The Brothers Hawthorne
CHAPTER 16: JAMESON
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnJameson and Avery return to the Hawthorne flat to find a cryptic message from Xander consisting of four sticky notes with seemingly random words. Their adrenaline-fueled minds quickly decode the message as “Going to check on Gary,” revealing Xander’s playful yet strategic communication style. The moment is interrupted by a call from Nash, who expresses concern for Jameson’s well-being, subtly reminding him he doesn’t have to face challenges alone. The exchange highlights the brothers’ bond and Jameson’s growing reliance on Avery, who stands by him as they prepare for the next phase of their adventure.
Their quiet moment is disrupted when Oren alerts them to an intruder on the terrace. The mysterious messenger, who has previously appeared in different personas, lounges casually with a glass of wine, showcasing his chameleon-like ability to blend into any environment. Jameson questions his legitimacy, suspecting a con, but the messenger proves his connection to the Devil’s Mercy by producing an ornate black-and-silver envelope. The intricate platinum embossing on the envelope hints at the high-stakes world they’re entering, leaving Jameson and Avery both intrigued and wary.
The messenger reveals the terms of their invitation: Avery is offered limited access to the Devil’s Mercy for a week, provided she loses £200,000 at the tables. When she insists on Jameson’s inclusion, the messenger raises the stakes, demanding £500,000 in losses over three nights. The terms suggest a calculated move by the Factotum, the Mercy’s second-in-command, who seems intent on testing Avery’s resolve. The messenger’s dismissive tone and emphasis on Avery’s singular importance hint at deeper motives, leaving Jameson to question why the Factotum is so invested in her participation.
The chapter closes with tension mounting as Jameson and Avery weigh the risks of accepting the offer. The messenger’s cryptic warnings and the exorbitant financial demand underscore the dangerous game they’re being drawn into. Jameson’s protective instincts clash with Avery’s determination, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation with the shadowy figures controlling the Devil’s Mercy. The encounter leaves both characters—and readers—questioning the true cost of their next move.
FAQs
1. What was the coded message Xander left for Jameson and Avery, and how did they decipher it?
Answer:
The coded message consisted of four sticky notes with the words: “Neck,” “Gotcha,” “Ringy,” and “Goo.” Jameson and Avery worked together to rearrange and substitute letters to decode the message. They identified common letter combinations like “ING” and substituted the “ch” from “gotcha” for the “n” in “neck,” eventually piecing together the phrase “Going to check on…” with the remaining letters (A, G, R, Y). This demonstrated their strong collaborative problem-solving skills and familiarity with Xander’s cryptic communication style.2. How does the messenger’s behavior and appearance reflect his role as a chameleon-like figure?
Answer:
The messenger displays remarkable adaptability, adopting different personas in each encounter. In this chapter, he appears as a sophisticated wine connoisseur lounging on the terrace, contrasting with previous appearances as a waiter and a fighter. His physical description—dark brown eyes, messy black curls, and sharp features—remains consistent, but his demeanor shifts dramatically. This chameleon-like quality is emphasized by Jameson’s observation that he seems like “three different people,” highlighting his skills in deception, infiltration, and social manipulation that make him effective in his mysterious role.3. What significant revelation about the Devil’s Mercy hierarchy is revealed in this chapter, and why is it important?
Answer:
The chapter reveals that the messenger reports to the Factotum, who serves as second-in-command of the Devil’s Mercy, rather than directly to the Proprietor. This distinction is crucial because it shows Jameson and Avery are dealing with a powerful but not ultimate authority figure. The Factotum’s demand that Avery lose £500,000 at the tables as a condition for Jameson’s access suggests internal power dynamics and testing protocols within the organization. Understanding this hierarchy helps the protagonists gauge their position and the stakes of their involvement with the secretive group.4. How does the interaction between Jameson and Nash on the phone reveal key aspects of their relationship?
Answer:
Nash’s call demonstrates his protective older brother dynamic with Jameson, expressing concern through the statement “We’re trusting you…to remember that you don’t have to [take care of yourself].” This reveals Nash’s awareness of Jameson’s independent nature while emphasizing familial support. Jameson’s internal response (“I have Avery. I have the Devil’s Mercy. I’m going to be just fine”) shows his confidence and self-reliance, yet the unexpected tightness in his throat suggests emotional vulnerability. Their brief exchange encapsulates the complex bond between the Hawthorne brothers—protective yet respecting autonomy.5. What strategic implications does the Factotum’s demand for Avery to lose money at the tables have for the protagonists’ plans?
Answer:
The Factotum’s condition that Avery must lose £500,000 over three nights serves multiple strategic purposes. First, it tests her willingness to comply with the Mercy’s expectations and potentially her ability to control outcomes despite intending to lose. Second, it creates financial stakes that could limit their resources for future moves. Third, by making Jameson’s access contingent on Avery’s performance, it establishes psychological pressure and possibly aims to create tension between them. This demand forces the protagonists to consider whether apparent losses might serve a larger strategic gain in their pursuit of the Mercy’s secrets.
Quotes
1. “This was practically their version of dirty talk. ‘Going to check…’ he murmured back, his body listing toward hers.”
This playful exchange between Jameson and Avery showcases their intellectual chemistry and shared love for puzzles, while also hinting at their romantic tension. It captures a key dynamic in their relationship.
2. “‘We’re trusting you, Jamie.’ ‘To take care of myself?’ ‘To remember that you don’t have to.’”
This poignant exchange with Nash reveals the underlying theme of family bonds and vulnerability beneath the Hawthorne brothers’ adventurous exterior. It’s a rare moment of emotional openness in the fast-paced narrative.
3. “Because your message was received. Or at least, yours was.”
This cryptic statement from the messenger creates intrigue about Avery’s special connection to the Devil’s Mercy while raising questions about potential deception. It marks a turning point in the chapter’s mystery.
4. “He wants you to lose.”
This blunt revelation about the Factotum’s intentions introduces the central conflict for the upcoming mission. The simple phrase carries significant implications about the dangerous game they’re being drawn into.
5. “Five hundred thousand pounds lost on the tables at the Mercy over the course of three nights.”
This demand establishes the high-stakes challenge facing the protagonists, combining financial pressure with the mysterious motives of the Devil’s Mercy organization. It sets up the primary obstacle for the next phase of their adventure.