Chapter 89: Stormy Return and Revelations
⚠️ 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
Strike's facial injury from the spade is worse the next morning. He and Robin walk along La Coupée on Sark before heading to the ferry. Storm Doris hits the UK, delaying their flight from Guernsey. During the turbulent descent into Gatwick, Robin grips Strike's arm, but he feels bittersweet about it due to her relationship with Murphy. Back in London, Strike surveils Mrs Two-Times from his car, feeling depressed about Robin moving in with Murphy. Kim Sullivan texts that she is late due to a personal emergency. Strike follows Mrs Two-Times to the St Martins Lane Hotel and into a secret bar called the Blind Spot. While waiting, he drinks several double Ardbegs and searches for Nancy Jameson. He receives two phone calls: first from a man claiming to be Rupert Fleetwood, who provides a private detail but hangs up when pressed for more; second from a woman who angrily demands he meet her at the Golden Fleece, identifying herself as Rena Liddell. Kim finally arrives, her face badly scratched by her ex-boyfriend's ex, who attacked her after Ray killed himself. Kim becomes drunk and makes unwanted advances, but Strike firmly rejects her and leaves.
Key Events
- Strike and Robin return from Sark amid Storm Doris, experiencing a rough landing.
- Strike follows Mrs Two-Times to the Blind Spot bar at the St Martins Lane Hotel.
- Strike receives a call from Rupert Fleetwood, who confirms his identity with a private detail but refuses further contact.
- Strike receives a call from Rena Liddell, who demands he meet her at the Golden Fleece.
- Kim Sullivan arrives late with severe facial injuries, revealing that her ex-boyfriend Ray has committed suicide and his ex attacked her.
- Kim becomes drunk and flirtatious; Strike rejects her advances firmly.
Character Development
Cormoran Strike: His depression deepens as he ruminates on Robin's impending move with Murphy. His drinking and poor food choices reflect his self-neglect. Despite his emotional turmoil, he maintains professional boundaries with Kim, rejecting her advances bluntly. His anger at himself and the situation finds a target in Kim.
Robin Ellacott: Though not present for much of the chapter, her brief appearance shows her conflicted feelings about returning to London and her relationship with Murphy. She hopes for a delay to extend the time with Strike.
Kim Sullivan: Revealed to be more than a surveillance operative; she is vulnerable and manipulative. Her ex-boyfriend's suicide and attack by his ex leave her distraught, but she also uses the situation to attempt seduction. Strike's rejection humiliates her.
Rupert Fleetwood: Calls Strike but remains evasive, providing only a minimal proof of identity. His refusal to reveal more or meet raises questions about his motives and safety.
Rena Liddell: Her frantic, angry call indicates she is under threat and distrustful of speaking freely. Her insistence on meeting at the Golden Fleece suggests a known safe location.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Storm and turbulence: The literal storm (Storm Doris) mirrors Strike's internal turmoil and the turbulent emotions of the case. The rough flight symbolizes the instability in Strike's life.
The Blind Spot bar: The hidden, dark bar represents concealment and secrets. Strike's difficulty navigating it echoes his struggles with his own feelings and the case's deceptions.
Alcohol as escape: Strike's excessive drinking is a coping mechanism for his unhappiness. Kim's drinking also serves to numb her pain, but leads to inappropriate behavior.
Deception and hidden identities: Both Fleetwood and Liddell call but refuse to be fully open. The secret bar and hidden door reinforce the theme of things not being as they seem.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter advances multiple plot threads: the confirmation that Fleetwood is alive, the desperate call from Rena Liddell, and the suicide of Kim's ex, which complicates the investigation. It also deepens Strike's emotional arc, showing his despair over Robin and his self-destructive tendencies. The firm rejection of Kim demonstrates his commitment to Robin, even if she is with someone else.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Strike react so strongly to Kim's advances?
Strike is still emotionally attached to Robin and feels guilty about the kiss on Sark. His anger at himself and the situation is displaced onto Kim, whose manipulative behavior reminds him of past mistakes.
2. What is the significance of Rupert Fleetwood's phone call?
The call confirms Fleetwood is alive, but his refusal to reveal his location or explain his disappearance deepens the mystery. His use of a private detail (the silver ship) proves his identity, but he remains evasive.
3. How does the storm and travel delay affect the characters' interactions?
The storm creates a shared experience of danger and vulnerability for Strike and Robin, leading to physical touch. It also delays their return, giving Strike time to ruminate on his feelings. The delay sets the stage for Kim's attack to occur while Strike is otherwise occupied.