Chapter 70 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
Pru Jackson arrives in Ricketts in heavy disguise—overweight, graying hair, oxygen tank—and begins observing the government building. She watches Eric King exit his van using a ramp and wheelchair. Soon Mercedes King (Anne Cassidy) arrives in a silver Porsche Cayenne. Jackson notes her distinctive walk and voice, confirming the identity with what Devine told her. Fighting anger, she photographs Mercedes's license plate and hacks the DMV to get the Kings' home address. Driving to the secluded house, she strips off the disguise, dons black, and sweeps the property for security. Finding an exposed corridor near the gas line, she plants a device under the dirt and restores the grass. Returning to town, she follows Mercedes to a restaurant. Still in disguise, Jackson uses a walker and requests a seat near the bathroom, which gives her a clear view of Mercedes and a suited man named Nick. Using a hidden listening device, she overhears their conversation. Nick speaks of gaining followers and eliminating choice once in power. Mercedes comments on transitioning regimes. Jackson burns with rage but maintains her cover. Later, Mercedes notices her but does not recognize her. She gives Jackson a card, and Jackson leaves, vowing revenge.
Key Events
- Pru Jackson surveils the government building in disguise, spotting Eric King and Mercedes King.
- She hacks the DMV to obtain the Kings' home address and drives there.
- She changes out of disguise, finds a camera gap, and plants a device near the gas line at the Kings' house.
- She follows Mercedes to a restaurant, uses an elaborate cover story to get a booth with a view, and activates a listening device.
- Overheard conversation: Nick tells Mercedes that once in power, supporters become followers with no choice; Mercedes discusses regime transitions.
- Mercedes briefly studies Jackson but dismisses her as a tourist.
- Jackson receives Mercedes's business card and leaves, nursing her revenge plan.
Character Development
- Pru Jackson: Demonstrates extreme patience and skill in disguise, surveillance, and infiltration. Her emotional control is tested—she clenches her fists upon hearing Mercedes's voice—but she channels anger into methodical preparation. The chapter deepens her resolve and highlights her willingness to go beyond Devine's request by planting a device for her own purposes.
- Mercedes King (Anne Cassidy): Shown as confident, dismissive, and engaged in high-level political maneuvering with Nick. Her hoarse voice and swaggering walk make her recognizable. She is cautious enough to notice Jackson but not paranoid enough to see through the disguise.
- Nick: An unnamed political figure who advocates ruthless consolidation of power. His words reveal a willingness to suppress dissent once in charge, aligning with the book's themes of authoritarianism.
- Eric King: Briefly seen handling his wheelchair with vigor; his military-grade equipment hints at his role and resources.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Disguise and Deception: Jackson’s elaborate costume (oxygen tank, walker, baggy clothes) symbolizes the lengths she will go to remain unseen. The disguise allows her to become a “nonentity,” which is precisely the power of invisibility.
- Surveillance vs. Human Eyes: Jackson notes that electronic cameras are reliable and cannot be blackmailed, contrasting with fallible human guards. This motif reinforces the high-tech, spy-thriller atmosphere.
- Power and Coercion: Nick’s statement that followers “will have no choice” once the leader holds “all the guns” directly echoes historical authoritarian strategies. The conversation frames the coming conflict as one of freedom versus control.
- Revenge as Fuel: Jackson’s inner rage (“God help you, Anne, when I’m done with you”) drives her actions, showing that personal vendetta motivates her as much as professional duty.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter advances the plot by placing Jackson directly in the Kings’ orbit. Her planting of a device at the house sets up potential for future sabotage or intel gathering. The overheard conversation with Nick provides key insight into the political conspiracy threatening the town—and potentially the nation. Jackson’s independent action (not just snooping for Devine but adding “a little personal touch”) raises the stakes and aligns her personal mission with the larger investigation. The restaurant scene also establishes that Mercedes may be more perceptive than she appears, though she fails to unmask Jackson.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Jackson plant the device at the Kings’ house rather than just surveil it?
Jackson wants to add a personal touch to Devine’s assignment. She feels anger toward Mercedes and plans to use the device to later harm the couple, likely by triggering a gas explosion. This shows her revenge motive is superseding her professional caution.
2. What does Nick’s comment about followers versus supporters reveal about the political plan?
Nick indicates that once in power, he will rely on force (guns) to compel obedience, eliminating the need for voluntary supporters. This reveals an authoritarian, coercive strategy where dissent is punished, and citizens become followers out of fear.
3. How does Jackson’s disguise succeed and nearly fail in the restaurant?
The disguise succeeds because Mercedes does not recognize her and even offers a business card. It nearly fails when Mercedes stares at Jackson for a moment, but Jackson’s feigned difficulty with her fork convinces Mercedes she is just a clumsy old woman. The close call underscores Jackson’s skill but also the constant risk of exposure.