Contents
Chapter 25
Overview
In the aftermath of Terry’s fall, Bret obsesses over the idea that Robert pushed him and fixates on ominous “Trawler” signs around Debbie and Susan. Debbie confirms silent calls and that a 5th Dimension poster arrived at her house, but she dismisses Bret’s fears, suggests therapy, and leaves for school as Bret emotionally unravels. Terry remains hospitalized and unreachable, keeping the core mystery unresolved.
Summary
Bret spends Sunday haunted by Terry Schaffer’s shattered leg and imagines that Robert pushed Terry off the landing at the party before slipping out unseen. He connects this fantasy to Abigail’s story about Robert’s mother’s fatal fall, seeing a pattern he cannot prove.
Debbie calls with updates: at UCLA, Liz and Debbie fought in the waiting room until Steven Reinhardt took them back to Bel Air. Terry underwent surgery, will face more at Cedars, and no one can see him until the next day. Debbie notes six silent messages on her machine that morning, assuming they were from Bret.
Debbie comes to Bret’s house; they fail to have sex, and Bret brings up Susan and Robert. Debbie admits Susan liked Robert early on and says it “just happened,” adding that Susan told her Bret was in Palm Springs. Bret then asks about a 5th Dimension poster from Debbie’s foyer; she believes it came in household mail, likely from her father, and thought Susan would like it.
Bret interprets the poster and Debbie’s silent calls as part of the Trawler’s pattern. Debbie, unfamiliar with the case, grows alarmed by Bret’s talk and says Susan has been scared by it. Bret considers playing the cassette of Matt’s torture but refrains, realizing the interrogator likely referenced him. Debbie urges Bret to see a mental health professional; Bret insists there’s a timeline proving Robert is dangerous and could harm Susan.
As Debbie doubts his conclusions, Bret’s anxiety spikes. He takes a Valium, breaks down sobbing, and falls asleep while Debbie comforts him. In the morning, Debbie prepares for school, feeds the dog, and leaves, proposing they meet on campus, while Terry remains hospitalized and silent about the fall.
Who Appears
- BretNarrator; obsesses that Robert pushed Terry, links Debbie’s silent calls and a poster to the Trawler; breaks down emotionally.
- Debbie SchafferVisits Bret after her father’s fall; reports hospital chaos, silent calls, and a 5th Dimension poster; doubts Bret and suggests therapy.
- Terry SchafferDebbie’s father; hospitalized with a shattered leg after falling at the party; sedated and unavailable for questions.
- LizDebbie’s mother; drunk at the hospital, fights with Debbie, needs a tranquilizer; taken home by Steven.
- Steven ReinhardtFriend who drives Debbie and Liz from the hospital and helps manage the immediate aftermath.
- Susan ReynoldsDebbie says she liked Robert early and it ‘just happened’; reportedly scared by Bret’s suspicions.
- Robert MallorySubject of Bret’s suspicions; possibly connected in Bret’s mind to Terry’s fall and the Trawler pattern.
- RosaHousekeeper who arrives in the morning as Debbie leaves.
- ShingyBret’s dog; Debbie feeds him while staying over.