The Missing Half: Chapter Thirteen Summary and Analysis
⚠️ 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
On a Saturday evening, Nic and Jenna meet at Mesquite Barbecue, a loud, crowded restaurant. Nic is exhausted from a day spent at the animal shelter (where she felt watched by Pam) and a long shift at Funland. She smells like wet dog, pizza grease, and now barbecue. They have come to the restaurant because Jenna could not find Steve McLean on social media, and this is the last known place he worked. They hope to ask former coworkers about him, though they assume he no longer works there.
A young waiter named Matty takes their drink orders. Nic almost orders a glass of wine but stops herself, guiltily recalling her DUI and the intervention program that prohibits alcohol. She orders water. Jenna also orders water and then, after Nic nearly blurts out their real purpose, Jenna smoothly changes the subject and orders steaks for both of them, insisting on paying. Nic is touched by Jenna’s kindness, a rarity since Kasey disappeared.
Jenna outlines a plan: they should talk to the longest-tenured female employee, as a woman might be more sympathetic. But Nic spots something behind Jenna’s shoulder: an “Employee of the Year” plaque for Steve McLean from the previous year. Realizing he still works there, Nic points it out. When Matty returns with salads, Jenna asks if “Stevie” is working. Matty cheerfully says yes, points to the bar, and calls out to McLean. Steve McLean turns, looks at the table, and grins at Nic. The chapter ends with Nic feeling spiders crawl up her spine.
Key Events
- Nic and Jenna arrive at Mesquite Barbecue to search for Steve McLean.
- Nic almost orders wine but experiences guilt over her DUI and the terms of her intervention program.
- Jenna pays for Nic’s meal, showing unexpected generosity.
- Jenna devises a plan to discreetly question a female employee who might have known McLean.
- Nic spots an “Employee of the Year” plaque for Steve McLean from the previous year.
- Waiter Matty reveals that Steve (called “Stevie”) works the bar and is present.
- Matty calls out to McLean; Steve turns and makes eye contact with Nic, grinning ominously.
- The chapter ends with Nic’s visceral reaction of fear.
Character Development
Nic: Her internal conflict about alcohol and the DUI deepens. The flashback to the crash shows her ongoing guilt. She also reveals a vulnerable side when touched by Jenna’s generosity, contrasting with the care she receives from others (Brad, her lawyer) that feels obligatory. Her obsession with the case drives her to the restaurant despite her exhaustion.
Jenna: Demonstrates strategic thinking and social awareness. She stops Nic from blurting out their mission, crafts a plan, and generously pays for the meal. Her empathy and resourcefulness are highlighted.
Steve McLean: Though barely seen, his appearance is menacing. The “employee of the year” plaque subverts expectations of a ne’er-do-well, and his knowing grin raises the stakes, suggesting he may be aware of Nic’s investigation.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Guilt and Consequences: Nic’s internal monologue about the wine shows how her past mistake (the DUI) haunts her. The restaurant setting contrasts her former freedom (alcohol) with her current restricted life.
Female Solidarity and Collaboration: Jenna and Nic work as a team. Jenna’s intuition about how to approach the search (targeting female employees) and her financial support illustrate their bond and mutual reliance.
The Menace Beneath the Ordinary: The plaque celebrating McLean as “Employee of the Year” subverts the image of a dangerous predator. The ordinary setting of a barbecue restaurant becomes charged with threat, reinforcing the theme that evil can be hidden in plain sight.
Spiders and Dread: The final image of “spiders crawl up my spine” is a visceral symbol of fear and intuition, signaling that Nic’s gut recognizes McLean as a genuine danger.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter Thirteen is a turning point in the investigation. Nic and Jenna have been chasing leads, but here they finally locate Steve McLean, a key person of interest. The encounter is not just a location check; it becomes a confrontation, with McLean looking directly at Nic. The chapter raises tension and sets up a critical confrontation in the next chapter. It also deepens Nic’s character by revealing the weight of her DUI guilt and her vulnerability. The discovery that McLean still works at the restaurant and seems popular with coworkers (Matty likes him) complicates the case—he is not an isolated drifter but someone embedded in the community.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Nic order water instead of wine, and what does this reveal about her character?
Nic almost orders a glass of red wine but stops herself after a flashback to the DUI crash. This reveals her deep guilt over the accident and her ongoing struggle with the restrictions of her intervention program. It shows that though she could break the rules without being caught, her conscience and fear of repeating her mistake prevent her.
2. What strategy does Jenna propose for approaching McLean’s coworkers, and why?
Jenna suggests talking to a female employee who has worked there the longest. She reasons that a woman may be more empathetic if they have to explain why they are looking for McLean. This shows Jenna’s careful, socially aware approach to investigation, contrasting with Nic’s more impulsive style.
3. How does the “Employee of the Year” plaque for Steve McLean challenge reader expectations?
The plaque, dated the previous year, indicates that McLean is not a former employee but a current one, and that he is well-regarded by management. This challenges the assumption that he is a shady, transient figure. It also raises questions about how someone with a criminal past (implied by his rap sheet mentioned earlier) could be honored, suggesting either redemption or deception. The plaque makes his friendliness and the waiter’s praise of “Stevie” unsettling.