American Assassin
Chapter 20
by Flynn, VinceThe chapter opens with a clandestine meeting at a lakeside house in Virginia, attended by Kennedy, Deputy Director Stansfield, and Hurley. Stansfield’s bodyguards remain outside as the group moves to a soundproof basement room equipped for surveillance and communications. The tense atmosphere sets the stage for a discussion about Mitch Rapp, a recruit whose exceptional skills have raised eyebrows. Hurley, visibly bruised from an earlier encounter with Rapp, expresses frustration over Rapp’s lack of military background, while Kennedy defends her recruit, highlighting his potential.
The conflict escalates as Hurley and Kennedy clash over Rapp’s suitability. Hurley argues that Rapp’s rapid mastery of combat skills is suspicious, suggesting he may not be who he claims to be. He reveals that Rapp dominated a dojo in Arlington within months, a feat Hurley finds implausible. Kennedy dismisses Hurley’s concerns as biased, accusing him of undermining her recruitment efforts. Stansfield remains silent, observing the debate, while Lewis, the therapist, attempts to mediate, emphasizing the importance of trust over deception in training.
Hurley defends his harsh training methods, insisting they are necessary to weed out unqualified candidates. He criticizes Kennedy for recruiting Rapp, whom he views as an amateur unfit for their high-stakes operations. Kennedy counters by mocking Hurley’s traditionalist approach, arguing that urban counterterrorism requires different skills than wilderness survival. The exchange grows increasingly personal, with Kennedy accusing Hurley of misogyny and Hurley questioning her judgment. Lewis interjects, urging a focus on facts rather than emotions, but the tension remains unresolved.
The chapter concludes with Stansfield finally intervening, demanding clarity on Rapp’s background. Hurley admits he lacks concrete evidence but insists Rapp’s abilities are too advanced for his claimed experience. Kennedy stands firm, attributing Hurley’s skepticism to resentment over her role in recruiting Rapp. The unresolved conflict leaves Rapp’s future in the program uncertain, setting the stage for further scrutiny and potential revelations about his true capabilities and origins.
FAQs
1. What is the primary conflict between Hurley and Lewis/Kennedy regarding their training methods for recruits?
Answer:
The central conflict revolves around Hurley’s use of deception in the selection process versus Lewis and Kennedy’s emphasis on building trust. Hurley argues that deception is essential to quickly identify capable operatives, stating, “We deceive people…they have no business signing up with us.” Conversely, Lewis emphasizes that strong relationships must be built on trust first, with deception skills developed later. Kennedy further challenges Hurley’s traditional Special Forces training approach, mocking its relevance to urban counterterrorism. This ideological clash reflects deeper tensions about recruitment philosophy and operational priorities within their organization.2. How does Rapp’s performance challenge Hurley’s assumptions about recruitment criteria?
Answer:
Rapp, a college student with no military background, outperforms seasoned operatives—first by besting Hurley in combat (leaving him with facial bruising) and then by severely injuring instructor Victor (“three titanium pins in his arm”). This contradicts Hurley’s belief that only Special Forces/Spec Ops veterans (“the best of the best”) are suitable, as Rapp demonstrates superior close-quarters combat skills despite lacking conventional training. Hurley’s discovery that Rapp lied about his martial arts experience further unsettles him, though Kennedy views Rapp’s adaptability as an asset. This forces a reevaluation of what truly predicts operational success.3. Analyze the significance of the physical setting (the basement room) in this chapter.
Answer:
The soundproof basement communications room symbolizes the secrecy and compartmentalization of their work. Its egg-crate foam walls and bolted door create a literal and metaphorical barrier against external scrutiny, emphasizing the clandestine nature of their discussions. Stansfield’s unspoken order to move there (“It was not a suggestion”) reinforces hierarchy, while the room’s surveillance equipment underscores their dual roles as watchers and watched. The confined space heightens interpersonal tensions during the debate, mirroring the psychological pressure of their profession. This setting physically manifests the isolation and paranoia inherent in intelligence operations.4. Why does Hurley’s investigation into Rapp’s background create conflict with Kennedy?
Answer:
Hurley’s unauthorized contact with Rapp’s sensei violates protocol and undermines Kennedy’s meticulous recruitment process (“I haven’t left a single trail”). By discovering Rapp had concealed advanced martial arts training, Hurley implies Kennedy failed proper vetting, while Kennedy accuses him of misogyny and overreach (“It’s my recruit”). This breach of trust exacerbates existing tensions: Kennedy sees it as sabotage of her judgment, while Hurley frames it as necessary due diligence. The incident reveals competing priorities—Kennedy values operational secrecy, whereas Hurley prioritizes eliminating uncertainty, even at the cost of interpersonal friction.5. Evaluate the chapter’s portrayal of institutional distrust. How do characters demonstrate it?
Answer:
Distrust permeates multiple levels: Hurley doubts Rapp’s authenticity (“doesn’t pass the smell test”), Kennedy suspects Hurley’s motives (“He’s a misogynist”), and even Stansfield’s bodyguards are conditioned to “be selective about what they remembered.” Lewis mediates these tensions, but the group’s inability to reconcile Hurley’s deception-based methods with Kennedy’s relationship-building approach shows systemic dysfunction. Notably, Rapp’s concealed skills mirror the organization’s own culture of secrecy, suggesting distrust is both a professional tool and a liability. This dynamic raises critical questions about whether such an environment can sustainably develop effective operatives.
Quotes
1. “Stansfield suggested in his typical quiet way that they all adjourn to the basement. It was not a suggestion. It was an order.”
This quote introduces Stansfield’s authoritative leadership style and sets the tone for the clandestine meeting. The contrast between his quiet demeanor and unyielding command underscores the gravity of their discussion.
2. “‘I’m not onboard with your methods of deception.’ […] ‘strong relationships are built on trust. We can work on the deception part later.’”
Dr. Lewis challenges Hurley’s training philosophy, highlighting a core tension in intelligence work: balancing operational deception with internal trust. This debate reflects broader ethical dilemmas in espionage training programs.
3. “‘This is selection, not training… We deceive people. If these kids don’t understand that, they have no business signing up with us.’”
Hurley’s blunt defense of his methods encapsulates the ruthless pragmatism of intelligence operations. This quote crystallizes his worldview that deception is fundamental to the profession, not just a tactical tool.
4. “‘You can’t get that good that quick.’ […] ‘the kid isn’t who he says he is.’”
Hurley’s suspicion about Rapp’s improbable skills introduces the chapter’s central mystery. This quote plants seeds of doubt about the protagonist’s background while showcasing the paranoid mindset essential to counterintelligence work.
5. “‘He doesn’t like him because he’s my recruit.’ […] ‘He’s a misogynist.’”
Kennedy’s accusation reveals interpersonal tensions beneath the professional debate. This moment exposes gender dynamics in the male-dominated intelligence community and personal biases affecting operational decisions.