Chapter 35 Summary: Bogdan's Failed Stakeout
⚠️ 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
Bogdan Jankowski sits beside Dom Holt at an Everton match, having nudged a child aside to secure the seat. He introduces himself as Barry, an alias tied to a fabricated Polish grandfather who became an Everton fan after sharing a cell with a murderous supporter. Dom accepts the story and the two share the misery of Everton's poor performance. Bogdan is aware that Donna De Freitas is listening from the seat directly behind Dom. During the game, Dom grows suspicious and checks his phone, then reveals he knows Bogdan's real name and that Donna is present. He offers to let the incident slide but warns he will file a complaint if followed again. Donna presses him about the heroin and Kuldesh Sharma's death. Dom dismisses them as amateurs and walks away. Bogdan quietly warns Dom that if he killed Kuldesh, Bogdan will kill him. Dom departs without further confrontation.
Key Events
- Bogdan takes a seat next to Dom Holt at an Everton match, using a fake name and backstory.
- Dom and Bogdan bond over their shared, suffering fandom as Everton concedes early goals.
- Donna observes from behind; Bogdan recalls his joyful Christmas with the club, which has renewed his desire to make someone proud.
- Dom scrolls his phone, then directly identifies Bogdan and Donna, revealing he knew all along.
- Dom warns he will complain if they follow him again, but lets this occasion slide.
- Donna asks Dom about the missing heroin and whether he is searching for it or stole it himself.
- Dom replies that the NCA took the case because the team are amateurs.
- Bogdan whispers a lethal threat to Dom concerning Kuldesh Sharma.
- Dom leaves with a final “Enjoy the game,” but the confrontation is unresolved.
Character Development
- Bogdan Jankowski: The stakeout reveals Bogdan’s emotional growth. His Christmas with the club has reawakened his desire to earn someone’s pride—a feeling he has not had since his mother’s death. He is willing to risk an undercover operation for Donna’s sake, and his threat to Dom shows he is ready to take violent action to protect the investigation and avenge Kuldesh.
- Dom Holt: Dom is sharp and unflappable. He calmly dismantles Bogdan’s cover story, names Bogdan and Donna accurately, and sets a clear boundary. His casual scrolling and direct exposure demonstrate that he maintains control of the situation, and his remark about the NCA suggests he has inside knowledge of the case.
- Donna De Freitas: Donna tries a direct, blunt approach by asking about the heroin. Her failure to answer Dom’s challenge to name an Everton player highlights her lack of preparation for the football cover. She remains determined but outmatched in this exchange.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Identity and Deception: Bogdan’s alias “Barry” and the invented grandfather story illustrate how the club operates under false identities. Dom’s ability to see through the ruse underscores the theme that deception has limits.
- Football as a Neutral Space: The match setting initially offers a natural environment for conversation, but once Dom suspects surveillance, the shared fan bond evaporates. The stadium becomes a stage for confrontation.
- Handshakes and Trust: Bogdan notes that handshake firmness does not correlate with character—a small motif that sets up his later threat. Dom’s handshake is “good,” but Bogdan knows appearances can be deceiving.
- Amateur vs. Professional: Dom’s parting line casts the Thursday Murder Club’s investigation as unprofessional compared to the NCA. This theme foreshadows the risks of their amateur sleuthing.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter marks a turning point in the Thursday Murder Club’s pursuit of the heroin and Kuldesh’s killer. Dom Holt is now fully aware he is being watched, which forces the club to change tactics. The confrontation also deepens Bogdan’s personal investment: his threat to kill Dom reveals a willingness to cross ethical lines if necessary. The chapter sets up a more dangerous phase of the investigation, where direct conflict replaces covert surveillance.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Bogdan use the alias Barry and the story about his grandfather?
Bogdan invents a plausible cover to bond with Dom Holt over their shared Everton fandom. The story about his grandfather’s cellmate ties in a gritty, believable detail that Dom accepts at first. The alias allows Bogdan to get close without revealing his real identity.
2. How does Dom Holt expose Bogdan and Donna?
Dom checks his phone and apparently runs a quick background check or recognition. He then directly calls Bogdan by his real name, turns to greet Donna, and tells them he has known all along. He gives them a single warning to stop following him.
3. What does Bogdan’s whispered threat to Dom reveal about his character?
It shows that Bogdan is fiercely loyal to the club and willing to use violence to protect their mission. His statement “If you killed him, I will kill you” indicates he has no qualms about taking justice into his own hands, especially for someone he respected like Kuldesh Sharma.