Chapter 5: Interviewing Felicia Bonanno – The Case Against Cole Wright
⚠️ 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
Brea and Garrett drive from Connecticut to Seabrook, New Hampshire, to interview Felicia Bonanno, the mother of missing former Patriots cheerleader Suzanne Bonanno. After Garrett uses his charm to gain entry to Felicia’s trailer, they explain their book deal and intent to expose Cole Wright’s involvement. Felicia recounts the night of June 7, when Suzanne left for Walmart at 7 p.m. to meet Cole Wright and never returned. She criticizes the police for their indifferent response and reveals that a detective cleared Cole of suspicion. Felicia admits she always distrusted Cole, describing his eyes as “cold like a snake’s.” She has not heard from him since Suzanne disappeared. Garrett confirms they believe Cole is responsible. As the interview concludes, a car screeches to a stop outside, signaling an interruption.
Key Events
- Brea and Garrett arrive at Felicia Bonanno’s trailer in Seabrook, New Hampshire.
- Garrett explains their book deal and their aim to seek justice for Suzanne.
- Felicia’s initial distrust gives way to cooperation after Garrett mentions new information.
- Brea asks about the last time Felicia saw Suzanne (June 7, 7 p.m.; Suzanne was going to Walmart to meet Cole).
- Police response was poor: local, state, and Boston authorities passed the case around.
- Felicia says Cole never contacted her after the disappearance; she saw in the Globe that he went to a medical clinic for his knee.
- Brea asks about the rule against players and cheerleaders dating socially; Felicia confirms it was known.
- Felicia admits she hated Cole from the first meeting because of his cold eyes.
- Garrett and Brea both tell Felicia they believe Cole Wright is guilty.
- The chapter ends with a car stopping sharply outside and a door slamming.
Character Development
- Brea shows her prosecutor’s instinct by asking sensitive questions (the dating rule) and physically touching Felicia to build rapport. She takes the lead in steering the interview toward the core accusation.
- Garrett uses charm to gain entry and then delivers the emotional affirmation (“we think you’re absolutely right”) that cements Felicia’s trust. His role is part investigator, part empath.
- Felicia Bonanno transforms from a jaded, distrustful mother into a vulnerable witness who finally hears someone validate her long-held belief. Her detailed memory of the last night and her visceral distrust of Cole add weight to the narrative.
- Cole Wright remains offstage but his public image of strong people skills is contradicted by Felicia’s description of his “cold eyes,” deepening the mystery.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Cold eyes as a symbol of true character: Felicia’s observation that Cole’s eyes were “cold like a snake’s” contrasts with his charming public persona, suggesting that appearances can mask a predator.
- Institutional failure: The police’s repeated handoffs and unwillingness to investigate a missing adult underscore a theme of systems that fail vulnerable individuals, especially women.
- Maternal intuition: Felicia’s immediate hatred of Cole and her certainty of his guilt—without concrete evidence—highlights the theme of a mother’s instinct as a form of knowledge that can be ignored by official channels.
- Secrecy and rules: The Patriots’ social-dating rule forced Suzanne and Cole to keep their relationship hidden, creating a situation that Felicia believes allowed Cole to act without scrutiny.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 5 humanizes the central mystery by giving voice to the missing woman’s mother, whose pain and credibility make her a compelling witness. It also provides the first direct testimony against Cole Wright beyond general suspicion—Felicia’s account of his cold demeanor and his absence during the disappearance. The chapter establishes key timeline details (7 p.m., June 7) and the failure of law enforcement, reinforcing the book’s premise that Garrett and Brea’s investigation is necessary. The cliffhanger ending—a car arriving unexpectedly—builds tension and implies that their work is being watched or interrupted.
Study Questions
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Why does Felicia Bonanno initially refuse to let Garrett and Brea into her home, and what changes her mind?
Felicia is tired of “dirt diggers” and reporters who have exploited her daughter’s story. Garrett’s charm, combined with the mention of new information and a serious book deal, convinces her to listen. -
What does the dating rule between Patriots players and cheerleaders reveal about the power dynamics in Suzanne’s relationship with Cole Wright?
The rule forced their relationship to remain secret, giving Cole Wright control over the narrative. This secrecy may have helped him avoid accountability and made it harder for Felicia to suspect him officially. -
How does the chapter portray the response of law enforcement to Suzanne’s disappearance, and why is this significant for the story?
The police are portrayed as disinterested and bureaucratic, passing the case between jurisdictions and ultimately clearing Cole Wright without a thorough investigation. This failure motivates Garrett and Brea to take justice into their own hands.
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