Chapter Twenty-Nine Summary: The Interrogation Scene

⚠️ 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

Declan is seated across from Roy Harrison, an IAU investigator, and Captain Carmen Saffi, along with his silent union rep. Harrison openly accuses Declan of planting evidence in the Lucero case and now murdering David Morrow. Declan fires back, suggesting Harrison fed information to Denise Morrow for her book and may be in collusion with her. He points to Harrison’s phone number in Morrow’s notes as evidence. Harrison denies everything and escalates the confrontation.

Saffi interjects, asking for Declan’s alibi on the murder night (Friday, November 10, 8:30–9:30 PM). Internally, Declan remembers he was at the subway platform under the Museum of Natural History, contemplating suicide. He cannot reveal this, so he claims he was walking in the park near the museum. Harrison mocks the alibi.

A CSU tech enters with a blood-testing kit. Saffi offers Declan a choice: voluntarily give a blood sample to compare with blood found on Morrow’s door, or be held on suspicion and have blood taken by warrant. Declan’s rep advises him to consent. After a moment, Declan agrees.

The tech draws blood and performs a rapid test, revealing Declan’s type is A positive. Harrison notes that matches the blood on Morrow’s door. Declan counters that Denise Morrow’s blood also matched her husband’s initially, until DNA proved otherwise. Saffi orders a DNA test.

Declan then accuses Denise of framing him, noting he donates blood at Mercy Hospital—the same hospital where her husband worked. Harrison scoffs at the idea that she could access his blood. Declan insists she has the money to do so.

Harrison demands Declan be charged. Saffi refuses, warning that premature charges would create a media nightmare and help Denise’s defense. She decides to recommend Declan be removed from the case, telling him he is creating reasonable doubt. Declan protests but is overruled. Harrison gives a parting insult, calling the remaining cops “real cops.”

Key Events

Declan is interrogated by Harrison and Saffi.
Declan accuses Harrison of colluding with Denise Morrow.
Saffi asks for Declan’s alibi; he gives a vague account.
Declan consents to a blood draw; his blood type A positive matches the crime scene blood.
Saffi orders a DNA test.
Declan suggests Denise obtained his blood from Mercy Hospital.
Saffi removes Declan from the investigation.
Harrison mocks Declan.

Character Development

Declan Shaw: Reveals his vulnerability by hiding his suicidal thoughts. He remains defiant but trapped, forced into giving blood. His quick thinking about the hospital shows his investigative mind, but his credibility is damaged by conflicting alibis.
Roy Harrison: Relentless and smug; he appears convinced of Declan’s guilt and enjoys the confrontation. He shows no sympathy and uses every opportunity to belittle Declan.
Carmen Saffi: Portrayed as procedural and cautious. She tries to maintain control, giving Declan a choice, but also shows bias by allowing Harrison’s jibes. Her decision to remove Declan is pragmatic, aimed at protecting the case.
Union rep: Almost silent, only speaking once to advise Declan to give blood, highlighting his irrelevance.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Secrecy and Isolation: Declan cannot reveal his true alibi (suicidal thoughts) because it would destroy his reputation. This forces him into a weak position.
Blood as Evidence: The blood test symbolically connects Declan to the crime. The motif of biological evidence recurs; earlier, blood on the door was key. Now Declan’s own blood becomes a potential trap.
Framing and Paranoia: The chapter emphasizes the theme of being framed. Declan believes Denise Morrow orchestrated the evidence. Harrison believes Declan is guilty. The truth remains elusive.
Power Dynamics: Harrison uses his IAU authority to pressure Declan, while Saffi holds the ultimate power to remove him from the case. Declan’s powerlessness is palpable.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 29 is a turning point where the investigation turns against Declan. Blood evidence directly ties him to the crime, forcing him from the case. The revelation that he was suicidal adds depth to his character and raises stakes. The chapter also sets up a potential conflict between Declan and Harrison, as well as Declan’s need to clear his name while under suspicion.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Declan lie about his alibi for the night of the murder?
Declan was actually standing on a subway platform contemplating suicide. He cannot admit this because it would reveal his mental state and make him appear unstable, which would further damage his credibility as a detective.
What evidence does Declan present to suggest that Internal Affairs investigator Roy Harrison might be biased?
Declan claims that Harrison’s phone number appears in Denise Morrow’s notes, implying that Harrison provided her with information about Declan’s past cases. Declan also questions whether Harrison was paid by Morrow.
Why does Captain Saffi remove Declan from the case rather than charging him?
Saffi wants to avoid a premature charge that could be exploited by Denise Morrow’s defense team, creating reasonable doubt and a media scandal. Removing Declan allows the investigation to continue without him being a distraction.