Chapter 27 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

The chapter opens with Brian Nolan anxiously waiting for his uncle, Hank, to arrive for a five o'clock task force meeting. He hasn't heard from Tara all day, and his last hope is that Hank will show up so they can address the mess involving Geraldine and Ernesto Bertucci. A desk sergeant points out a blinking light on Brian's desk phone, and Brian discovers a voicemail from Tara, left three hours earlier. In the message, Tara says she's in the Bronx, heading back to Port Chester, and wants to tell Brian everything. She admits she panicked and made decisions that could send her back to prison, but she trusts him completely and wants to come home. Brian's heart soars, but he realizes something has gone wrong—she should have arrived hours ago.

Brian confronts Hank before the meeting, insisting Tara didn't steal the money. Hank reveals he's been investigating Brian's relationship with Tara, having tailed him and run records. He accuses Brian of losing perspective and being played by a former convict. Brian defends Tara, but Hank is dismissive.

During the task force meeting, Brian presents his confidential informant's information about Roland Shea without naming Andrea Leary. He receives praise from colleagues, but his mind is elsewhere. After the meeting, Brian brings Eddie, Geraldine, and Ernesto Bertucci to meet with Hank. Bertucci withdraws his complaint against Geraldine, confirming all the money is accounted for and that she's taking corrective action. Geraldine insists Tara knew nothing about the account.

Hank then drops a bombshell: he obtained an arrest warrant for Tara based on the bank transaction, issued a BOLO, and picked her up in the Bronx. He left her in a holding cell at the Fiftieth Precinct on suspicion of grand larceny. She must remain there overnight because the prosecutor's office is involved. Brian is furious, grabbing Hank by the lapels, but there's nothing he can do until morning. Geraldine apologizes, and the group disperses.

Brian spends a sleepless night on his couch, then visits his parents' graves at dawn. He tells them about Tara, his decision to attend Rosemary's wedding, and his realization that he's been stuck in guilt. He stops asking for their forgiveness, finally forgiving himself.

Next, he goes to Parole Services to see Doreen DaCosta, bringing coffee. He plays Tara's voicemail, hoping to convince DaCosta to give Tara another chance. DaCosta is skeptical but listens.

Finally, Brian drives to Hank's house, planning to tell him he's going to the wedding and that they shouldn't work together anymore. He's even considering leaving police work altogether, perhaps becoming an advocate to help people navigate the criminal justice system rather than locking them up.

Key Events

Brian discovers Tara's voicemail, in which she confesses her panic and her trust in him.
Hank admits to investigating Brian's relationship with Tara, accusing Brian of compromised judgment.
Brian presents his confidential informant's information to the task force, earning praise but feeling distracted.
Ernesto Bertucci withdraws his complaint against Geraldine, clearing her of wrongdoing.
Hank reveals he arrested Tara and left her in a Bronx holding cell overnight.
Brian spends the night awake, then visits his parents' graves and forgives himself.
Brian plays Tara's voicemail for parole officer Doreen DaCosta, hoping to sway her.
Brian decides to tell Hank he's leaving the force and considers a career as an advocate.

Character Development

Brian Nolan undergoes significant growth in this chapter. He moves from frantic worry to decisive action, confronting Hank and later making a personal pilgrimage to his parents' graves. His decision to stop wallowing in guilt and forgive himself marks a turning point. He also begins to question his career, realizing he wants to help people rather than just enforce the law. His willingness to play Tara's voicemail for DaCosta shows his commitment to advocacy over punishment.

Tara Connelly is absent but powerfully present through her voicemail. Her message reveals vulnerability and trust—she's willing to face consequences as long as Brian is with her. This contrasts with her earlier panic and flight, showing her growth toward honesty.

Hank Doyle is revealed as overprotective and misguided. His investigation of Brian and his unilateral arrest of Tara stem from a desire to protect his nephew, but they create a rift. His actions highlight the theme of family loyalty taken too far.

Geraldine takes responsibility for her actions, admitting her mistake and ensuring Tara is exonerated. Her apology to Tara, though Tara isn't present, shows remorse and a desire to make amends.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Trust is central: Tara trusts Brian enough to confess, Brian trusts her innocence, and Hank's lack of trust drives the conflict.

Family loyalty is tested—Hank's loyalty to Brian leads him to betray Brian's trust, while Brian's loyalty to Tara and his family pushes him to defy Hank.

Redemption and forgiveness appear in Brian's self-forgiveness and his hope for Tara's redemption. The graveside scene symbolizes letting go of guilt.

Justice vs. advocacy is explored as Brian contemplates leaving police work to become an advocate, shifting from punishment to support.

Secrets—Brian's hidden relationship with Tara, Hank's surveillance, and Geraldine's secret account—drive the plot and create misunderstandings.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is a turning point for Brian's character arc. It forces him to confront his relationship with Hank, his career, and his own guilt. The voicemail from Tara solidifies their bond, while Hank's arrest of Tara creates a crisis that tests Brian's priorities. Brian's decision to consider a career change signals a major shift in his identity, moving from a cop defined by tragedy to an advocate seeking to uplift others. The chapter also resolves the Geraldine subplot, clearing Tara of the theft charge, and sets up the final confrontations and reconciliations.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Brian decide to play Tara's voicemail for Doreen DaCosta, and what does this reveal about his character?

Brian plays the voicemail because he believes Tara's own words will show her sincerity and trust in him, which might persuade DaCosta to give her another chance. This reveals Brian's shift from a passive enforcer to an active advocate—he's using evidence not to convict but to defend. It also shows his deep commitment to Tara, as he's willing to risk his professional credibility to help her.

2. How does Hank's investigation of Brian affect their relationship, and what does it say about Hank's motivations?

Hank's investigation—tailing Brian, checking records—demonstrates his overprotectiveness and his belief that Brian is being manipulated. It damages their trust, as Brian feels treated like a suspect. Hank's motivation is to protect Brian from what he sees as a dangerous relationship, but his methods are paternalistic and controlling, ultimately pushing Brian away.

3. What does Brian's visit to his parents' graves symbolize, and how does it contribute to his character development?

The visit symbolizes Brian's release from guilt. He stops asking for forgiveness, recognizing that he's the only one who hasn't forgiven himself. By telling his parents about Tara and his plans, he's moving forward and embracing life rather than dwelling on the past. This moment marks his emotional maturation and readiness to change his career and relationships.