Chapter 32: Unravelling Jason Ritchie’s Past
⚠️ 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
Chris and Donna arrange a photo session with Jason Ritchie by a dolphin‑shaped fountain to create a natural‑light picture. While Donna photographs the two men, she reflects on Jason’s boxing career and his later “wilderness years” when he associated with Tony Curran and Bobby Tanner. After the photo, Chris gently presses Jason about his knowledge of Tony Curran. Jason insists he barely knew him, but Chris reveals he has seen a photograph of Jason, Tony Curran, and Bobby Tanner at the Black Bridge pub, with a table covered in money. Jason denies ever seeing the photo and claims not to know Bobby Tanner’s current whereabouts. He leaves. Elizabeth and Joyce then appear; Joyce gives Chris leftover lemon drizzle cake. Elizabeth hands Chris her card. As they walk away, Joyce mentions the cakes were loaded with vodka, hinting that Chris may be impaired. Chris and Donna discuss Jason’s obvious lies and suspect he is hiding something.
Key Events
- Chris and Donna take a photo of Jason Ritchie by a dolphin fountain to get him talking.
- Donna recalls Jason’s biography: famous boxer, then a fallow period linked to criminals, followed by a second media career.
- Chris asks Jason about Tony Curran; Jason says he knew him only a little and claims Curran “had plenty of enemies.”
- Donna presses Jason: “You knew Tony Curran a little better than you’ve suggested, didn’t you, Jason?”
- Chris reveals he has seen a photo of Jason, Tony Curran, and Bobby Tanner at the Black Bridge pub, with money on the table.
- Jason denies knowledge of the photo and says he cannot remember Bobby Tanner’s whereabouts.
- Jason leaves abruptly to see his father, Ron.
- Elizabeth and Joyce arrive; Joyce gives Chris her lemon drizzle cake.
- Elizabeth gives Chris her card, saying they will “have lots to chat about in the weeks ahead.”
- Joyce reveals the cakes contained vodka, making Chris likely unfit to drive.
- Chris and Donna agree Jason is lying, but they do not yet know why.
Character Development
Jason Ritchie emerges as a more complex figure. Publicly affable and grateful for his fame, he becomes evasive and guarded when confronted about his past. His boxing career and subsequent “wilderness years” show a man who has reinvented himself multiple times. His refusal to acknowledge the Black Bridge photo suggests he is protecting something—perhaps his current reputation or old criminal connections.
Donna demonstrates sharp investigative instincts. She notices Jason’s pause when questioned about the Black Bridge, and she correctly interprets his request for a photo copy as a move to get her number. Her dry observation (“Everyone always survives until they die”) underscores her pragmatic, unsentimental view of crime.
Chris shows flexibility: he adopts a Cockney accent during the conversation to build rapport. His willingness to bend procedure (he won’t show the fountain photo to colleagues) indicates he trusts his own judgment and the team at Fairhaven. The vodka‑laced cake subplot humorously suggests his judgment may be slightly impaired.
Joyce and Elizabeth make a brief but meaningful appearance. Elizabeth’s gift of her card—despite already having given Donna a blue file—signals she intends to stay involved. Joyce’s cake delivery and later remark about the vodka show her playful side and her role as a subtle informant.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Deception and hidden pasts. The central question is what Jason is concealing about his association with Tony Curran and Bobby Tanner. The Black Bridge photograph—a table covered in money—hints at criminal dealings. The motif of photographs recurs: the official fountain shot versus the incriminating pub photo.
Fame and reinvention. Jason’s history illustrates how public personas can mask inconvenient truths. His boxing catchphrase “I duck and I dive and I always survive” becomes ironic when his survival depends on evading the police.
The cost of loyalty. Jason’s defensiveness may be driven by loyalty to his father Ron, or to old associates. The chapter leaves ambiguous whether he is protecting himself or someone else.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 32 deepens the mystery around Tony Curran’s murder. It introduces a direct link between Jason Ritchie and the victim, placing Jason under suspicion. The Black Bridge photo provides concrete evidence that Jason is lying, giving Chris and Donna a clear lead to pursue. The chapter also expands Jason’s backstory, making him a more three‑dimensional suspect. Finally, the reappearance of Elizabeth and Joyce—and the vodka‑cake joke—maintains the series’ blend of humour and crime.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Chris ask Jason for a photo by the dolphin fountain?
Chris uses the photo session to create a relaxed atmosphere and gain Jason’s cooperation. The setting (natural light) is a pretext; the real purpose is to question him informally.
2. What specific piece of evidence does Chris reveal to challenge Jason’s denial about knowing Tony Curran?
Chris reveals he has seen a photograph taken at the Black Bridge pub showing Jason, Tony Curran, and Bobby Tanner together, with a table covered in money.
3. How does Donna interpret Jason’s request for a copy of the fountain photo?
Donna believes Jason’s request is not for blackmail, but simply a classic move to get her phone number. She decides not to send it, keeping her number private.