The Brothers Hawthorne
CHAPTER 79: GRAYSON
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnIn this chapter, Grayson meticulously studies his late father’s handwriting to replicate the entries from Sheffield Grayson’s journal. He practices the distinct features of the numerals—straight 1s, curvy 3s, and sharp 4s and 5s—until he can accurately recreate the text. After receiving a new journal from the hotel, he transcribes the entries, crafting a duplicate that ends just after the twins’ grandmother’s funeral. Grayson places this replica in the puzzle box’s central compartment, ensuring it appears authentic, while discreetly hiding a fake USB under the outer layer. His actions are deliberate, aimed at controlling what his sisters discover about their father.
Grayson entrusts the original journal and his decoded notes to his brothers, Nash and Xander, instructing them to hide these items at Hawthorne House. By doing so, he ensures the truth about Sheffield Grayson’s death remains concealed, protecting Avery and the twins from potentially damaging revelations. He also hands his brothers a notepad with his handwriting practice, ordering them to burn it to eliminate any traces of his forgery. Grayson’s calculated moves demonstrate his protective instincts, as he balances transparency with secrecy to shield his family.
Despite his brothers’ concern for his well-being, Grayson insists he is fine and chooses to stay behind to support Gigi and Savannah. He acknowledges the twins’ need for his guidance, especially with ongoing challenges like dealing with the FBI, managing Acacia’s finances, and monitoring Trowbridge. His resolve to stay highlights his sense of responsibility, even as Nash and Xander tease him about his role as the “big brother.” Grayson’s focus on protecting his sisters underscores his complex relationship with duty and family loyalty.
The chapter concludes with Grayson receiving humorous yet revealing texts from Gigi, who updates him on the chaotic state of their home and Savannah’s withdrawal. Gigi’s playful cat pictures and her mention of being outside his hotel add a lighthearted touch, contrasting with the chapter’s earlier tension. Her final text, praising Grayson’s friend, hints at potential new developments. This ending balances Grayson’s serious demeanor with moments of levity, showcasing the dynamic relationships within the Hawthorne family.
FAQs
1. What is Grayson’s primary motivation for creating a duplicate journal, and what specific steps does he take to ensure its authenticity?
Answer:
Grayson’s primary motivation is to give his sisters (Gigi and Savannah) a chance to discover their father’s identity while still protecting them from the full truth about Sheffield Grayson’s demise, which could harm Avery. He meticulously studies his father’s handwriting, practicing the replication of numbers and text until he can produce a convincing duplicate. After the hotel delivers a new journal, he transcribes the entries up to the grandmother’s funeral, ensuring the duplicate is accurate but incomplete. He then places it in the puzzle box’s central compartment, hiding the faux USB under an outer strip of wood to maintain the box’s integrity for his sisters to solve.2. How does Grayson ensure the original journal and decoded transcription remain secure, and what does this reveal about his priorities?
Answer:
Grayson entrusts the original journal to Nash, instructing him to hide it in the Davenport at Hawthorne House, specifically behind the bookshelves in the loft library. He also gives Xander his decoded notebook. By securing both items at Hawthorne House, Grayson ensures the sensitive information about their father’s death remains hidden, prioritizing Avery’s safety and family stability. This action underscores his role as a protector—willing to control access to painful truths while still preserving his sisters’ opportunity to uncover parts of their father’s past.3. Analyze the dynamics between Grayson and his brothers (Nash and Xander) in this chapter. How do their interactions reflect their relationships?
Answer:
The interactions reveal a blend of camaraderie, teasing, and mutual respect. Nash’s playful defiance (leaning against the doorframe with an “I have all day” attitude) and Xander’s humorous remark (“She’s you, but female!”) lighten the tension, showing their comfort with Grayson’s authoritative role. Grayson’s willingness to confide in them—handing over critical documents—demonstrates trust. Nash’s term “big brother” when leaving acknowledges Grayson’s protective instincts, while Grayson’s dry humor (“as fine as I ever am”) hints at their shared understanding of his burdens. Their dynamic balances duty with familial warmth.4. What does Gigi’s series of texts to Grayson reveal about her personality and current emotional state?
Answer:
Gigi’s texts—filled with cat pictures and dramatic declarations—highlight her chaotic, expressive nature. The grumpy-eyed cat mirrors her frustration with the FBI and the disrupted household, while the cat wrapped in paper symbolizes Savannah’s withdrawal. Her playful PS about Grayson’s popularity with valets and the “I like your friend!” quip show resilience and humor despite stress. The rapid-fire messages suggest she seeks connection and uses humor as a coping mechanism, contrasting with Savannah’s silence. Gigi’s presence outside the hotel also underscores her reliance on Grayson for support.5. Why does Grayson decide to stay longer, and what broader themes does this decision reflect in the story?
Answer:
Grayson stays to manage the twins’ crises: Gigi’s impulsivity, Savannah’s emotional burden, Acacia’s finances, and the FBI’s scrutiny. His choice reflects themes of duty, sacrifice, and familial bonds. By prioritizing the twins’ needs over his own (or his brothers’), he embodies the “protector” archetype, mirroring his father’s journal secrecy. The line “Someone has to keep Gigi out of trouble” underscores his role as a stabilizer. This also ties to the theme of legacy—Grayson inherits Sheffield’s role as a keeper of secrets while forging his own path as a guardian.
Quotes
1. “His sisters deserved that much, at least. A chance to open the box. A chance to decode the journal. A chance to know who their father had been—even if Grayson couldn’t allow them to learn it all.”
This quote captures Grayson’s internal conflict—balancing his protective instincts with his sisters’ right to know their father’s truth. It represents a pivotal moment where he decides to give them partial access while still shielding them from darker revelations.
2. “With both the original and the decoded transcription hidden away at Hawthorne House, the situation would be defused. The truth of Sheffield Grayson’s demise would remain hidden. Avery would be protected.”
This reveals Grayson’s strategic thinking and priorities—containing dangerous knowledge while protecting loved ones. It underscores the theme of calculated secrecy that runs through the chapter.
3. “‘I’m fine,’ Grayson told him. ‘Or at least, as fine as I ever am.’”
This brief exchange perfectly encapsulates Grayson’s characteristic emotional restraint and self-awareness. The quote is significant for revealing his stoic acceptance of his perpetual state of guardedness.
4. “‘She’s you,’ Xander said emphatically. ‘But female!’”
This humorous yet insightful remark from Xander highlights how Savannah mirrors Grayson’s personality traits. It’s significant for showing how the Hawthorne siblings understand each other’s fundamental natures.
5. “‘PS: I’m outside your hotel right now. You are very popular with the valets.’”
Gigi’s text message showcases the chapter’s shift to lighter interaction while maintaining character authenticity. This quote represents the dynamic, modern communication style that contrasts with the heavier themes of secrecy and protection earlier in the chapter.