Chapter summaries The House of Cross James Patterson

Chapter 7: Bree's Investigation into Malcomb's Death

⚠️ 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

Alone in her kitchen, Bree Stone reviews news coverage of Ryan Malcomb's death. She feels the story is incomplete, despite the lack of extensive media attention given Malcomb's wealth. Though her former colleague Mahoney thinks the case is a waste of time, Bree's new position at the Bluestone Group gives her the freedom to pursue leads. She calls real estate agents in Elko, Nevada, and learns from Regina Everly that CeCe Butler at Nevada Ranch and Land Company was Malcomb's agent. Butler confirms Malcomb flew to view the Double T Ranch by helicopter, which he piloted himself, and was concerned the land had been overgrazed. Butler says she did not know Malcomb later drove up alone. Bree then contacts Elko County Sheriff's Deputy Patty Rogers, who insists the crash was an accident caused by inexperience, black ice, and wet snow. Rogers reveals the ranch is owned by O Casado Cattle Company, a Brazilian beef conglomerate. Something about that strikes Bree as odd, and she circles "Brazilian beef" in her notes.

Key Events

  • Bree reads news reports on Malcomb's death and feels the coverage is lacking.
  • She calls Regina Everly of High Desert Realty, who identifies CeCe Butler as Malcomb's agent.
  • Bree speaks with CeCe Butler, who describes Malcomb's helicopter tour of the Double T Ranch and his concerns about overgrazing.
  • Butler confirms Malcomb did not tell her he would drive up alone in his van.
  • Bree contacts Deputy Patty Rogers, who states the crash was an accident due to weather and inexperience.
  • Rogers provides the ranch's owner: O Casado Cattle Company of Brazil.
  • Bree circles "Brazilian beef" in her notes, sensing something off.

Character Development

  • Bree Stone: Shows her persistence and investigative instinct even without official law enforcement backing. Her decision to pursue the case against Mahoney's advice highlights her independence.
  • CeCe Butler: Revealed as a professional real estate agent who followed protocol (NDA) but is willing to talk after Malcomb's death.
  • Patty Rogers: Portrayed as a competent, no-nonsense deputy who firmly believes the death was an accident.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Media versus reality: Bree observes that Malcomb's vast wealth did not generate as much news coverage as she expected, hinting at selective media focus.
  • Isolation and danger: The remote Nevada ranch setting and Malcomb's physical challenges underscore the theme of a wealthy man out of his element.
  • Suspicion versus closure: Bree's doubts contradict the official accident narrative, planting seeds for a possible conspiracy.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter shifts the investigation from a simple accident into a potential mystery. Bree's private-sector role allows her to follow leads that official channels might ignore. The introduction of the Brazilian conglomerate raises questions about hidden motives, setting up the central conflict of the novel.

Study Questions and Answers

  1. Why does Bree feel compelled to investigate Malcomb's death despite Mahoney's opinion?
    Answer: Bree senses that the available coverage and official explanation do not add up, and her new position at Bluestone gives her the autonomy to explore anomalies.

  2. What detail about the ranch owners strikes Bree as peculiar?
    Answer: She finds it odd that a Brazilian beef conglomerate owns the Double T Ranch; she circles "Brazilian beef" in her notes, suggesting a possible connection beyond a simple land sale.

  3. How does Deputy Rogers characterize Malcomb's crash?
    Answer: Rogers calls it a straightforward accident caused by Malcomb's inexperience, black ice, and wet snow, and she sees no reason for further investigation.

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