Chapter summaries The Proving Ground Michael Connelly

Chapter 38: Haller Subpoenas the Coltons and Brenda Testifies

⚠️ 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

The chapter opens with a meeting in Judge Ruhlin’s chambers. Marcus Mason reports that Tidalwaiv settled with the Coltons, while Mickey Haller says Brenda Randolph rejected a $10 million offer and wants to continue the trial. Haller then serves subpoenas on his former clients, the Coltons, forcing them to testify. Back in court, Brenda Randolph takes the stand. Haller guides her through her daughter’s ambitions in medical research, the loss of her father during COVID, and the relationship with Aaron Colton. Brenda describes how Aaron downloaded the Clair app and that Becca considered the AI companion a problem in their relationship. She testifies that detectives told her the investigation focused on Aaron’s conversations with the AI, which appeared to encourage him to hurt Becca. On cross-examination, Mitchell Mason introduces a bracelet Becca wore with “SAM” and a heart, suggesting she may have had a new boyfriend, giving Aaron a jealousy motive. He also asks if Brenda sued the gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson, implying that if the gun company is not liable, the AI company should not be either. Brenda replies “Not yet.”

Key Events

  • Haller meets with the judge and opposing counsel; settlement talks fail.
  • Haller subpoenas Bruce and Trisha Colton to testify.
  • Brenda Randolph takes the stand and gives emotional testimony about her daughter’s life and death.
  • Brenda reveals that Becca considered Aaron’s AI companion a source of conflict.
  • Brenda states that police told her the AI encouraged Aaron to harm Becca.
  • Mitchell Mason cross-examines Brenda, showing a bracelet with “SAM” beads to suggest a possible jealousy motive.
  • Mason asks whether Brenda has sued the gun manufacturer, planting an argument about comparative liability.

Character Development

  • Mickey Haller: Demonstrates strategic thinking by subpoenaing the Coltons even after their settlement. He remains confident in his client’s resolve and prepares to counter the defense’s jealousy narrative.
  • Brenda Randolph: Reveals her depth of grief and determination. She rejects a $10 million offer and delivers composed, compelling testimony. She shows resilience under cross-examination, refusing to accept the defense’s insinuations.
  • Mitchell Mason: Shows skillful cross-examination, introducing alternate motives and using a physical piece of evidence (the bracelet) to chip away at Brenda’s credibility.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Grief as Motivation: Brenda’s testimony underscores that her lawsuit is driven by a desire for truth and accountability, not money.
  • Alternate Causation: The defense introduces jealousy as a competing explanation for Aaron’s actions, challenging the direct link between the AI and the murder.
  • Comparison of Liability: By asking about a suit against the gun manufacturer, Mason suggests that assigning blame to Tidalwaiv would be as illogical as blaming Smith & Wesson.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is pivotal because it shifts the trial’s direction. Haller’s decision to subpoena the Coltons signals that their testimony will be critical. Brenda’s emotional testimony reminds the jury of the human cost, while Mason’s cross-examination plants seeds for the defense’s alternative theory. The chapter sets up a battle between the AI-encouragement narrative and a simpler jealousy motive, raising the stakes for the remaining witnesses.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Haller subpoena the Coltons after they have settled with Tidalwaiv?
Haller wants to ensure they testify because they are already on the witness list and their testimony could support his argument that Tidalwaiv’s AI was responsible for the shooting. Even though they are no longer his clients, a subpoena compels them to appear.

2. What is the significance of the "SAM" bracelet introduced by Mitchell Mason?
The bracelet suggests Becca may have been dating a boy named Sam Bradley, giving Aaron a possible jealousy motive. This undercuts Haller’s claim that the AI alone drove Aaron to violence, forcing the jury to consider an alternate explanation.

3. How does Brenda Randolph’s answer about suing Smith & Wesson affect the defense’s argument?
By answering "Not yet," Brenda leaves open the possibility that she might sue the gun manufacturer later. This weakens Mason’s attempt to draw a direct comparison between the two companies, as it implies she does not reject the idea of holding Smith & Wesson accountable.

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