The Butcher Game Chapter 9: A Late-Night Call and a Confession

⚠️ 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 the middle of the night, Wren receives a call from Detective Corinne Matthews of the Salem Police Department. Corinne reports an attempted homicide that matches the methods of Wren’s target—a victim left near an all-night New Orleans–themed bakery with evidence of prolonged torture and ligature strangulation. Wren recognizes the brutality and reluctantly agrees to consider flying to Boston to help. Richard, her husband, offers to join her. Later, over coffee, Wren reveals a painful secret: before she knew his true nature, she had a romantic encounter with the killer when he was posing as “Cal.” She confesses that she let him kiss her and that she was drawn to the persona he created. Richard reassures her that she was manipulated by a skilled predator and that her feelings are not shameful. The confession strengthens their bond and marks an emotional turning point for Wren as she prepares to re-enter the hunt.

Key Events

Wren and Richard are woken by a phone call from Corinne Matthews, a detective in Salem.
Corinne describes a victim found near the all-night Fais Do Do bakery with signs of torture and a strangulation method Wren recognizes.
Wren agrees to consider traveling to Massachusetts to consult on the case.
Richard offers to accompany Wren, framing it as a trip.
After the call, Wren struggles with guilt and shame, finally telling Richard about her past romantic involvement with the killer when he used the alias Cal.
She admits to kissing him and being infatuated with the false persona he constructed.
Richard listens without judgment, telling her that the killer is a master manipulator and that her attraction was based on a lie.
The chapter ends with Wren crying and laughing, feeling a sense of relief at having spoken the truth.

Character Development

Wren: This chapter reveals her deepest vulnerability—her romantic past with the killer. She has never spoken aloud about her feelings of shame and attraction to his “Cal” persona. By confessing to Richard, she takes a step toward healing and releases a burden she has carried alone.
Richard: He demonstrates patience, unwavering support, and emotional intelligence. Rather than reacting with jealousy or anger, he comforts Wren and affirms that her taste in partners has “never been better” (i.e., she chose him). His calm response deepens the trust between them.
Corinne Matthews: Though only heard over the phone, she is portrayed as a capable detective with a sense of humor and a direct approach. She values Wren’s expertise and is willing to reach out despite Wren’s sabbatical.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

The Inescapable Past: The killer’s reappearance forces Wren to confront not only the ongoing threat but also her own history with him. The call from Salem and the confession both illustrate that the past cannot be ignored.
Manipulation and Deceit: The killer’s ability to craft a charming persona (“Cal”) highlights the theme of false identity. Wren’s attraction to that lie underscores the danger of trusting appearances.
Shame and Confession: Wren’s long-held secret about her romantic involvement is a source of shame. Sharing it with Richard functions as a purging of guilt, allowing her to move forward with a clearer conscience.
Coffee as a Ritual: The repeated scenes of making and drinking coffee at 3 a.m. serve as a grounding ritual, marking the transition from sleep to alertness and from avoidance to engagement.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is pivotal because it re-engages Wren in the active pursuit of the killer after a period of withdrawal. Simultaneously, it peels back an emotional layer that has been hidden since the story began: Wren’s intimate connection with Jeremy under his alias Cal. The honesty she shares with Richard solidifies their partnership and gives her the emotional clarity needed to join the investigation. The chapter also introduces the new geographical location (Salem) and the possibility of a survivor witness, raising the stakes for the second half of the book.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Wren initially hesitate to accept Corinne’s request for help?
Wren is on sabbatical and trying to distance herself from the trauma caused by the killer. She feels the universe is pulling her back, but she wants to remain in control of her own life. The decision to go will force her to re-enter the dangerous world she tried to leave.
What does Wren’s confession about Cal reveal about the killer’s methods?
It shows that the killer is not only physically violent but also psychologically manipulative. He studied Wren, learned what she wanted, and created a fake identity to win her trust and affection. This ability to feign normalcy is part of what makes him so dangerous.
How does Richard’s response to Wren’s confession affect their relationship?
Richard’s non-judgmental and reassuring reaction deepens their bond. By accepting her shame without reproach and reframing the experience as a manipulation, he helps Wren release her guilt. This moment of vulnerability makes them stronger as a team going into the investigation.