American Assassin
Chapter 28
by Flynn, VinceThe chapter opens with a clandestine meeting at a lakeside house in Virginia, attended by key intelligence figures: 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. The setting underscores the high-stakes nature of their conversation, focusing on an operative named Rapp, whose recent actions have raised eyebrows.
The dialogue centers on Rapp’s unexpected combat prowess, which has left Hurley and others stunned. Hurley reveals his skepticism about Rapp’s background, citing his rapid mastery of Brazilian jujitsu and his ability to overpower seasoned operatives. Kennedy defends Rapp, attributing Hurley’s distrust to personal bias, while Lewis mediates the tension. The debate highlights a clash between Hurley’s aggressive recruitment methods and Lewis’s emphasis on trust-building.
Hurley’s investigation into Rapp’s past adds fuel to the fire. He discloses that Rapp’s martial arts skills far exceed what his claimed background would suggest, casting doubt on his authenticity. Kennedy accuses Hurley of undermining her recruitment efforts, while Stansfield remains a silent observer, weighing the evidence. The confrontation exposes deeper divisions within the team, particularly Hurley’s resistance to non-traditional recruits like Rapp.
The chapter concludes with unresolved tension, as Hurley insists Rapp is an anomaly who warrants further scrutiny. Kennedy dismisses his concerns as misogyny, while Lewis advocates for a balanced approach. Stansfield’s silence hints at his impending decision, leaving the reader anticipating the next steps in Rapp’s evaluation. The chapter effectively sets the stage for a deeper exploration of trust, deception, and the challenges of molding unconventional operatives.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the basement meeting location, and how does its description reflect the nature of the characters’ work?
Answer:
The basement meeting room serves as a surveillance/communications hub, soundproofed with egg-crate foam and equipped with monitors and listening stations. This setting underscores the clandestine, high-stakes nature of the characters’ intelligence work—requiring absolute secrecy and secure communication. Stansfield’s insistence on moving to this space (effectively an order) reinforces his authority and the operational need for discretion. The physical isolation of the room mirrors the psychological isolation inherent in their roles, where trust is carefully measured and information is tightly controlled.
2. Analyze the conflict between Hurley and Kennedy regarding Mitch Rapp’s recruitment. What does this reveal about their differing philosophies on training operatives?
Answer:
Hurley criticizes Rapp’s lack of traditional military/Spec Ops background, favoring recruits with proven combat skills (“knowing how to start a fire with a knife”). Kennedy, however, values Rapp’s urban adaptability and unconventional talent (e.g., Brazilian jujitsu), arguing terrorists operate in cities, not wilderness. Their clash reveals deeper ideological divides: Hurley prioritizes rigid, deception-heavy selection methods to test recruits, while Kennedy (and Lewis) emphasize trust-building first. Hurley’s resentment of Kennedy’s recruit also hints at institutional sexism (“misogynist”), further complicating their dynamic.
3. How does Dr. Lewis’s role in the meeting demonstrate his function within the group, and what does his interaction with Hurley suggest about power dynamics?
Answer:
Lewis acts as both mediator and analyst, using psychological insight (his “all-knowing stare”) to control Hurley’s outbursts. His interruption to provide a “narrative” of Rapp’s actions refocuses the discussion on evidence, not emotion. By challenging Hurley’s deceptive training methods, Lewis advocates for ethical consistency (“strong relationships are built on trust”). His authority—rooted in expertise rather than rank—forces Hurley to grudgingly relent, showing that even abrasive figures like Hurley defer to Lewis’s clinical judgment, albeit reluctantly.
4. Why does Hurley distrust Mitch Rapp, and what flaws exist in his argument about Rapp’s background?
Answer:
Hurley suspects Rapp is a plant due to his rapid mastery of jujitsu and ability to overpower experienced operatives (“you can’t get that good that quick”). However, his skepticism relies on circumstantial evidence (e.g., the dojo story) and ignores Kennedy’s deliberate, two-year recruitment process. His bias against non-military candidates clouds his judgment, as does his refusal to acknowledge Rapp’s potential as an unconventional asset. Kennedy counters that Hurley’s “smell test” is subjective, rooted in his resistance to her influence rather than factual inconsistencies.
5. Evaluate Stansfield’s leadership style based on his actions in this chapter. How does he navigate the tensions among his team?
Answer:
Stansfield exercises quiet but absolute authority, using minimal words (“Doctor.”) to steer discussions. He tolerates debate but intervenes when tensions escalate (“Be more specific”), demanding precision over posturing. By listening silently to Lewis’s account and later pressing Hurley for evidence, he models disciplined analysis. His decision to meet in a secured space also reflects strategic caution. Stansfield balances hierarchical control (his “order” to move downstairs) with measured tolerance for dissent, ensuring operational cohesion without stifling critical dialogue.
Quotes
1. “‘I’m not onboard with your methods of deception.’ […] ‘strong relationships are built on trust. We can work on the deception part later.’”
This quote captures the central ethical debate between Dr. Lewis and Hurley about training methods. Lewis argues for building trust first, while Hurley prioritizes testing recruits through deception—a tension reflecting broader conflicts in intelligence work.
2. “‘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 harsh methods reveals his philosophy of espionage as inherently deceitful. This quote exemplifies the chapter’s exploration of moral compromises in spycraft and the clash between idealism and pragmatism.
3. “‘You did what?’ Kennedy was irked that he had gone behind her back. […] ‘It’s my recruit. I haven’t left a single trail.’”
This exchange highlights Kennedy’s professionalism and Hurley’s rogue tendencies. The quote underscores themes of operational secrecy and territoriality within intelligence agencies, while foreshadowing distrust around Rapp’s background.
4. “‘The kid doesn’t pass the smell test […] You can’t get that good that quick.’”
Hurley’s suspicion about Rapp’s improbable skills introduces the chapter’s mystery element. This quote raises critical questions about Rapp’s true background and sets up future revelations about his capabilities.
5. “‘He’s a misogynist.’ […] ‘I don’t like him because I don’t know who the hell he is.’”
Kennedy’s accusation and Hurley’s rebuttal crystallize their personal and professional conflicts. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s intersecting themes of gender dynamics in intelligence work and the paranoia inherent to vetting operatives.