Chapter 86: Eighty-Six – Robby Sassoon Pressures Paul Harrington

⚠️ 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 unannounced at Paul Harrington’s home early in the morning, finding him in worn pajamas and a faded NYU T‑shirt. Harrington pretends to be calm, but Robby immediately questions why he has not yet fled the country as arranged. Harrington explains that his departure was moved up at the last minute and that he plans to fly to Saint Kitts that afternoon. He asks Robby if he killed Reese, and Robby sidesteps the question. Harrington insists he has always done what Sonny Blum wants, but Robby implies Sonny is growing anxious. After rinsing his mug, Robby asks to make more coffee, a small gesture that underlines his control of the situation. The chapter ends with Harrington unaware of Robby’s smile, signaling that the older man’s fate remains uncertain.

Key Events

• Robby Sassoon enters Paul Harrington’s kitchen at 6:30 a.m. without warning.
• Harrington, startled but trying to hide it, makes himself coffee with too much sugar.
• Robby questions why Harrington has not yet left the country; Harrington blames a delayed call from Sonny.
• Harrington asks if Robby was responsible for Reese’s death; Robby gives a non‑answer.
• Harrington reveals he is scheduled to fly to Saint Kitts that afternoon.
• Robby refers to Sonny Blum’s growing anxiety as the years pile up.
• Harrington insists he has done everything Sonny wanted for a long time.
• Robby rinses his mug and asks to make more coffee, a quiet assertion of control.

Character Development

Robby Sassoon shows himself as a patient but menacing enforcer. He smiles only when Harrington is not looking, revealing his true intentions. His ability to unsettle Harrington before he is fully awake demonstrates his skill at psychological intimidation.

Paul Harrington appears visibly older and more vulnerable than in previous encounters. His tired demeanor, unshaven face, and nervous gestures suggest a man under extreme stress. Despite his bravado, he is clearly trapped between Sonny’s demands and the legal system.

Sonny Blum remains offstage, but his influence pervades the scene. Robby speaks of Sonny’s anxiety as a driving force, reinforcing the idea that Sonny controls the people around him, even at a distance.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Control and Loyalty – The entire conversation revolves around who is controlling whom. Robby’s arrival without notice, his pointed questions, and his decision to stay for more coffee all underline his dominance. Harrington’s claim that he has “done everything Sonny wants” for years speaks to a complex web of loyalty and obligation.

Aging and Mortality – Harrington’s worn robe, unshaven face, and the line “I believe if I refuse to grow old, I can stay young until I die” (from the musical Pippin) reflect a character trying to avoid the consequences of his past. Sonny’s anxiety about aging is also mentioned, linking fear of death to the violence that surrounds these characters.

Appearances vs. Reality – Harrington tries to maintain a facade of control, but Robby sees through it. The contrast between the “rustic” kitchen that Harrington dislikes and his pretense of sophistication mirrors the gap between his self‑image and his actual situation.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter tightens the suspense around Paul Harrington’s fate. It shows that Sonny Blum’s organization is closing ranks and that Harrington’s cooperation may not be enough to save him. Robby’s presence and his final smile suggest that Harrington’s departure to Saint Kitts is not guaranteed. The conversation also hints at other crimes—Reese’s murder and the “flower girl” in Bridgehampton—linking Harrington to a broader pattern of violence. For readers, the chapter raises the stakes as the trial approaches and makes clear that no one is safe from Sonny’s reach.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Robby Sassoon visit Paul Harrington so early in the morning?
Robby comes to pressure Harrington about his delayed departure from the country. Sonny Blum is anxious and wants Harrington gone immediately, so Robby delivers that message in person, emphasizing the urgency and his own role as an enforcer.

2. What does Harrington’s question about Reese reveal about his state of mind?
By asking if Robby killed Reese, Harrington shows he is aware of the violence around him and fears that he might be next. It also signals that he suspects Sonny’s organization is eliminating loose ends, making his own position precarious.

3. How does the chapter’s ending with Robby making more coffee reinforce the power dynamic?
Robby’s request to make more coffee is a small but deliberate act that extends his presence in the kitchen. It subverts Harrington’s autonomy and demonstrates that Robby—and therefore Sonny—still controls the situation, even though Harrington is supposedly leaving.