Alex Stern, #2
Hell Bent
by Leigh Bardugo
Contents
Chapter 16
Overview
After confronting Darlington’s parents, Alex and Dawes recommit to rescuing Darlington and plan to infiltrate the Peabody basement, possibly with Turner’s help and using a tempest to disable security. Alex then canvasses Mercy and Lauren about Dean Beekman, uncovering hints of departmental jealousy and probing a possible link to Marjorie Stephen.
The chapter cements their next investigative steps and raises motives around Beekman, while Mercy demands Lethe deliver justice.
Summary
Driving from Black Elm, Dawes panics about legal fallout from Darlington’s parents. Alex, informed by the grandfather’s memories, insists the parents lack real power and avoid scrutiny, and that they may try to seize Black Elm if they learn Darlington is missing. Both agree the solution is to bring Darlington back.
They set their next move: access the Peabody Museum basement despite renovations and cameras, using Dawes’s tempest to disrupt electronics. Alex pushes to involve Turner for records; Dawes hesitates, but they agree to keep going—“to hell and back.”
On campus, Alex receives payment from Oddman and joins Mercy and Lauren in the dining hall, where the mood is subdued after Dean Beekman’s murder. Mercy, who knew Beekman and his wife, recalls his kindness and their two daughters. Alex gently probes for angles without revealing Lethe’s role.
Mercy recounts English faculty belittling Beekman as style over substance, suggesting professional jealousy. Alex notes potential motive while considering links to psychiatrist Marjorie Stephen. Mercy, realizing the societies may be involved, demands Alex and Lethe stop whoever is responsible.
Who Appears
- Alex SternReassures Dawes, commits to rescuing Darlington, proposes Peabody break-in and involving Turner, probes Beekman’s background with Mercy and Lauren.
- Pamela DawesAnxious about legal exposure; agrees to continue; suggests Peabody basement; has a tempest to disable electronics; wary of involving Turner.
- MercyGrieves Beekman; shares his kindness, family details, and accounts of English faculty jealousy; urges Alex to deliver justice.
- LaurenGrieving friend; argues for keeping Halloween plans as a morale boost; present during discussion of Beekman.