Chapter 20 Summary, Themes, and Character 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

Brian spends the afternoon researching Andrea Leary, the woman who dropped Roland at his car. He discovers she was the victim in Tara's assault case from eight years ago—she is Eddie's ex and Conor's mother. Realizing that Hank would see this as another link between Tara and Roland, Brian decides to keep the information to himself, crossing yet another line.

The chapter flashes back to Tara's final interview with Hank and Brian. Hank asks if she will name her supplier; she refuses. Hank threatens trafficking charges that could bring at least two years. Brian, feeling that the department is punishing Tara for not cooperating, secretly advises her to consult a lawyer before signing anything. She does, and her sentence is reduced to eighteen months.

Back in the present, Hank mentions their planned Montauk fishing trip, and Brian decides he will not attend Rosemary's wedding. He drives to Tara's workplace in the rain, and they spend the weekend together, sharing personal histories. Rosemary unexpectedly meets Tara at Brian's apartment. On Sunday, Tara mentions applying to visit her former cellmate. An argument erupts when Brian criticizes her circumstances and she retaliates about his relationship with Hank. They apologize, but tension remains.

Key Events

Brian discovers Andrea Leary's identity and connection to Tara's past.
Brian chooses to withhold this information from Hank.
Flashback: Brian advises Tara to get a lawyer during her final interview.
Brian decides not to attend Rosemary's wedding.
Brian and Tara spend a weekend together, deepening their bond.
Rosemary meets Tara and invites her to the wedding.
Tara reveals she is applying to visit her former cellmate.
Brian and Tara have their first argument, exposing insecurities.

Character Development

Brian's internal conflict intensifies as he grapples with his professional duties and his personal loyalty to Tara. He acknowledges that he has crossed lines long ago, and his decision to protect Tara from Hank's scrutiny shows his commitment to her, even at the cost of his integrity. His guilt over his parents' death and his role in Hank and Rosemary's marriage continues to weigh on him, influencing his choice to skip the wedding.

Tara reveals more of her vulnerability—her fear of the future, her shame about her criminal record, and her deep bond with her nephew. Her defensiveness in the argument shows her sensitivity to being judged, while her apology indicates her willingness to work through conflict.

The argument between Brian and Tara is a turning point: it exposes their fears and the harsh truths they've been avoiding. Brian's criticism of her circumstances and her jab about his relationship with Hank reveal the fragility of their connection, but their mutual apologies suggest a desire to move forward.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Professional ethics vs. personal loyalty: Brian's decision to hide Andrea's identity from Hank highlights the tension between his role as a cop and his feelings for Tara.
Trust and secrets: Brian keeps secrets from Hank, and Tara withholds the truth about Roland. The chapter underscores how secrets can both protect and damage relationships.
Weight of the past: Brian's guilt over his parents' death and Tara's criminal record both shape their present choices.
Stigma of criminal record: Tara's fear of being judged is evident when she asks Brian if he's really thought about their future, knowing her record will follow her.
Harsh truths: The argument reveals painful truths about their lives, and the chapter suggests that honesty, even when hurtful, is necessary for growth.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens Brian and Tara's relationship, moving it from tentative to committed, while also introducing a major conflict: Brian's secret about Andrea. It reveals Brian's past intervention that helped Tara, adding complexity to their bond. The decision to skip the wedding sets up future tension with Rosemary and Hank. The argument at the end foreshadows the challenges they will face if they are to build a life together.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Brian decide to keep Andrea Leary's identity from Hank?

Brian fears that Hank will see Andrea as another link between Tara and Roland, potentially leading to suspicion and harm to Tara. He also worries that Andrea might be willing to implicate Tara to protect herself, given their history. 2. What does Brian's flashback reveal about his role in Tara's reduced sentence?

Brian secretly advised Tara to consult a lawyer before signing her statement, which allowed her to negotiate a shorter sentence. This act crossed a professional line and shows his early willingness to help her. 3. How does the argument between Brian and Tara reflect their deeper insecurities?

Brian's criticism of Tara's living situation and lack of resources stems from his frustration about her secrecy regarding Roland. Tara's retort about Brian being his uncle's