Chapter 25 (Chapter 20) 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
Two hours after the previous events, the narrator and Garrett are eating waffles in a downstairs lounge, enjoying a moment of coziness that contrasts with their grim mission: uncovering evidence that the president's husband (the First Gentleman) is guilty of murder. During breakfast, the narrator asks how many people know about their book project. Garrett names Marcia Dillion, Felicia Bonanno, Teresa, and Laurie (to whom they told yesterday). The narrator expresses concern that Marcia might be gossiping back in New York, but Garrett dismisses this, saying she'll wait until they have concrete findings.
Garrett then reveals he has already called in backup: a Ukrainian hacker named Daryna, whom he describes as an expert digital fact finder. The narrator is initially surprised, especially when Garrett compares Daryna to his problematic contact Seymour in Roxbury. Garrett explains Daryna is reliable and fast. He then proposes a new strategy: they should split up to cover more ground. The narrator objects, valuing their teamwork, but Garrett outlines the plan: the narrator will investigate the underground student newspaper at the university, specifically the reporter whose story was killed. Meanwhile, Garrett will rent a car and drive to Boston to meet a retired police detective who worked on the Suzanne Bonanno disappearance case, then continue to Providence to track down Tony Romero. The narrator reluctantly agrees, silently noting the irony of seeking justice for Suzanne from a police force that may have mishandled her case.
Key Events
- Breakfast conversation between the narrator and Garrett in the lounge.
- Discussion of who is aware of their book project: Marcia, Felicia, Teresa, Laurie.
- Garrett reveals he hired a Ukrainian hacker named Daryna for digital research.
- Garrett proposes splitting up to maximize efficiency.
- The narrator pushes back but ultimately accepts the plan.
- Assignment of tasks: narrator investigates the killed student story; Garrett heads to Boston and Providence.
Character Development
- The Narrator: Demonstrates a strong preference for collaboration and loyalty, shown by their reluctance to split up. They also harbor empathy for Suzanne Bonanno, inserting a silent criticism of how the police handled her case. The narrator's investigative instincts are focused on archival work and documents.
- Garrett: Takes decisive action, calling in Daryna without consulting the narrator first, indicating a pragmatic, results-driven approach. He is willing to sacrifice teamwork for speed and broader coverage. His plan shows strategic thinking—dividing leads to cover both the journalistic angle (student paper) and law enforcement angle (retired detective). He remains calm and persuasive.
- Supporting characters mentioned off-page: Daryna (no direct interaction) is portrayed as trustworthy and fast; Marcia Dillion, Felicia Bonanno, Teresa, and Laurie are confidants who know about the project; Seymour from Roxbury is a problematic contact from Garrett's past.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Teamwork vs. Efficiency: The central tension of the chapter is whether working as a pair is more valuable than covering separate territories. The narrator values unity; Garrett prioritizes results.
- Food as Comfort: The waffles and coffee create a domestic, cozy setting that starkly contrasts with the dark subject matter of murder and a cold case. This symbolizes the characters' attempt to find normalcy in a dangerous investigation.
- The Underground Student Newspaper: Represents suppressed truth and the power of independent journalism. The killed story is a motif for censorship and hidden crime, which the narrator must resurrect.
- Digital vs. Traditional Investigation: Daryna (hacker) symbolizes modern, digital fact-finding, while Garrett's trip to meet a retired detective represents old-school police work. The chapter sets up a dual approach to uncovering truth.
- Trust and Secrecy: The narrator's questions about who knows about their book highlight the need for discretion in a sensitive political case. The list of confidants is small, emphasizing the high stakes.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 20 (Chapter 25 overall) is a pivot point in the investigation. It transitions the team from unified research to a divided but expanded operation. By introducing Daryna and the strategy to split up, the chapter opens new narrative avenues: the narrator will delve into the student newspaper archives, likely unearthing the suppressed story, while Garrett will interview a retired detective, potentially uncovering police ineptitude or complicity in Suzanne Bonanno's disappearance. The chapter also deepens our understanding of the narrator and Garrett's working relationship—their differing styles will likely be tested as they operate independently. Finally, the mention of Tony Romero in Providence hints at a major lead or suspect, driving the plot forward.
Study Questions
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What is Garrett's rationale for splitting up the research team, and how does the narrator initially react?
Answer: Garrett argues that they need to cover more ground to find the reporter from the underground student newspaper and the retired detective on the Bonanno case. The narrator initially resists, saying they are a team and should work together. Garrett insists, and the narrator eventually agrees. -
Why does Garrett hire a Ukrainian hacker named Daryna, and what does this reveal about his methods?
Answer: Garrett hires Daryna as a digital fact finder to assist with the investigation. This reveals that Garrett is proactive, comfortable with unconventional resources (hackers), and values speed and reliability over protocol. He trusts Daryna, unlike the problem-causing Seymour from Roxbury. -
What are the two geographic locations Garrett plans to visit, and what is the purpose of each trip?
Answer: Garrett plans to go to Boston to meet a retired police detective who worked on the Suzanne Bonanno disappearance case, in order to learn how the police handled—or mishandled—the investigation. Then he will head to Providence to look for Tony Romero, suggesting Romero is a key person of interest.
Note: Answers are based solely on the chapter text.