The Brothers Hawthorne
CHAPTER 68: JAMESON
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnJameson and Avery, racing against competitors Branford and Katharine, search for clues in a high-stakes game on a cliffside estate. After finding matches in the kitchen, they return to the starting room, where they encounter Zella, the duchess, who seems aware of their progress. She hints that Branford has already found one key, leaving her with only one chance to turn the game in her favor. Jameson notices her lack of concern and deduces she knows more than she lets on, especially when she spots the matches in his hand and directs their attention to the fireplace.
Zella’s cryptic remark about the fireplace—“No rest for the wicked”—suggests a hidden clue tied to fire. Jameson hesitates, weighing the risks of acting in her presence versus losing time. Avery asserts their claim to any potential key, but Zella dismisses the idea, implying the fireplace holds no key. Jameson realizes Zella has already seen and concealed the clue by rearranging the logs. Concerned about breaking the game’s rules, Avery questions whether burning the logs is allowed, prompting Jameson to improvise by sacrificing his shirt to ignite the fireplace.
As the flames consume his shirt, invisible ink on the fireplace stones is revealed, displaying the clue “DIAL 216.” Zella thanks Jameson mockingly before departing, likely to act on the clue. Jameson and Avery, however, suspect a deeper layer to the puzzle. Instead of rushing to a phone, Jameson hints at an alternative interpretation, and Avery recalls a sundial in the stone garden, connecting it to the numbers 216. Their quick thinking suggests they’re one step ahead of Zella and their rivals.
The chapter highlights the tension and strategic maneuvering between the characters as they navigate the game’s challenges. Jameson’s resourcefulness and Avery’s sharp intuition shine as they decode clues while outmaneuvering their competitors. The dynamic between them and Zella adds intrigue, hinting at unresolved history and rivalries. The chapter ends on a note of anticipation, with Jameson and Avery poised to uncover the next piece of the puzzle, demonstrating their teamwork and cunning in the face of high-stakes competition.
FAQs
1. What was the significance of the matches Jameson found, and how did they lead to the next clue?
Answer:
The matches found in the kitchen drawer were crucial for revealing the next clue through a process of elimination and observation. Jameson realized they needed to create fire to trigger heat-activated invisible ink on the fireplace stones. By burning his shirt in the fireplace (since they couldn’t use the logs without violating game rules), the heat caused the hidden message “DIAL 216” to appear. This demonstrated their ability to think creatively under pressure and follow subtle environmental cues to progress in the competition.2. Analyze the strategic dynamics between Jameson, Avery, and Zella in this chapter. How did their interactions affect the game’s progression?
Answer:
The interactions created a tense, competitive atmosphere while revealing each character’s strategic approach. Zella’s presence forced Jameson and Avery to act quickly, as she could potentially steal their discovery. Her knowledge of Branford’s progress added urgency. Jameson demonstrated calculated risk-taking by proceeding despite Zella watching, while Avery asserted their claim to any found key. Zella’s seemingly helpful demeanor (“light it up”) masked her intent to gain information, showing how competitors manipulate each other in high-stakes games. Their dynamic accelerated the action while highlighting the psychological aspects of the competition.3. How does the chapter illustrate Jameson’s problem-solving methodology when faced with the fireplace clue?
Answer:
Jameson exhibits systematic, adaptive problem-solving: First, he recognizes the matches’ potential significance by connecting them to the fireplace. When Avery raises valid concerns about burning the logs, he pivots immediately by sacrificing his shirt instead—showing flexibility with resources. He observes Zella’s subtle manipulation of the log placement, demonstrating situational awareness. His decision to proceed despite Zella’s presence balances risk versus reward, and his whispered comment to Avery afterward shows strategic secrecy. This sequence highlights his trademark combination of observational skills, quick adaptation, and willingness to take unconventional actions to solve puzzles.4. What does the sundial revelation at the chapter’s end suggest about the game’s design philosophy?
Answer:
The sundial connection (“DIAL 216” referencing a stone garden sundial) reveals the game’s layered, intertextual design philosophy. Clues build upon each other spatially and thematically—earlier exploration of the stone garden becomes retrospectively meaningful. This shows the game masters (like Rohan) employ circular logic where no detail is trivial, rewarding comprehensive observation and memory. The wordplay (“dial” having multiple interpretations) demonstrates how the game values linguistic dexterity alongside physical puzzle-solving. Such design encourages players to view all environments as potential clue repositories and maintain mental maps of previously encountered elements.5. Evaluate how Avery’s character is developed through her interactions with Jameson in this chapter.
Answer:
Avery emerges as both collaborative and independently capable. While Jameson drives much action, Avery contributes critical thinking (questioning the log-burning rules) and asserts their partnership’s rights against Zella. Her moment of realization about the sundial shows she’s not just following Jameson’s lead but actively solving problems. The chapter highlights their intellectual synergy—Jameson’s boldness complements Avery’s principled caution, creating balance. Their whispered exchange demonstrates mutual trust and private communication channels, suggesting a deep partnership. Avery’s “blazing” certainty when solving the sundial clue marks her evolution into an equal player rather than just an assistant.
Quotes
1. “‘No rest for the wicked.’ Of course Rohan would play it this way.”
This quote reveals Zella’s understanding of the game’s design and hints at her history with Rohan, the Factotum. It’s significant as it shows the characters’ awareness of the game’s deeper layers and the psychological dynamics at play.
2. “‘If there’s a key in there,’ Avery said, her chin coming up as she met Zella’s eyes, ‘it’s ours.’”
This moment showcases Avery’s determination and competitive spirit, establishing her as an equal player in the game. It marks a key turning point where the characters assert their claim against the duchess’s interference.
3. “Jameson watched his shirt burn, watched the flames dance, watched the fire lick at the stone walls of the fireplace. And then he watched words slowly start to appear on the stone.”
This vivid description captures the pivotal discovery moment in the chapter. Jameson’s unconventional sacrifice (burning his shirt) leads to the revelation of the hidden clue, demonstrating the game’s clever design and the characters’ resourcefulness.
4. “‘Leave no stone unturned,’ Avery said, her own eyes blazing with certainty and purpose. ‘Dial two-one-six.’ Back in the stone garden, there was a sundial.”
This quote represents the chapter’s climax where the characters decipher the clue. It highlights Avery’s quick thinking and the payoff of their earlier observations, while also showcasing the game’s intricate puzzle design.