Chapter 65 Summary: Garrett Wilson's Revelatory Interview with the First Gentleman
⚠️ 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 drives south on I-89 near Hanover, New Hampshire, alone in a rented Corolla. He has just finished a two-hour interview with First Gentleman Cole Wright at the airport. After the interview, he stopped at a Starbucks to consolidate his notes from memory because no recording devices were allowed. His laptop, holding all his notes, sits on the passenger seat. Garrett is trembling with excitement, convinced the story is "pure gold" and will lead to a bidding war for his manuscript. He briefly speeds but slows down to avoid a ticket. He tries to call his colleague Brea twice but only reaches her voicemail. He reflects that she would have been disappointed to miss the face-to-face with the First Gentleman and that her intuition and legal mind would have been valuable. Despite his reporter's guard and prior suspicions, Garrett found Cole Wright to be down-to-earth and straightforward. He actually liked the man. The chapter ends with Garrett blown away by what Wright had to say, a revelation that has redirected his entire story.
Key Events
- Garrett drives away from the airport after the interview, alone and without security agents.
- He reviews his handwritten notes from memory, feeling the story has taken an unexpected turn.
- He calls Brea twice but gets voicemail both times.
- He reflects on his positive impression of the First Gentleman and his own initial biases.
- He anticipates a bidding war for his manuscript, dismissing his rival Reginald Hamilton.
Character Development
- Garrett Wilson: The chapter reveals Garrett's vulnerability and emotional investment in his work. His excitement is palpable, yet he shows discipline by slowing down and avoiding a speeding ticket. His internal conflict is on display: his journalistic skepticism gives way to genuine liking for Cole Wright. The missed connection with Brea underscores his respect for her abilities and his own sense of isolation.
- Cole Wright: While not present in the scene, Wright's character is developed through Garrett's observations. He is described as down-to-earth and straightforward, qualities that surprise the hardened reporter. This suggests depth and authenticity that challenge the initial narrative.
- Brea: She remains offstage but her importance is highlighted. Garrett's regret at her absence shows that she is a trusted colleague with sharp intuition and legal expertise.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- The Open Road: The drive on I-89 symbolizes a journey of discovery and transformation. The speeding and subsequent slowing mirror Garrett's emotional high and his need for caution.
- Unrecorded Memory: The fact that no recording devices were allowed forces Garrett to rely on memory, making the interview's impact more intimate and subjective.
- Voicemail as Disconnection: The unanswered calls to Brea represent the solitary nature of the reporter's work, even when part of a larger team. It also hints at future missed connections.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter acts as a pivot in the narrative. It confirms that Garrett's investigation has been fundamentally altered by his direct encounter with Cole Wright. The first gentleman is no longer just a subject but a complex figure who can influence a seasoned reporter. Garrett's internal shift—from suspicion to liking—introduces moral ambiguity and complicates the storyline. The chapter sets up new tensions: how will Garrett's personal feelings affect his writing? What did Wright reveal that changed everything? It also deepens the reader's understanding of Garrett as a professional who values collaboration (Brea) yet must ultimately work alone.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Garrett try to call Brea immediately after the interview?
Answer: He wants to share his excitement and regrets that she missed the chance to meet Cole Wright personally. He values her intuition and legal expertise, which he believes would have enhanced the interview. -
What does Garrett's observation that Cole Wright is "down-to-earth" suggest about his initial expectations?
Answer: It suggests Garrett expected Wright to be guarded, arrogant, or deceptive. The reality contradicts his assumptions, forcing him to reevaluate his own biases and the story he intended to write. -
How does the setting of the car journey contribute to the chapter's mood?
Answer: The isolated, mobile setting reflects Garrett's internal state—thrilled yet unmoored. The open road ahead symbolizes the new direction of his story, while the need to drive carefully introduces a note of caution amid his euphoria.