The Brothers Hawthorne
CHAPTER 28: GRAYSON
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnIn this chapter, Grayson Hawthorne’s priorities shift as he realizes the urgency of accessing his father’s safe-deposit box before the FBI discovers its existence. He suspects the box may contain evidence of his father’s crimes, including payments made to stalk and kidnap Avery, the Hawthorne heiress. Grayson fears that if authorities uncover these transactions, they might reevaluate his father’s disappearance, leading to dangerous questions. This realization propels him into action, determined to prevent any threads from unraveling that could expose his family’s secrets.
Grayson examines a mysterious object he took from his father’s study, initially mistaking it for a USB drive. Upon closer inspection, he realizes it’s something else entirely, with small pegs inside its casing. Alongside a seemingly blank index card, the items remind him of the cryptic games his grandfather used to orchestrate. Though Grayson reminds himself this is no game, he can’t help but approach the puzzle methodically, examining the card’s notches and considering invisible ink as a possible clue. His analytical mindset takes over, despite the high stakes.
The chapter includes a lively phone conversation with Xander, Grayson’s brother, who immediately senses something is amiss. Their banter reveals Grayson’s guarded nature, as Xander teases him about his uncharacteristic use of “hello” and probes about his feelings. Grayson deflects, focusing instead on the mysterious objects and his growing responsibility toward protecting his newfound sisters. Xander’s playful insistence on discussing emotions contrasts sharply with Grayson’s stoicism, highlighting their differing personalities.
The chapter ends with an enigmatic phone call from an unidentified woman, whose voice captures Grayson’s attention. Her refusal to identify herself only heightens his curiosity, suggesting she may play a significant role in the unfolding mystery. Grayson’s instinctive suspicion and determination to uncover her identity hint at deeper layers to the story, leaving readers anticipating the next development in this high-stakes family drama.
FAQs
1. Comprehension: What key realization does Grayson have about his objective regarding Gigi and the safe-deposit box?
Answer:
Grayson realizes his objective has fundamentally shifted. Initially, his goal was to prevent Gigi from accessing their father’s safe-deposit box. However, he now recognizes that he must access the box himself before the FBI discovers its existence. This change stems from his awareness that Sheffield Grayson may have left evidence of financial crimes or transactions linked to Avery’s stalking and kidnapping. Grayson fears that if the FBI uncovers these traces, they might reinterpret Sheffield’s disappearance as suspicious, leading to investigations that could unravel secrets Grayson wants to protect (Chapter 28, pp. 127–128).2. Analytical: How does the chapter use the “fake USB drive” and index card to illustrate Grayson’s problem-solving approach?
Answer:
The fake USB drive and index card serve as metaphors for Grayson’s methodical and detail-oriented mindset. Initially mistaken for a USB, the object’s physical discrepancies (size, pegs inside) prompt Grayson to reassess its purpose, much like he reevaluates his father’s motives. The index card’s notches and potential invisible ink mirror his need to scrutinize hidden clues. This parallels the “Saturday morning games” at Hawthorne House, where objects’ purposes were puzzles to solve. The scene underscores Grayson’s adaptability—shifting from digital assumptions to analog detective work—while highlighting his emotional tension (“This is not a game”) as he confronts his father’s legacy (Chapter 28, pp. 128–129).3. Application: How might Grayson’s interaction with Xander inform his approach to future challenges with the Hawthorne sisters?
Answer:
Xander’s probing questions (“How is everything going with the sister?”) and insistence on acknowledging emotions (”My feelings are valid”) force Grayson to confront his growing attachment to the sisters, despite his pragmatic focus. Xander’s humor masks a deeper insight: Grayson’s difficulty lies not in the sisters’ distrust but in his own unresolved feelings about family. This interaction suggests Grayson may need to balance his analytical tactics with emotional honesty to navigate future conflicts, especially with Acacia, who “despises him on principle.” Xander’s role as a foil highlights that Grayson’s success depends on integrating logic with vulnerability (Chapter 28, pp. 129–130).4. Critical Thinking: Why does the mysterious phone call at the chapter’s end matter, and how does it connect to broader themes?
Answer:
The unidentified female caller’s question (“Is this Grayson Hawthorne?”) and Grayson’s instinctual response (“Who this girl was mattered very much”) signal a pivotal narrative shift. Her cryptic tone and refusal to identify herself suggest she may hold key information about Sheffield’s secrets or the sisters. This moment reinforces themes of hidden identities and trust, as Grayson—usually in control—faces an unknown variable. The interruption during his analysis of the index card also symbolizes how external forces (like his father’s past) persistently disrupt his plans. The call’s ambiguity invites readers to question whether this is an ally, antagonist, or a test of Grayson’s judgment (Chapter 28, p. 131).
Quotes
1. “Before, his objective had been to make sure that Gigi didn’t find her way into their father’s safe-deposit box. Now, however, he needed in that box himself.”
This quote marks a pivotal shift in Grayson’s mission, showing his transition from defensive protection to proactive investigation. It highlights the escalating stakes as he realizes the FBI might uncover his father’s criminal dealings.
2. “They might start asking questions and pulling at threads that Grayson could not let unravel.”
This line underscores Grayson’s fear of exposure and his determination to maintain control. It reveals his protective instincts and the potential consequences if his father’s secrets come to light.
3. “Sheffield Grayson is not the old man, and this is not a game.”
Grayson reminds himself of the seriousness of his task, contrasting it with the Hawthorne family’s puzzle games. This internal monologue shows his struggle to reconcile his analytical mindset with the high-stakes reality he faces.
4. “They were his to protect, even if he wasn’t their family.”
This poignant realization demonstrates Grayson’s growing sense of responsibility toward the sisters, despite their lack of blood relation. It reveals his complex moral compass and evolving emotional connections.
5. “Who this girl was mattered very much.”
The cliffhanger ending quote builds suspense while emphasizing Grayson’s sharp intuition. It shows his analytical nature and hints at future complications, leaving readers eager to discover the mysterious caller’s identity.