Chapter 16 Summary and Analysis
⚠️ 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
On Monday morning, Tara Connelly travels alone to New Rochelle for her six-week parole check-in with Doreen DaCosta. She turns down Eddie's offer to drive her, knowing she'll need to handle these visits independently for the next two years. The night before, she asks Conor for a joke to steady her nerves, a small ritual that helps her face the day.
DaCosta reviews Tara's paperwork, confirms her drug and alcohol education class is complete, and notes that all her urine analyses are clean. When DaCosta expresses skepticism about Tara's job with the YouTube channel—run by two young men who play video games—Tara comes prepared. She shows DaCosta samples of her thumbnail artwork, and DaCosta approves the job after seeing Tara's genuine enthusiasm for the work.
The conversation shifts to Tara's social life. DaCosta explains that parolees must decide how to handle situations where new acquaintances learn about their incarceration—some disclose openly, others learn to change the subject. When DaCosta asks if Tara is seeing anyone, Tara denies it, though the question feels invasive. She thinks of Brian standing in her bedroom, and the denial feels like a lie.
DaCosta then asks about police contact. Tara admits that detectives questioned her about Roland Shea's disappearance. When DaCosta presses for details, Tara reveals that Detective Doyle and his partner interviewed her. DaCosta's reaction—raised eyebrows, careful attention—signals she recognizes the significance. She warns Tara that police have the right to ask questions but not to harass her, and instructs her to call immediately if she hears from either detective again.
Something shifts for Tara in that moment. She realizes DaCosta, despite her hard exterior, is genuinely looking out for her. Tara considers confessing that Brian gave her the commissary money, but decides against it, uncertain how DaCosta would react. The meeting ends with DaCosta scheduling another in-person visit for next month and hinting that drug tests may become less frequent if they stay clean. Her parting words—