The Hamptons Lawyer Chapter 67 Summary: Ambition and the King Lear Parallel
⚠️ 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
Robby Sassoon arrives at Jeb Bernstein’s second‑floor office in a brownstone on West 68th Street after driving back from Southampton, where he visited Allen Reese. Bernstein is working from a spreadsheet and a legal pad with a No. 2 pencil — old‑school methods. He has compiled a list of Bobby Salvatore’s debtors. As they review the list, Robby learns that Salvatore was as late collecting as many of his clients were paying up. Robby quips that “skimming” should have been listed as Salvatore’s cause of death. The conversation turns to Sonny Blum, who has been systematically collecting outstanding debts, leading Robby to suspect the old man is dying. Robby’s own ambition to succeed Blum surfaces. He draws a parallel to King Lear, though he sees a non‑tragic outcome if he plays things right. Bernstein pours two glasses of Hennessy Paradis, and they toast “to the good life” or “to death.” Bernstein reveals he already knows about Robby’s violent handling of Allen Reese — breaking Reese’s hand — and expresses respect for Robby’s pride in his work. Both men agree they owe nothing to Rob Jacobson. As the chapter ends, Bernstein proclaims, “It’s going to be good being king.” Robby thinks to himself, “For me.”
Key Events
- Robby visits Jeb Bernstein’s brownstone office on West 68th Street after returning from Southampton.
- Bernstein shows Robby a spreadsheet of Bobby Salvatore’s debtors, revealing Salvatore’s poor bookkeeping.
- Robby and Bernstein discuss Sonny Blum’s methodical collection of debts, which Robby interprets as a sign Blum is dying.
- Robby internally considers taking over Blum’s criminal operation, comparing the situation to King Lear.
- Bernstein pours Hennessy Paradis and they toast.
- Bernstein asks about the Allen Reese visit; Robby admits he got “overemotional” and injured Reese’s hand.
- Bernstein confirms he already knows and approves of the violence.
- They discuss Blum’s successor; Bernstein declares he looks forward to “being king.”
- Robby silently asserts that he intends to be the one in charge.
Character Development
Robby Sassoon – Robby reveals a long‑term strategic ambition. He enjoys working with Bernstein even while knowing he may have to kill him. His internal monologue shows he sees himself as the natural heir to Blum’s empire. He references King Lear to frame the power struggle but expects a non‑tragic victory if he plays correctly. His willingness to use violence (breaking Reese’s hand) is presented as a business tool that Bernstein respects.
Jeb Bernstein – Bernstein is meticulous and old‑school, using paper and pencil instead of digital tools. He takes pride in his appearance (cashmere, cologne) and values craftsmanship in violence. He is aware of Robby’s actions and approves. His final line about “being king” reveals his own ambition to lead.
Sonny Blum – Offstage, Blum is portrayed as a dying leader tying up loose ends. His health and succession are the central concerns of this chapter.
Bobby Salvatore – Deceased, but his poor record‑keeping is a plot point that underscores disorganization in Blum’s network.
Allen Reese – Not present, but the injury to his hand is used to demonstrate Robby’s violence and Bernstein’s acceptance of it.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs Actually Evidenced Here
- Ambition and Succession – The central theme. Both Robby and Bernstein are jockeying for position to take over when Blum dies. The King Lear allusion frames this as a drama of heirs and betrayal.
- Violence as a Business Tool – Breaking Reese’s hand is treated as a legitimate debt‑collection technique. Bernstein respects the “pride in his work.”
- Loyalty and Betrayal – Robby’s friendship with Bernstein is undermined by his willingness to kill him “down the road.” The bond is transactional.
- Old vs. New – Bernstein’s paper‑and‑pencil methods contrast with the modern criminal operation; the reference to King Lear (a classic play) versus Robby’s modern ambition.
- Symbolism of the Hennessy Paradis – The expensive cognac represents the high‑stakes, luxurious world they inhabit, and the toast to “the good life or death” highlights the thin line between success and mortality.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 67 is a turning point for Robby Sassoon’s character arc. It explicitly states his goal to inherit Sonny Blum’s criminal empire and reveals his strategic, calculating nature. The King Lear parallel signals that the succession will involve conflict, deception, and likely betrayal. The chapter also deepens the reader’s understanding of Jeb Bernstein as a rival, not just an ally. This sets the stage for future conflicts between the two men and raises the stakes for the rest of the novel.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What does Robby Sassoon really want?
Robby wants to take over Sonny Blum’s entire operation when Blum dies. He thinks about it repeatedly and sees himself as the natural successor, even though Bernstein also desires that role.
2. What is the significance of the King Lear reference?
Robby compares the looming power struggle to King Lear, where Lear’s daughters compete for his kingdom. Robby sees Bernstein as a rival “daughter” and himself as the one who will win — unlike the play’s tragic end, he expects a personal victory.
3. How does Bernstein react when he learns Robby broke Reese’s hand?
Bernstein reveals he already knows and says he respects “a man who takes pride in his work.” He toasts Robby, showing that violence is an accepted and even valued method in their world.