Chapter 7: Tegan's Broken Deal and Dennis's Offer
⚠️ 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 Tegan alone in her apartment, crying uncontrollably after Jackson and Simon leave. She berates herself for losing the money that would have secured her future and her daughter's—nursing school, childcare, a safe home. Yet she also knows she made the right choice by refusing Simon's bribe; she could not live with the guilt of letting him get away with his crimes.
About an hour later, her phone rings. She briefly hopes it is Jackson calling to say he believes her, but it is her brother Dennis. He is cheerful, thinking she is now rich, and offers to celebrate with champagne (which she cannot drink while pregnant). Tegan breaks the news that the deal fell through and she did not sign a contract. Dennis is shocked and presses for an explanation, but Tegan deflects, too upset to talk. When she says she wishes she could see him, Dennis immediately invites her to drive up north and stay in his spare bedroom for as long as she needs—even until the baby comes. He promises to take care of her, stock the fridge, and give her a foot massage. Despite the long drive, Tegan warms to the idea of being cared for by her brother and agrees to come.
Key Events
- Tegan cries after Jackson and Simon leave, regretting the lost money but reaffirming her moral choice.
- Dennis calls, initially jubilant about the supposed windfall.
- Tegan reveals she did not sign the contract; Dennis is confused and concerned.
- Tegan refuses to explain over the phone, her voice breaking.
- Dennis offers Tegan a place to stay at his home up north, promising total support.
- Tegan accepts the invitation, looking forward to her brother's help.
Character Development
Tegan is consumed by guilt and self-recrimination, yet her moral compass remains strong. She acknowledges that accepting Simon's money would have made her sick, showing that integrity matters more to her than comfort. Her vulnerability emerges when she admits she cannot talk about the situation on the phone, and she allows herself to lean on her brother for the first time in a long while.
Dennis initially appears out of touch, joking about champagne, but quickly pivots to genuine concern. His offer of a spare bedroom and ongoing care demonstrates deep familial loyalty. He does not press for details once he hears Tegan's distress, respecting her boundaries while providing a practical solution.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Integrity vs. Financial Security is the central conflict. Tegan could have secured her future but chose to refuse ill-gotten money, highlighting the personal cost of doing the right thing.
Family Bonds are contrasted with the betrayal Tegan feels from Simon (and possibly Jackson). Dennis's unconditional support stands in opposition to the transactional relationship with Simon.
Guilt and Self-Blame permeate Tegan's thoughts. She repeatedly berates herself for "screwing up," even though she knows her choice was morally necessary.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 7 solidifies Tegan's resolve to stand by her principles at great personal cost. It also introduces a crucial plot development: her decision to leave her apartment and move in with Dennis. This shifts the setting and creates a new dynamic for the story, as Tegan will now have a support system away from the city. The chapter deepens the theme of trust—who deserves it and who does not.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Tegan feel she made the right decision even though she lost the money? She believes she could not live with the guilt of allowing Simon to escape accountability. Every time she spent that money, she would be reminded of his crime, making the payment unbearable.
2. How does Dennis react when Tegan tells him the deal did not work out? He is initially shocked and upset, pressing for details. But when Tegan's voice breaks, he stops, recognizes her distress, and immediately shifts to offering emotional and practical support.
3. What does Dennis's invitation reveal about his character? It shows that he is generous, protective, and willing to drop everything to help his sister. His offer of a foot massage and a stocked fridge underscores his desire to care for her, contrasting with the transactional nature of her earlier dealings.