The Brothers Hawthorne
CHAPTER 93: JAMESON
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnThe chapter opens with the Hawthorne brothers and Avery transitioning from an SUV to a private jet, where Grayson reveals crucial paperwork about a financial trust. The trust’s funds are controlled by a trustee until the beneficiary, Savannah, turns 30 or gets married. Grayson’s grim expression hints at the urgency of the situation, as Savannah is only 17 and dating the son of Kent Trowbridge, a man with sinister intentions. The group quickly realizes the gravity of the threat, as Trowbridge is manipulating Savannah’s mother, Acacia, by draining her finances and using the FBI to pressure her.
Grayson’s demeanor turns darker as he describes the abusive behavior of both Kent Trowbridge and his son. He recounts how Kent touches Acacia inappropriately, while his son does the same to Savannah, emphasizing the predatory nature of their actions. The brothers’ reactions range from anger to determination, with Nash bluntly suggesting they “take him out.” Jameson, intrigued by the challenge, eagerly asks Grayson for more details, signaling their collective readiness to confront the Trowbridges and protect Savannah and Acacia.
Grayson outlines their strategy, revealing he has leverage in the form of potential illegal activities tied to Kent Trowbridge, including suspicions that he emptied Acacia’s trust. He mentions a safe in Kent’s home office, which he previously attempted to crack, and shares that he has all of Kent’s passwords, carelessly stored in his desk. This information excites Jameson, who sees it as a golden opportunity to outmaneuver their adversary. The brothers’ confidence grows as they recognize the vulnerabilities in Kent’s defenses.
The chapter concludes with Nash, Xander, and Avery exchanging knowing glances, hinting at a shared plan. Xander’s grin and comment, “This should be fun,” underscore the brothers’ playful yet deadly serious approach to the impending confrontation. The group’s camaraderie and resourcefulness are on full display, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown with the Trowbridges. The chapter leaves readers anticipating the brothers’ next move, as they prepare to exploit Kent’s weaknesses and dismantle his threats.
FAQs
1. What are the conditions under which Savannah can gain control of her trust fund, and why is this significant to the plot?
Answer:
According to the chapter, Savannah can gain control of her trust fund either when she turns thirty years old or when she gets married. This is significant because Savannah is only seventeen (with her eighteenth birthday in seven months) and currently has a boyfriend—the son of Kent Trowbridge, who is manipulating Acacia Grayson financially. The Hawthorne brothers suspect the Trowbridges may push for a marriage to gain early access to Savannah’s trust, mirroring the elder Trowbridge’s predatory behavior toward Acacia. This creates urgency for the brothers to intervene.2. How does Grayson describe the behavior of both Kent Trowbridge and his son toward Acacia and Savannah, respectively?
Answer:
Grayson describes Kent Trowbridge as “dangerous,” noting he touches Acacia inappropriately (e.g., a hand on her shoulder inching toward her neck). Similarly, the son is described as “whiny” and touches Savannah “when she doesn’t want to be touched.” These observations reveal a pattern of coercive behavior across generations, suggesting the Trowbridges use physical and psychological manipulation to control the Grayson women. Grayson’s “murderous” expression underscores his protective instincts and sets the stage for the brothers’ intervention.3. What advantages do the Hawthorne brothers have in their plan to confront Kent Trowbridge, and how do they intend to use them?
Answer:
The brothers have several advantages: (1) Grayson possesses Trowbridge’s passwords, which were carelessly taped inside his desk, enabling potential digital access; (2) Grayson previously identified a safe in Trowbridge’s home office, suggesting they may crack it for incriminating evidence; and (3) their collective skills make them a formidable team. They plan to uncover proof of illegal activity (e.g., draining Acacia’s trust) to blackmail or expose Trowbridge. The chapter hints at a coordinated effort, with Nash, Xander, and Avery eager to participate (“This should be fun”).4. Analyze the symbolic significance of Nash removing his “second-favorite cowboy hat” when proposing to “take out” Trowbridge.
Answer:
Nash’s action of removing his hat—a deliberate, almost ceremonial gesture—symbolizes both seriousness and readiness for action. The detail about it being his “second-favorite” subtly reinforces the Hawthorne family’s wealth and eccentricity while also humanizing Nash. The phrase “take him out” (delivered with casual menace) contrasts with the genteel imagery of the hat, highlighting the brothers’ blend of sophistication and ruthlessness. This moment encapsulates their unspoken unity and willingness to protect their own at any cost.5. How does the chapter establish tension between the Trowbridges’ predatory strategies and the Hawthorne brothers’ resourcefulness?
Answer:
The tension arises from opposing methods: the Trowbridges rely on systemic manipulation (financial pressure, FBI intimidation, and forced intimacy) while the Hawthornes counter with cunning and teamwork. Grayson’s meticulous preparation (passwords, safe intel) and Jameson’s eagerness (“ready to play”) suggest a high-stakes game of wits. The brothers’ confidence (“no one stood a chance against all four”) contrasts with Trowbridge’s arrogance (poor security practices), foreshadowing his downfall. The unresolved ending (“this may call for a return trip”) leaves readers anticipating a clash of these opposing forces.
Quotes
1. “The money is under the control of the trustee until the beneficiary is thirty years old… Or married.”
This quote reveals the crucial financial control mechanism at play, explaining why Savannah’s potential early marriage becomes a pressing concern for the Hawthorne brothers. It sets up the central conflict of the chapter.
2. “He touches her when she doesn’t want to be touched. I saw the father do the same thing to Acacia—a hand on her shoulder, inching toward her neck.”
This powerful description illustrates the predatory behavior of both Trowbridge men, showing the personal stakes beyond just financial manipulation. Grayson’s observation reveals the disturbing pattern of behavior that motivates the brothers’ intervention.
3. “There were slabs of granite softer than Grayson’s jaw at that moment.”
This vivid metaphor captures Grayson’s intense protective anger and the Hawthorne brothers’ collective resolve. The imagery emphasizes the emotional weight behind their planned actions against the Trowbridges.
4. “I have all of his passwords. Guy kept them taped to the inside of his desk.”
This quote demonstrates both Trowbridge’s carelessness and Grayson’s strategic advantage, highlighting the coming confrontation’s asymmetric nature. It shows how the brothers plan to turn their opponent’s incompetence against him.
5. “No one stood a chance against any two of the Hawthorne brothers, let alone all four.”
This statement encapsulates the chapter’s central dynamic - the formidable unity of the Hawthorne brothers when facing a common threat. It foreshadows their coordinated action while emphasizing their collective power.