relationship with Blaine. Ellison describes Blaine as a regular guy who liked partying, girls, and theater. When Cates brings up drugs, Ellison admits Blaine used them at parties but says he never saw him high at school. Cates presses Ellison about his own drug use, and Ellison explains he gets tested for rowing, so he stays clean. Cates shrewdly points out that testing won't resume until fall, implying Ellison could have gotten high recently. Ellison refuses to answer directly, and Cates pivots to the Olympic Trials, which Ellison is set to compete in. Ellison uses this to deny killing Blaine, saying he'd never do something so stupid. The narrator notes that Ellison is the first person to deny the murder outright, which strikes them as strange—everyone should have done so immediately.

Cates then brings up an argument between Ellison and Blaine at dinner two nights earlier. Ellison confirms the argument but refuses to share details, saying Blaine did something shitty to him but it wasn't worth killing over. Cates tries to press, but Ellison shuts him down. Cates shifts to Ellison's physics struggles from the previous year, asking if he failed the class. Ellison bristles at the accusation, insisting he earned a B after getting a tutor—Fergus Barnes. The narrator senses Cates is grasping for connections.

The interrogation turns to Blaine's romantic life. Ellison mentions that Chloe told him Blaine had been involved with Izzy. The narrator nearly jumps out of hiding but stops themselves, recalling their mother's saying that eavesdroppers never hear good of themselves. Cates asks about Chloe, and Ellison describes her as sweet, noting that she seemed more interested in Blaine than in him, and that she fell apart when she saw Blaine's body.

Cates asks Ellison to recount finding Blaine. Ellison says he felt for a pulse in Blaine's neck, found none, and noticed Blaine was still warm. He then yelled at everyone not to touch the body. When Cates asks if he touched anything else, Ellison hesitates before saying he doesn't think so. The narrator frowns, remembering seeing Ellison put something in his pocket when they walked in.

Finally, Cates asks about the others' reactions. Ellison mentions that Izzy entered the room last because she was calming Kassidy down, and that Izzy had a look—not happy, but as if she wanted to smile. Cates asks if Ellison can think of a reason Izzy would want Blaine dead. Ellison speculates that if Blaine and Izzy had a thing and she feared Blaine would tell Kassidy, she might have had motive. De León asks if Ellison really thinks Izzy would sleep with Blaine behind Kassidy's back. Ellison admits it doesn't seem like her, but notes that Blaine's parties sometimes get out of control, and people end up in bed with people they shouldn't. He adds that Izzy cares about Kassidy more than anyone, and if she made that mistake, she'd find a way to keep it secret to protect their friendship.

The narrator digs their nails into their palms, feeling that Ellison has painted a target on their back. They reflect that Ellison is wrong about one thing: there's someone they care about even more than Kassidy—Caye. The chapter ends with de León thanking Ellison for his help.

Key Events

Ellison is interrogated by Detective Cates and Pilar de León, with the narrator eavesdropping from a hidden passage.
Ellison denies killing Blaine, becoming the first suspect to do so explicitly.
Ellison confirms an argument with Blaine but refuses to reveal its cause.
Ellison reveals he received a B in physics with tutoring from Fergus Barnes.
Ellison mentions that Chloe told him about Blaine's involvement with Izzy.
Ellison describes finding Blaine's body, feeling for a pulse, and telling others not to touch him.
Ellison hesitates when asked if he touched anything else, and the narrator recalls seeing him put something in his pocket.
Ellison speculates that Izzy might have had motive if Blaine threatened to reveal a secret to Kassidy.
The narrator reacts strongly, feeling targeted and thinking of Caye.

