Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 86: Eighty-Six
by Larsen, WardThe chapter “Eighty-Six” opens with CIA officer Anna Sorensen traveling through the early spring landscapes of Montana, marveling at the vast, desolate beauty of Big Sky country. After a long journey from Washington, D.C., she follows cryptic directions to a remote ranch, navigating unmarked roads and sparse landmarks. The serene isolation contrasts sharply with her urban origins, and she reflects on the quiet grandeur of the setting before arriving at a modest ranch house, where smoke curls from the chimney and a playground hints at family life.
Sorensen is greeted by Slaton, a former operative now living under a new identity with his wife, Christine, and their son, Davy. Slaton appears healthier and more settled than when she last saw him recovering from injuries. Their conversation reveals his family’s adjustment to their secluded life, with Christine working at a local clinic and Davy adapting to the changes. Slaton acknowledges relying on the CIA’s resettlement program for security but emphasizes his family’s desire for normalcy, despite the lingering threats from their past.
The discussion shifts to global events, particularly the fallout from the Midway incident, which involved North Korea and other international actors. Slaton expresses skepticism about the political aftermath, noting the predictable finger-pointing and lack of substantive change. Sorensen confirms that Park, a key figure in the crisis, has provided valuable intelligence during debriefings. She also informs Slaton that the proceeds from the sale of his boat, Sirius, have been discreetly transferred to his new account, ensuring financial security.
As they walk through the hills, Slaton’s guarded demeanor hints at his unresolved feelings about leaving his former life behind. The chapter closes with an unspoken tension between his desire for peace and the lingering pull of his past, leaving his future intentions ambiguous. The serene Montana setting underscores the contrast between his current tranquility and the chaos he once navigated.
FAQs
1. How does the setting of Montana contribute to the atmosphere and themes of the chapter?
Answer:
The Montana setting establishes a stark contrast between Sorensen’s urban origins and Slaton’s new life of seclusion. The “Big Sky country” imagery emphasizes vastness and isolation, mirroring Slaton’s desire for distance from his past. Descriptions like “the desolation was as absolute as it was inviting” and the “false starts” of spring symbolize renewal and fragility—themes central to Slaton’s attempt at a normal life. The remote ranch, national forest boundaries, and sparse population underscore his prioritization of safety and anonymity, while the serene landscape hints at the tension between peace and lingering threats.2. What evidence suggests Slaton and his family are still grappling with the aftermath of their past experiences?
Answer:
Despite the idyllic setting, Slaton’s caution persists: he carries a concealed weapon (“noticeable bump beneath his jacket”), monitors his family’s safety (“as close as Christine will allow”), and relies on CIA-constructed identities. His son Davy has “awkward questions” and “bad dreams,” indicating residual trauma. Christine’s compromise—working limited shifts at a clinic with Davy nearby—reflects a struggle between normalcy and vigilance. Slaton’s remark about security details making Christine feel “like a prisoner” reveals ongoing psychological impacts, while his avoidance of news suggests disengagement from a world that still poses risks.3. Analyze the significance of Sorensen’s observation about Slaton’s improved physical appearance compared to their last meeting.
Answer:
Sorensen notes Slaton looks “far better” than when she last saw him wounded at Osan Air Base, with no five-day shadow, a haircut, and outdoor-appropriate clothing. This transformation symbolizes his transition from a fugitive or operative to a settled family man. The detail about his wife (a physician) avoiding hospitalization underscores self-reliance and familial support. His healthier appearance aligns with the chapter’s themes of healing and reinvention, yet the juxtaposition with his concealed weapon subtly undermines the facade of complete normalcy, hinting at unresolved dangers.4. How does the chapter use dialogue to reveal Slaton’s conflicted feelings about his new life?
Answer:
Slaton’s terse responses—like “Never better” and deflection when asked if he’ll miss “the running”—mask complexity. His pragmatic discussion of security (“we’re relying pretty heavily on the identities you gave us”) contrasts with Christine’s insistence on normalcy, revealing his internal negotiation between protection and freedom. The sarcastic remark about the CIA not admitting foreknowledge of past events shows lingering resentment, while his silence about missing his past life suggests unresolved adaptation. The walk invitation avoids introspection, implying he avoids dwelling on losses.5. What role does irony play in the chapter, particularly regarding the idea of “paradise”?
Answer:
The town name “Paradise, Montana” is ironic—Sorensen muses on its perfection, yet it’s where she misses a turn, foreshadowing the imperfect reality of Slaton’s sanctuary. His ranch, while peaceful, requires armed vigilance and fabricated identities, undermining the paradise ideal. The “play date with a girl” amuses Sorensen, but the trampoline’s practicality (keeping Davy safe nearby) underscores hidden calculations. Even the early spring, a symbol of hope, is undercut by warnings of a “late cold front,” mirroring Slaton’s precarious balance between renewal and lurking threats.
Quotes
1. “The desolation was as absolute as it was inviting. They called it Big Sky country, and she could see why. The blue dome above seemed cast through a fish-eye lens, the high popcorn clouds untouchable.”
This vivid description of Montana’s landscape captures the chapter’s atmospheric setting and Sorensen’s awe at the contrast between this remote wilderness and her urban origins. The imagery establishes the thematic tension between isolation and freedom.
2. “She stood and listened for a time, stunned by the silence. Then the sensation came again—the same one she’d had standing between twin fountains at Frankfurt’s Alte Oper.”
This moment highlights Sorensen’s acute awareness of her surroundings and serves as a subtle callback to previous operations. The silence becomes a character itself, foreshadowing Slaton’s stealthy approach and their shared history of covert work.
3. “‘She wants a normal life. She wants to get out and work, have a social life for her and Davy—maybe even one for me.’”
Slaton’s revelation about his family’s desires encapsulates the central conflict of their new existence - the struggle between security and normalcy after a life of danger. This quote reveals the human cost of their past and their hopeful yet precarious attempt at reinvention.
4. “‘The bottom line—there’s a lot of finger-pointing going on around the world, but nothing much has changed.’”
This cynical assessment of geopolitical fallout serves as both a commentary on real-world politics and a thematic statement about the cyclical nature of conflict. It underscores the futility Slaton feels after his sacrifices, while also validating his decision to withdraw from intelligence work.
5. “His eyes went to the horizon. ‘Will you miss it?’ she asked. ‘The sailing?’ ‘The running.’”
This exchange represents a pivotal character moment, revealing Slaton’s unspoken attachment to his former life through Sorensen’s perceptive questioning. The horizon gaze and loaded silence speak volumes about his internal conflict between past and present identities.