American Assassin
Chapter 65
by Flynn, VinceThe chapter follows Mitch Rapp as he arrives at a safe house after a tiring journey. Despite his exhaustion, Rapp adheres to his training, conducting a cautious drive-by and circling the block to ensure security. He parks, enters the building, and climbs to the fifth floor, where he locates the correct apartment using hidden keys. Inside, he finds a suitcase containing Beretta pistols, similar to one from a previous mission, and prepares for rest, though he anticipates Hurley and Richards arriving soon. Rapp’s fatigue is palpable, but he remains disciplined, securing the door and arming himself before collapsing into bed.
Meanwhile, the narrative shifts to Stan Hurley, who is captured and subjected to brutal treatment by unidentified assailants. A hood is placed over his head, reeking of sweat and fear, designed to disorient him. Hurley, defiant even in captivity, taunts his captors after invoking the name Levon Petrosian, a move that temporarily halts his beating. He is shoved into a car, where he continues to resist, provoking his captors with insults and enduring physical retaliation. The scene underscores Hurley’s toughness and his willingness to confront danger head-on.
Hurley’s ordeal escalates as he is transferred to a second car and locked in the trunk, where he nearly suffocates from carbon monoxide fumes. Despite the dire circumstances, he clings to the hope that his colleague Richards might escape. Eventually, he is dragged into a foul-smelling basement, where the hood is replaced with an even more repulsive burlap bag. The environment is clearly intended to break his spirit, but Hurley remains resilient, focusing on shallow breaths and maintaining his mental fortitude amid the sensory assault.
The chapter juxtaposes Rapp’s methodical, weary arrival at the safe house with Hurley’s chaotic and violent capture. Both characters demonstrate their training and resolve, though in vastly different contexts. Rapp’s exhaustion contrasts with Hurley’s adrenaline-fueled defiance, highlighting the unpredictable nature of their work. The tension builds as Rapp prepares for an uncertain rest, while Hurley faces an interrogation that threatens to push him to his limits. The chapter sets the stage for further conflict, leaving readers anticipating the next developments in their intertwined missions.
FAQs
1. What precautions does Rapp take when approaching the safe house, and why are these measures important for his safety?
Answer:
Rapp follows strict surveillance protocols when approaching the safe house: he conducts a drive-by without visibly scrutinizing the building, circles back to check surrounding blocks, and parks discreetly. These measures, drilled into him during training, are designed to avoid drawing attention and to identify potential threats or surveillance. By maintaining operational security, Rapp reduces the risk of ambush or compromise. His exhaustion nearly makes him skip these steps, but discipline overrides fatigue—highlighting the life-or-death stakes of his work (e.g., “these were the precautions that would save his life”).
2. How does the author use sensory details to convey Hurley’s experience during his interrogation, and what effect does this create?
Answer:
The chapter emphasizes smell—the hood reeks of “feces, vomit, snot, and blood” mixed with the “ripe sweat of fear”—to immerse readers in Hurley’s physical and psychological torment. This sensory assault serves dual purposes: it underscores the dehumanizing tactics used to break detainees and amplifies Hurley’s disorientation and dread. The visceral description also contrasts with Hurley’s defiant demeanor, illustrating his resilience amid brutality. The detail about carbon monoxide fumes in the trunk further heightens tension, revealing his fleeting hope for an easier death.
3. Analyze the significance of Rapp’s discovery of the Beretta 92Fs in the suitcase. How does this moment connect to broader themes in the chapter?
Answer:
The suitcase with identical weapons (three Beretta 92Fs, silencers, and magazines) mirrors the one from Istanbul, signaling a systemic, impersonal support network for operatives. This “mystery man or woman” who drops off tools symbolizes the clandestine nature of Rapp’s work—compartmentalized and anonymous. The moment reinforces themes of isolation and institutional secrecy (e.g., Hurley’s “need-to-know” comment). Rapp’s curiosity about the supplier hints at his growing awareness of the shadowy systems he’s part of, even as he remains focused on immediate survival.
4. Contrast Rapp’s and Hurley’s situations in this chapter. How do their respective challenges reflect their roles and personalities?
Answer:
Rapp faces exhaustion and procedural challenges (locating the safe house, securing weapons), showcasing his discipline and adaptability. His struggles are physical but controlled. Hurley, meanwhile, endures violent interrogation, relying on wit and defiance (e.g., taunting his captors, invoking Petrosian’s name). His ordeal highlights the brutal consequences of fieldwork gone wrong. While Rapp’s training guides him, Hurley’s experience fuels his survival—illustrating how operational roles (new recruit vs. seasoned operative) shape responses to crisis. Both scenarios underscore the novel’s exploration of tradecraft under pressure.
5. Why might the author have juxtaposed Rapp’s safe house routine with Hurley’s interrogation in this chapter? What narrative purpose does this serve?
Answer:
The parallel scenes create tension through contrast: Rapp’s methodical actions (checking doors, loading a gun) embody preparation and control, while Hurley’s chaotic interrogation represents vulnerability and unpredictability. This juxtaposition heightens suspense—readers anticipate Hurley’s fate and Rapp’s potential entanglement. It also reinforces the cyclical nature of espionage: Rapp’s present safety (sleeping with a gun) foreshadows future dangers Hurley now faces. Structurally, the shift between perspectives underscores the interconnected risks of their missions, deepening the novel’s exploration of operational stakes.
Quotes
1. “Rapp began to drift off to sleep even though he knew that Hurley and Richards would probably be there in a minute. He figured any sleep was better than none.”
This quote captures Rapp’s exhaustion and the relentless demands of his mission, showing how operatives must function despite extreme fatigue. It reveals the gritty reality of field work where rest is scarce but essential.
2. “The bag they’d placed over his head offered a mix of putrid smells—feces, vomit, snot, and blood all mixed together with the sweat of all the men who had worn it before him… designed to make him pliable to whoever it was who would walk through the door.”
A visceral depiction of psychological torture techniques, this quote underscores the dehumanizing tactics used to break prisoners. It highlights Hurley’s dire situation and the sensory brutality of interrogation.
3. “‘Don’t move, or I will kill you.’… ‘Fuck you.’ The object was jabbed even harder into his side. ‘You shouldn’t talk to a policeman like that.’”
This tense exchange demonstrates Hurley’s defiant character under pressure and the power dynamics at play. The dialogue crackles with danger, showing how even captured operatives maintain psychological resistance.
4. “‘I can’t wait to tell Petrosian about this… the first thing I’m going to do is take that stick of yours and shove it up your ass.’”
Hurley’s bold threat reveals his strategic use of connections (Petrosian) and unbreakable spirit. This moment showcases how experienced operatives leverage psychological warfare even when physically overpowered.