Character Development

Ellison Stephens: This chapter reveals Ellison's pride and defensiveness. He's quick to deny any wrongdoing, especially when his reputation is questioned—he reacts strongly to the suggestion that he failed physics. He's also observant, noting Izzy's odd expression and the dynamics among the group. His refusal to share the argument's details suggests he's protecting something, but his denial of murder feels genuine. His hesitation about touching anything else hints at a possible secret.
The Narrator (Izzy): The narrator's internal reactions show their fear and vulnerability. They're deeply concerned about being suspected, and their loyalty to Caye is stronger than their loyalty to Kassidy, which complicates their earlier characterization. The narrator's eavesdropping also highlights their own secretive nature and their awareness of how they're perceived.
Pilar de León and Detective Cates: Their interrogation technique is on full display—de León's charm and Cates's rapid-fire questions. They're methodical, trying to catch Ellison in inconsistencies, and they seem to be building a case against multiple suspects.
Chloe: Though not present, Ellison's description of her as sweet but obsessed with Blaine adds depth to her earlier behavior. Her falling apart at the body suggests genuine grief, but her role in spreading information about Blaine and Izzy makes her a potential source of gossip.
Fergus Barnes: Mentioned as Ellison's tutor, he becomes a minor but potentially significant figure, as his name is now connected to the investigation.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Secrets and Lies: The chapter is built on hidden information—Ellison's argument, the narrator's eavesdropping, and the secret about Blaine and Izzy. Every character seems to be withholding something, and the interrogation is an attempt to peel back those layers.
Loyalty and Betrayal: The narrator's loyalty to Caye over Kassidy is a key revelation, and Ellison's speculation about Izzy's motive hinges on her loyalty to Kassidy. The tension between protecting friends and self-preservation is central.
Public Opinion: De León's comment about lawyering up and looking bad in the media shows how the characters are aware of the court of public opinion. This is a murder mystery set among wealthy, image-conscious individuals, and reputation matters as much as truth.
Eavesdropping: The narrator's position as a hidden listener underscores the theme of surveillance and the danger of overhearing secrets. The mother's saying—eavesdroppers never hear good of themselves—proves true as the narrator hears Ellison implicate them.
Suspicion and Denial: The chapter explores how suspicion shifts among the group. Ellison's denial is notable because it's the first, and it makes the narrator question why others haven't denied it. The interrogation itself is a dance of accusation and evasion.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is a turning point in the investigation. It provides the first detailed account of Ellison's perspective and his denial, which adds a new layer to the mystery. More importantly, it directly implicates the narrator (Izzy) as a potential suspect, raising the stakes for the protagonist. The revelation that the narrator cares more about Caye than Kassidy complicates their motivations and suggests there are deeper secrets at play. The chapter also introduces the possibility that Ellison took something from the crime scene, which could be a crucial piece of evidence. By placing the narrator in a position of vulnerability, the author heightens the tension and forces readers to question who can be trusted. The interrogation scene also demonstrates the detectives' methods, showing how they manipulate suspects and gather information, which will likely influence the rest of the investigation.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Ellison's denial of the murder stand out to the narrator, and what does it reveal about the group's behavior?

Ellison is the first person to explicitly deny killing Blaine. The narrator finds this strange because they believe everyone should have denied it immediately. This suggests that the other characters have been evasive or have not directly addressed their innocence, which makes them appear more suspicious. It also highlights the narrator's own awareness of the group's collective behavior and their growing unease about the investigation.

2. What does Ellison's hesitation when asked if he touched anything else in the room indicate, and how does the narrator interpret it?

Ellison hesitates before saying he doesn't think he touched anything else. The narrator remembers seeing Ellison put something in his pocket when they walked in, which suggests Ellison may be lying or withholding information. This moment creates a new thread of suspicion and implies that Ellison might have taken evidence from the crime scene, potentially linking him to the murder or to a secret he wants to hide.

3. How does the narrator's reaction to Ellison's speculation about Izzy's motive reveal their priorities and fears?

The narrator digs their nails into their palms and feels that Ellison has painted a target on their back. They also reflect that Ellison is wrong about one thing: they care about Caye even more than Kassidy. This reveals that the narrator is deeply afraid of being suspected and that their primary loyalty is to Caye, not Kassidy. It also suggests that the narrator has a secret involving Caye that they are desperate to protect, which could be a key to the mystery.