Chapter 95: A Late-Night Call from the President
⚠️ 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
Late in the evening, Cole Wright’s private phone buzzes. Only two people have that number. It is Maddy, the president, calling from Washington. She apologizes for leaving court early because of escalating crises: Serbia threatening Kosovo again and China expanding territorial waters. She mentions speaking with the new British prime minister, who thinks both situations could escalate. Maddy asks how Cole is doing and comments that his lawyer, Tess, seems to be doing a good job. Cole says they are getting along better now. Maddy expresses regret for not being with him at the inn but explains that Burton made her realize she cannot run the government from there. She then reveals that they are working on the announcement of the Grand Bargain, which had been on the back burner. She insists the coalition cannot hold much longer and that they plan to announce the day after Cole’s acquittal, calling it a “one-two punch” for the next term. Cole worries about being a sideshow and about the possibility of a guilty verdict. Maddy responds with a comical British accent, quoting Margaret Thatcher: “Defeat? I do not know the meaning of the word.” She reassures Cole that he is innocent and the jury will see that. An aide interrupts, and Maddy has to take another call. They exchange “I love you,” and after she hangs up, Cole feels the worry he had been suppressing now flooding in. He knows the most powerful person in the world is on his side—but she is not on the jury.
Key Events
- Cole receives a late-night phone call from President Maddy.
- Maddy explains she left court due to international crises: Serbia/Kosovo tensions and Chinese territorial expansion.
- Maddy updates Cole on the Grand Bargain’s announcement timeline (the day after his expected acquittal).
- Cole expresses fear about being a sideshow and about a possible prison sentence.
- Maddy reassures Cole by quoting Margaret Thatcher and affirming her confidence in his innocence.
- The call ends abruptly when Maddy is needed for another call.
- After hanging up, Cole is overwhelmed by worry that Maddy’s power cannot influence the jury.
Character Development
Cole Wright – In this chapter, Cole’s vulnerability is on full display. He admits he is “holding up” but later confesses he fears a guilty verdict. His emotional dependence on Maddy is clear; her call provides temporary relief, but her departure leaves him alone with his anxiety. Despite having the president’s support, he recognizes the ultimate power lies with twelve jurors.
President Maddy – Maddy balances her role as commander-in-chief with her personal commitment to Cole. She handles serious geopolitical matters (Serbia, China) but still makes time for a personal phone call. Her use of humor (Thatcher quote) shows her attempt to lighten the mood, while her insistence on the Grand Bargain’s timing reveals her strategic, politically driven side. She is confident Cole will be acquitted and refuses to entertain doubt.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs Evidenced Here
The tension between the personal and the political – The entire conversation alternates between global crises and Cole’s personal trial. Maddy’s departure from court symbolizes the competing demands on her life. Their love is clear, but the political machine never stops.
Uncertainty and fear of the unknown – Cole’s worry that “she’s not sitting on the jury” crystallizes the central tension of the trial arc. No amount of power or planning can guarantee a verdict.
Support systems – Maddy’s call is a lifeline. The Grand Bargain is framed as a reward for Cole’s acquittal, tying their personal victory to national success. This motif reinforces that Cole’s fate is deeply intertwined with Maddy’s political future.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 95 raises the stakes beyond the trial itself. It reveals the political calendar: the Grand Bargain announcement is contingent on Cole’s acquittal, creating a clear deadline and pressure. The chapter also humanizes Cole by showing his private panic. Readers see that despite his connection to the most powerful person in the world, he feels isolated and powerless. This chapter deepens the emotional stakes and reminds us that even a president cannot control a jury.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Maddy tell Cole about the Grand Bargain announcement during this phone call? Maddy explains that the coalition government cannot hold much longer and that the Grand Bargain must be announced soon to secure the next term. She plans the announcement for the day after Cole’s expected acquittal, presenting it as a “one-two punch” that would benefit both of them. This shows her trust in Cole and her belief that his trial outcome is critical to her political strategy.
2. How does the phone call reveal Cole’s state of mind about the trial? Cole tries to hide his anxiety at first (“Holding up”), but soon admits he hates being a sideshow and worries about receiving a life sentence. After the call ends, “the worry he’s been keeping at bay until now floods in.” This shows that Maddy’s presence temporarily suppresses his fear, but without her, he is consumed by dread.
3. What does Maddy’s Margaret Thatcher quote reveal about her character? The quote “Defeat? I do not know the meaning of the word” is delivered in a comical British accent, which lightens the conversation. It shows Maddy’s resolve and refusal to accept the possibility of Cole being convicted. The quote also links her to a strong female leader, emphasizing her own determination and political tenacity.