Chapter 24: Garrett’s Dangerous Interview with Tony Romero
⚠️ 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
Garrett Wilson arrives in Providence, Rhode Island, mid-afternoon and searches for a nondescript bar where his researcher Daryna told him he would find Tony Romero. The bar, Raymond’s Tavern, is a private club with no windows and a peephole. After being turned away by the hulking doorman, Garrett claims he owes Romero money. When that fails, he gains entry by mentioning Suzanne Bonanno. Inside, he is led to Romero’s wood-paneled office where two suited associates stand guard. Romero checks Garrett’s background online and, satisfied he is a writer, dismisses his men.
Garrett asks about Romero’s relationship with Suzanne Bonanno twenty years earlier. Romero admits they dated casually when he was in his mid-twenties and she was a Patriots cheerleader. Garrett then confirms that after their breakup, Suzanne began dating Cole Wright. Romero reveals that Suzanne once called him crying, saying Cole had slapped her around, and asked Romero to “find a couple guys to teach him a lesson.” Romero claims he refused and advised her to break it off; he says that was their last contact.
As Garrett prepares to leave, Romero insists on walking him out through the back alley. On the concrete platform, Romero unexpectedly punches Garrett, kicks him to the ground, and threatens to burn down his house with his girlfriend inside if any word of their conversation appears in Garrett’s book. Garrett is then knocked unconscious when his head is slammed onto the concrete.
Key Events
- Garrett locates Raymond’s Tavern and bluffs his way inside by invoking Suzanne Bonanno’s name.
- The doorman, Donnie, escorts Garrett to Tony Romero’s private office after a brief phone check.
- Romero confirms a casual past relationship with Suzanne and reveals she once claimed Cole Wright slapped her.
- Romero states he did not act on Suzanne’s request for retaliation against Cole.
- After the conversation, Romero attacks Garrett in the back alley and delivers a violent threat.
- Garrett is left unconscious.
Character Development
- Garrett Wilson: Demonstrates persistence and risk-taking by entering a Mob-run bar with a fabricated story. His journalistic instincts drive him to press for details even in a hostile environment. The brutal assault underscores his vulnerability and the high stakes of his investigation.
- Tony Romero: Portrayed as calculating, charismatic, and ruthless. He initially appears cordial but reveals a violent temper when he feels threatened. His willingness to attack Garrett suggests he has much to hide regarding Suzanne Bonanno and his own past.
- Suzanne Bonanno (mentioned): Through Romero’s account, she emerges as a woman who sought protection from an abusive partner and reached out to a dangerous former lover for help.
- Cole Wright (mentioned): Accused of domestic violence indirectly, though no proof is given; his position as the President’s partner adds political weight to the allegation.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- The Price of Inquiry: The chapter highlights the dangers of investigative journalism, especially when the subject has ties to organized crime. Garrett’s physical beating symbolises the cost of pursuing truth.
- Secrecy and Power: Raymond’s Tavern, with its locked doors, peepholes, and private club status, represents the hidden networks of influence that shield men like Romero. The back alley attack reinforces that power is enforced through violence.
- Echoes of the Past: The unresolved disappearance of Suzanne Bonanno haunts the present, linking a former mobster, a football star, and the White House. Romero’s disclosure about the slap is the first concrete suggestion that Cole Wright may have been abusive.
- Performance and Deception: Garrett’s initial lie about owing money and Romero’s false politeness illustrate how both characters manipulate appearances to achieve their aims.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 24 is a turning point in Garrett’s investigation. It provides the first direct evidence of possible abuse by Cole Wright, shifting the book’s focus from a routine cold case to a potential scandal involving the President’s partner. The violent clash with Romero escalates the danger for Garrett personally, raising the suspense and stakes. It also introduces the mob as a new layer of obstruction in the mystery of Suzanne Bonanno’s disappearance.
Study Questions and Answers
1. How does Garrett manage to get inside Raymond’s Tavern, and what does this reveal about his method of investigation?
Garrett first tries a lie about owing Romero money, then switches to mentioning Suzanne Bonanno’s name. This shows he is willing to bluff and use high-risk personal connections to penetrate guarded circles, relying on the emotional or criminal weight of a name to bypass barriers.
2. What does Tony Romero’s description of Suzanne’s phone call suggest about her relationship with Cole Wright?
Romero reports that Suzanne called him crying and said Cole Wright had slapped her around. While Romero’s account is unverified, it implies that Cole may have been physically abusive before Suzanne disappeared, offering a possible motive for violence.
3. Why does Romero attack Garrett after appearing cooperative, and what does this indicate about Romero’s character?
Romero attacks Garrett to ensure he stays silent about the conversation. The ambush reveals that Romero is paranoid, ruthless, and willing to use extreme intimidation to protect his reputation and possibly his involvement in Suzanne’s fate. His earlier charm was a mask for his underlying menace.