American Assassin
Chapter 25
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, emphasizing the secrecy of the discussion. The group moves to a soundproof basement room equipped with surveillance technology, where Stansfield takes charge, signaling the gravity of the conversation. The setting underscores the high-stakes nature of their work, with strict protocols to ensure confidentiality and control.
The focus shifts to a heated debate about Mitch Rapp, a recruit who has demonstrated exceptional skills but raised suspicions. Hurley, visibly injured from an encounter with Rapp, expresses frustration over Rapp’s lack of military background yet remarkable combat abilities. Lewis, the therapist, advocates for trust-building in training, while Hurley defends his aggressive methods, arguing that deception is inherent to their work. The tension highlights a clash between Hurley’s pragmatic approach and Lewis’s emphasis on psychological integrity.
Kennedy and Hurley’s conflict escalates as she mocks his traditional recruitment criteria, suggesting urban counterterrorism requires different skills than wilderness survival. Hurley retaliates by revealing his investigation into Rapp’s background, claiming Rapp’s rapid mastery of Brazilian jujitsu is suspicious. Kennedy accuses Hurley of undermining her authority, as she has spent years vetting Rapp without leaving traces. The exchange reveals deeper tensions about trust, methodology, and gender dynamics within the team.
Stansfield, growing impatient, demands clarity about Rapp’s background. Hurley insists Rapp’s abilities are too advanced for his claimed experience, hinting at potential deception. Kennedy dismisses Hurley’s concerns as bias against her recruitment. The chapter ends unresolved, with Stansfield poised to intervene, leaving the reader questioning Rapp’s true allegiances and the team’s ability to reconcile their differences. The confrontation sets the stage for further scrutiny of Rapp’s past and the team’s operational philosophies.
FAQs
1. What are the key conflicts between Hurley and Kennedy regarding Mitch Rapp’s recruitment and training?
Answer:
The primary conflict centers on Hurley’s skepticism about Rapp’s background versus Kennedy’s defense of her recruit. Hurley argues Rapp’s rapid martial arts proficiency (“throttled everybody in the dojo within a month and a half”) suggests deception, while Kennedy dismisses this as Hurley’s bias against her judgment (calling him a “misogynist”). Additionally, Hurley criticizes Rapp’s lack of military/Spec Ops experience, whereas Kennedy counters that urban counterterrorism requires different skills than wilderness survival. Their clash also involves methodology: Hurley favors aggressive deception during training, while Kennedy and Dr. Lewis emphasize trust-building first.2. How does Dr. Lewis mediate the tension in the meeting, and what does his approach reveal about his role?
Answer:
Dr. Lewis acts as a mediator by controlling the narrative and shutting down Hurley’s interruptions (“with an open palm”). His therapeutic background is evident when he uses nonverbal cues (an “all-knowing stare”) to silence Hurley, later emphasizing trust-building over deception. Lewis focuses on facts, recounting Rapp’s takedown of Victor and identifying Rapp’s Brazilian jujitsu style analytically. His role bridges operational pragmatism (acknowledging Rapp’s skills) and psychological insight, attempting to reconcile Hurley’s abrasive methods with Kennedy’s strategic vision.3. Analyze Stansfield’s leadership style based on his actions in the chapter.
Answer:
Stansfield exemplifies quiet authority. He issues indirect yet unambiguous commands (the basement adjournment “was not a suggestion”), listens silently to debates, and intervenes only for clarity (“Be more specific”). His reserved demeanor contrasts with Hurley’s volatility, reflecting a preference for structured deliberation. By keeping his bodyguards outside (“selective about what they remembered”), he demonstrates operational secrecy. His leadership prioritizes information control and measured decisions, as seen when he withholds judgment until all perspectives (Kennedy’s defense, Hurley’s suspicions) are aired.4. What does Hurley’s investigation into Rapp’s dojo reveal about his concerns, and are they valid?
Answer:
Hurley’s visit to the dojo reveals his deep suspicion of Rapp’s unexplained competence. He discovers Rapp lied about having “almost no experience” yet defeated seasoned practitioners rapidly—a progression Hurley deems implausible (“you can’t get that good that quick”). While his concerns about operational security (potential infiltration) are valid, his bias is evident: he dismisses Kennedy’s recruitment criteria and fixates on physical prowess over other aptitudes. The investigation underscores his distrust of non-traditional recruits but also highlights his proactive, albeit intrusive, vetting methods.5. How does the chapter use physical descriptions to underscore power dynamics?
Answer:
Physical details symbolize authority and tension. Stansfield’s loosened tie and seated position at the table’s head denote his rank, while Hurley’s “dark purple” bruises from Rapp visibly undermine his credibility. The soundproof basement (“egg-carton-gray foam”) mirrors the secrecy of their discussions. Rapp’s off-screen actions—breaking Victor’s elbow with “three titanium pins”—loom large, illustrating his disruptive potential. Kennedy’s folded arms and “contemptuous” tone contrast with Hurley’s defensive scowls, reinforcing their ideological clash through body language. These descriptions externalize the group’s conflicts and hierarchies.
Quotes
1. “‘I’m not onboard with your methods of deception.’ […] ‘Again, strong relationships are built on trust. We can work on the deception part later.’”
This quote captures the central conflict between Lewis and Hurley regarding training methods. It highlights the ethical debate about whether deception should be used in training recruits, with Lewis advocating for trust-building first.
2. “‘This is selection, and besides, this is what we do for a living. We deceive people. If these kids don’t understand that, they have no business signing up with us.’”
Hurley’s blunt defense of his harsh training methods reveals the ruthless pragmatism of intelligence work. This quote represents the “ends justify the means” philosophy in spycraft and the chapter’s exploration of what makes an effective operative.
3. “‘You did what?’ Kennedy was irked that he had gone behind her back. […] ‘It’s my recruit. I have worked almost two years on bringing him in, and I haven’t left a single trail.’”
This exchange shows the tension between Kennedy and Hurley about operational boundaries and recruit ownership. It demonstrates the professional rivalries and territorial behavior within intelligence operations.
4. “‘The kid doesn’t pass the smell test. His sensei says he came in three months ago and claimed he had almost no experience. Within a month and a half he had throttled everybody in the dojo except the sensei.’”
This revelation about Rapp’s suspiciously rapid combat skills introduces the chapter’s mystery element. It raises questions about Rapp’s true background and serves as a turning point in the discussion about his suitability.
5. “‘I’m not sure. I’m just telling you he doesn’t pass the smell test. You can’t get that good that quick.’”
Hurley’s persistent doubts about Rapp’s background encapsulate the chapter’s central tension. This quote represents the intelligence community’s inherent suspicion and the importance of vetting in covert operations.