Contents
Chapter 23
Overview
Abigail Mallory secretly meets Bret to address his suspicions about Robert. She confirms Robert dated Katherine Latchford and hid it after her disappearance, describes his breakdowns, hang-up calls, and letters, and outlines family turmoil: the dubious circumstances of his mother’s death and a stepsister’s accusation that led to a Jacksonville facility. Bret counters with accusations about Matt and warns he fears for Susan.
Summary
On Wednesday morning, Bret retrieves a voicemail from Abigail Mallory, Robert’s aunt, asking to meet privately. Bret calls back and agrees to see her after school at La Scala in Beverly Hills.
At La Scala, Abby explains Robert told her Bret “went after him” the previous night. She disputes rumors about Thorazine, says Robert takes a benzodiazepine, and begins sketching Robert’s background: his mother Carol’s fatal fall labeled an accident despite lingering doubts, earlier drug use and threats, and his father William’s growing fear. She mentions rumors about neighborhood pets and says Robert once appeared catatonic.
Abby recounts that after Carol’s death Robert lived briefly with William, stepmother Diane, and stepsister Ashley until an alleged “incident” with Ashley and Robert’s overdose precipitated a four‑and‑a‑half‑month placement at a Jacksonville facility. She insists Robert isn’t violent, asking Bret to be careful with his accusations.
Abby then confirms Robert was at The Shining in May 1980 with Katherine Latchford. After Kathy’s disappearance, Robert felt followed, received silent calls and anonymous letters, and denied leaving the “Madness” poster Kathy received. He didn’t tell police about seeing her, fearing suspicion given his problems. The stalking sensations returned during later visits to L.A.
Bret presses time lines linking Robert’s presence in L.A. to victims, which Abby resists; she hasn’t tracked the other cases. When Bret demands Chicago specifics, Abby describes Ashley’s accusation and the ensuing family response. The conversation escalates as Bret accuses Robert of involvement in Matt Kellner’s death, the mutilated cat, and other crimes, and references a Benedict Canyon house where Robert keeps things. Abby pleads for understanding and suggests Bret befriend Robert.
Shaken and sweating, Bret agrees only superficially. He ends by stating he’s worried about what Robert might do to Susan Reynolds.
Who Appears
- BretNarrator; meets Abby, probes Robert’s past, asserts incriminating time lines, accuses Robert over Matt, and expresses fear for Susan.
- Abigail (Abby) MalloryRobert’s aunt; secretly meets Bret, reveals family history, Kathy link, stalking claims, Jacksonville stay, and urges Bret to befriend Robert.
- Robert MallorySubject of the meeting; alleged stalking victim, dated Kathy Latchford, family turmoil, stepsister accusation, Jacksonville treatment; vehemently disputed by Bret.
- Katherine (Kathy) LatchfordFirst Trawler victim; briefly dated Robert and saw The Shining with him; received unsettling calls and a poster before disappearing.
- William MalloryRobert’s father; doubted Carol’s ‘accident,’ believed rumors about Robert, acted on Ashley’s accusation, pushed Jacksonville placement.
- CarolRobert’s mother; died from a fall deemed accidental amid inconsistencies; her death preceded Robert’s deterioration.
- AshleyRobert’s twelve-year-old stepsister; accused Robert of sexual misconduct, triggering family crisis and his institutionalization.
- DianeRobert’s stepmother; part of the household during Ashley’s accusation and supported sending Robert to the facility.
- Susan ReynoldsBret’s friend and Thom’s girlfriend; object of Robert’s interest; Bret fears she may be in danger.