Chapter 7 Summary and Analysis – The Coworker

⚠️ 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

Natalie Farrell hears Dawn Schiff’s desperate voice on a phone call from Dawn’s desk. Concerned, she drives to Dawn’s house, enters using the key hidden under the mat, and finds a large pool of blood in the living room. She screams for a minute before calling 911. Police and a detective, Santoro, arrive. Santoro questions Natalie about why she came to the house, her relationship with Dawn, and her whereabouts the previous night. No sign of Dawn is found. Natalie, panicked that she may be a suspect, tells Santoro she was with her boyfriend Caleb all night, even though Caleb left her apartment around 9:30 p.m. When Caleb arrives at the scene, Natalie convinces him to lie to the police and confirm her false alibi.

Key Events

Natalie enters Dawn’s house and discovers a large pool of blood.
She calls 911 and retreats to her car.
Detective Santoro arrives and questions Natalie.
Natalie states she and Dawn were “sort of” close friends.
She accidentally refers to Dawn in the past tense.
The detective asks for her alibi; Natalie initially says she was with Caleb.
She later admits to herself that Caleb left at 9:30, but decides not to correct the detective.
Police find Dawn’s computer password on a Post-it note.
Caleb arrives; Natalie asks him to corroborate the false alibi.
Caleb initially refuses but eventually agrees.

Character Development

Natalie reveals a willingness to bend the truth under pressure. Her instinct to protect herself overrides her honesty, and she manipulates Caleb into lying. Her inner thoughts show she is aware of her deception but justifies it as a “white lie.”

Caleb is portrayed as a decent, honest man who feels uncomfortable lying to the police. His eventual capitulation shows his loyalty to Natalie, but also his vulnerability to her emotional manipulation.

Detective Santoro is methodical and observant. He notices Natalie’s past-tense slip and her nervousness. His Boston accent and professional demeanor suggest he is experienced and not easily fooled.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Truth vs. Deception: Natalie’s decision to lie about her alibi sets up a central conflict. The chapter explores how fear can lead even well-meaning people to compromise their integrity.
Blood as a Symbol of Violence: The large amount of blood on Dawn’s floor signals serious harm, yet her body is missing, creating a mystery about what happened.
Appearances vs. Reality: Dawn’s careful habits (password on a Post-it) contrast with the chaos of the crime scene. Natalie’s polished exterior hides her willingness to deceive.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 7 raises the stakes in the investigation. No body is found, only blood, so Dawn could be alive or dead. Natalie’s lie creates a potential wedge between her and Caleb, and also makes her a person of interest to the detective—even if she is innocent. The chapter establishes the police procedural element and hints that Natalie may have secrets of her own.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Natalie lie to Detective Santoro about her alibi?
She believes the police may suspect her because her fingerprints are at Dawn’s house. Fearing she could become a murder suspect, she tells Santoro she was with Caleb all night to give herself a solid alibi, even though she knows Caleb left at 9:30.
How does Caleb’s reaction contrast with Natalie’s?
Caleb values honesty and initially refuses to lie. He points out that the lie could confuse the investigation. Natalie, by contrast, prioritizes self-preservation and sees the lie as harmless. This contrast highlights her willingness to cross ethical lines when afraid.
What does the blood in Dawn’s living room suggest about her fate?
The blood is so extensive that Natalie assumes Dawn is dead, yet the detective confirms no body is found. This ambiguity means Dawn could be seriously injured and missing, possibly held captive, or the blood could be staged to mislead investigators.