Black House
Chapter 20
by Straub, Stephen King and PeterJack Sawyer receives a frantic call from Fred Marshall, whose wife Judy has been disturbed by a disturbing tape sent by the Fisherman, the serial killer targeting children in French Landing. The tape features the Fisherman taunting Judy with Tyler’s screams and a mocking, accented voice, pushing her into a state of distress. Jack, already en route to the hospital, lies to Fred about his reasons for going, aiming to investigate the tape himself. Fred reveals he inadvertently shared details with reporter Wendell Green, complicating the situation. Jack’s priority is to secure the tape and analyze it for clues, hoping it might reveal the killer’s identity or motives.
The chapter highlights Jack’s reliance on his friend Henry Leyden, whose acute hearing could decipher nuances in the Fisherman’s voice. Though Jack doubts the killer would be easily identifiable, he trusts Henry to detect subtle patterns or historical hints. Meanwhile, Henry is preoccupied with radio ads, humorously downplaying his role. Jack’s urgency is palpable as he speeds to the hospital, reflecting his growing sense that events are accelerating and converging around Judy Marshall. The Fisherman’s deliberate targeting of Judy and Jack suggests a deeper, more personal confrontation ahead.
Fred’s emotional breakdown during the call underscores the toll the Fisherman’s actions have taken on the Marshall family. The tape’s contents—Tyler’s cries and the killer’s boastful threats—reveal a sadistic mind reveling in terror. Jack’s calm demeanor contrasts with Fred’s despair, emphasizing his role as a stabilizing force. The chapter also critiques institutional negligence, as hospital staff allowed Judy to hear the tape unchecked, exacerbating her trauma. Jack’s determination to retrieve the tape and collaborate with Henry underscores his methodical approach to the investigation.
The chapter builds tension by intertwining personal and procedural stakes. Jack’s lie to Fred hints at his protective instincts, while Wendell Green’s involvement introduces media scrutiny as a complicating factor. Henry’s lighthearted interlude provides brief respite, but the focus remains on the Fisherman’s escalating brutality. The narrative suggests Judy’s connection to the Territories and Jack’s role in the unfolding mystery are pivotal, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their intertwined fates in the chapters to come.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the tape Judy Marshall receives, and how does it affect her?
Answer:
The tape sent to Judy Marshall is a cruel message from the Fisherman, taunting her about her son Tyler’s captivity. It features Tyler screaming and crying, followed by the Fisherman boasting about future murders in a distorted accent. This sends Judy into extreme distress, causing her to become agitated and violent, necessitating restraints. The tape’s psychological torture exacerbates her fragile mental state, highlighting the Fisherman’s sadistic methods and the personal targeting of the Marshall family. Fred Marshall’s anguish over the hospital’s negligence in screening the tape underscores the institutional failures compounding their trauma.2. How does Jack Sawyer’s interaction with Fred Marshall reveal his investigative approach and personal qualities?
Answer:
Jack demonstrates empathy and strategic thinking during his call with Fred. He lies about already heading to the hospital to placate Fred, showing pragmatism in crisis management. His focus on extracting details about the tape (e.g., the accent, Tyler’s screams) reflects his analytical mindset. Jack’s reassurance and promise to follow up reveal his reliability and compassion. Notably, he prioritizes Judy’s trust and shields sensitive information (e.g., Tyler’s cap) from Wendell Green, illustrating his discretion and understanding of the case’s stakes.3. Analyze the Fisherman’s behavior on the tape. What might his accent and phrasing suggest about his character or motives?
Answer:
The Fisherman’s exaggerated accent (“Dere vill be morrr mur-derts”) and mocking tone (“Choo-dee”) suggest performative cruelty. His choice to mimic a foreign inflection could imply a desire to disguise his identity or amplify fear through exoticism. The phrasing (“harvested like wheat”) dehumanizes victims, reflecting a sociopathic detachment. Jack speculates the accent is a deliberate tactic, as the Fisherman revels in terrorizing Judy rather than concealing himself. This theatricality aligns with his pattern of taunting authorities and families, emphasizing his narcissism and need for control.4. Why is Henry Leyden’s role in the investigation unique, and what does Jack hope to achieve by involving him?
Answer:
Henry Leyden’s exceptional auditory skills make him invaluable. Jack trusts Henry to detect nuances in the Fisherman’s voice—such as historical or psychological clues—that others might miss. Henry’s ability to compare the 911 tape and Judy’s tape could confirm whether the same perpetrator made both recordings. His involvement blends scientific analysis (voice patterns) with intuitive insight, bridging rational and unconventional investigative methods. Jack’s reliance on Henry underscores the theme of collaboration and the importance of specialized expertise in solving supernatural or complex crimes.5. How does Wendell Green’s intrusion complicate the investigation, and what does Fred Marshall’s disclosure to him reveal about Fred’s state of mind?
Answer:
Wendell Green’s manipulative interview with Fred Marshall risks leaking sensitive details to the press, potentially jeopardizing the case or endangering the Marshalls. Fred’s confession to Green—driven by stress and a mistaken assumption that the information was already public—reveals his vulnerability and guilt over Judy’s suffering. His lapse in judgment highlights the emotional toll of the crisis. Jack’s frustration with Green (“anything involving Wendell Green is automatically a mistake”) underscores the tension between law enforcement and media, where sensationalism threatens operational secrecy.
Quotes
1. “Jack trusts that a refreshed, invigorated Henry Leyden will pick up at least one or two crucial details of history or character that will narrow the search. Anything that Henry picks up will interest Jack.”
This quote highlights Jack’s reliance on Henry Leyden’s unique auditory skills to decode the Fisherman’s voice. It underscores the theme of specialized perception and trust in unconventional methods to solve the case.
2. “The Fisherman was taunting her. Can you believe that? He said, Your little boy is very lonely. Then he said something like, He’s been begging and begging to call home and say hello to his mommy.”
This chilling quote reveals the Fisherman’s cruel psychological manipulation of Judy Marshall. It represents a key turning point in the chapter, showing the villain’s sadistic tactics and the emotional torment inflicted on the victims’ families.
3. “Dere vill be morrr mur-derts, and morrr afder dat, Choo-dee, we are all goink zu haff sotch fun—Spiegleman quoted this junk to me! The children of French Landing will be harvested like wheat. Havv-uz-ted like wheed.”
This disturbing quote captures the Fisherman’s menacing threat and his use of a strange accent. It’s significant for both its content (foretelling more murders) and its style (the odd speech pattern that becomes a clue for identification).
4. “Things are hurtling forward, picking up pace, and Jack has the sense that everything converges on Judy—no, on Judy and him.”
This quote marks a crucial realization for Jack about his deepening connection to the case and Judy Marshall. It suggests a fated confrontation coming into focus and raises the stakes for the investigation.