The Final Gambit (The Inheritance Games)
CHAPTER 37
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnThe chapter opens with Jameson insisting they must locate Nan, the only person who might know if the late Tobias Hawthorne had undisclosed family beyond Zara’s knowledge. The group discusses Nan’s habits, noting her fondness for specific rooms in the Hawthorne estate, and Jameson deduces she’s likely in the chapel. The chapel is described as a stunning, artisan-crafted space where Nan is found resting. Her sharp, no-nonsense demeanor is immediately apparent as she chastises Jameson and the protagonist for interrupting her, though it’s revealed she’s less praying than venting her frustrations to God.
Jameson and the protagonist join Nan in the pew, where she reminisces about Tobias Hawthorne. Nan reveals Tobias was a late-in-life child with no siblings and parents who died young, leaving him alone by the time he married her daughter, Alice. Despite his ruthless business persona, Nan emphasizes Tobias’s devotion to family, never letting his morally ambiguous dealings affect his home life. Jameson probes further, asking about mentors or father figures, but Nan dismisses the idea, stating Tobias was too single-minded for close relationships outside his family.
The conversation takes a darker turn as Nan acknowledges Tobias’s “unclean hands,” hinting at his morally questionable past. This triggers the protagonist’s realization that the ongoing kidnapping crisis might not be about Toby or herself but a vendetta against Tobias. The possibility that the kidnapper’s true target is the late Hawthorne patriarch takes root, raising stakes and shifting the narrative’s focus. Jameson gently presses Nan about potential enemies, but she deflects with a grim joke about revenge-seekers lining up, underscoring Tobias’s controversial legacy.
The chapter closes with lingering tension as Nan’s cryptic remarks and the protagonist’s suspicions deepen. The unanswered question of Tobias’s past misdeeds hangs heavily, suggesting a broader conspiracy tied to his empire. Nan’s affection for Tobias contrasts with her acknowledgment of his flaws, painting a complex portrait of the Hawthorne patriarch. The scene sets the stage for further exploration of his history and its consequences, leaving readers anticipating the next revelation in the unfolding mystery.
FAQs
1. What key information does Nan reveal about Tobias Hawthorne’s family background, and why is this significant to the story?
Answer:
Nan reveals that Tobias Hawthorne was a late-in-life only child whose parents died when he was young, leaving him essentially alone in the world by the time he married Nan’s daughter Alice (p. 148). This information is crucial because it contradicts the possibility of unknown siblings or extended family members who might be connected to Toby’s kidnapping. The revelation narrows down potential suspects and shifts focus to Tobias’s business dealings as a more likely source of conflict, as hinted by Nan’s comment about his “hands not always being clean” (p. 148-149).2. How does the chapel setting reflect both Nan’s character and her relationship with Tobias Hawthorne?
Answer:
The chapel serves as a symbolic space that reveals Nan’s blunt, confrontational personality—she uses it to “yell at God” rather than pray (p. 147). It also illustrates Tobias Hawthorne’s complex nature: though Nan describes him as a “wily and brutal” businessman, he built the chapel specifically for her, showing his capacity for thoughtfulness toward family (p. 147, 149). The contrast between the chapel’s serene beauty and Nan’s abrasive dialogue underscores the Hawthorne family’s paradoxical blend of harshness and deep loyalty, encapsulated in her statement that Tobias “never once raised [his hands]” to his family despite his ruthless professional persona (p. 149).3. Analyze how Avery’s realization about Tobias Hawthorne’s potential role in the kidnapping plot changes the narrative trajectory.
Answer:
Avery’s epiphany—that the revenge plot may target Tobias Hawthorne rather than herself or Toby—marks a pivotal turning point (p. 148-149). This shifts the investigation from personal motives to historical grievances tied to Tobias’s unspecified unethical actions (“hands weren’t always clean”). The realization reframes earlier clues (like the “one father, two sons” hint) as potentially referencing Tobias’s legacy rather than current family dynamics. Nan’s ominous remark about people wanting revenge against the Hawthornes getting “in line” (p. 149) further validates this theory, suggesting systemic consequences of Tobias’s past are now surfacing.4. Compare how Jameson and Avery approach gathering information from Nan, and what this reveals about their investigative styles.
Answer:
Jameson employs emotional appeals and familial bonds to soften Nan, reminding her of her love for Tobias before asking sensitive questions (p. 148: “You loved him…”). In contrast, Avery is more direct, pressing about Tobias’s family and later his misdeeds (p. 148-149). Their approaches reflect complementary skills: Jameson’s emotional intelligence disarms resistance, while Avery’s persistence extracts concrete details. This teamwork yields critical information, such as Tobias’s isolated upbringing and moral ambiguities, demonstrating how their combined methods effectively navigate Nan’s guarded yet revealing responses.
Quotes
1. “Finding Nan,” Xander explained to Eve, in what appeared to be an attempt to cheer her up, “is a bit like a game of Where’s Waldo, except Waldo likes to jab people with her cane.””
This humorous analogy introduces Nan’s character—a sharp-tongued, unpredictable presence in the Hawthorne household. It sets the tone for her interactions while hinting at her importance as a family matriarch.
2. “Nan harrumphed. ‘The old coot threatened to build me a mausoleum instead. Tobias never thought I’d outlive him.’”
This quote reveals the complex dynamic between Nan and Tobias Hawthorne, showcasing their combative yet deeply familial relationship. It also underscores the theme of legacy and mortality that permeates the chapter.
3. “‘No man has ever built an empire without doing a thing or two they aren’t proud of, but Tobias didn’t let that follow him home. His hands weren’t always clean, but he never once raised them—not to Alice or their children or you boys.’”
This pivotal quote exposes the central mystery of Tobias Hawthorne’s past misdeeds while contrasting his ruthless business persona with his loving family role. It becomes the foundation for the revenge theory that drives the plot forward.
4. “Nan patted the side of his face. ‘I’d tell that person to get in line.’”
This closing line powerfully suggests that Tobias Hawthorne accumulated numerous enemies throughout his life. It reinforces the growing suspicion that the current crisis stems from his past actions rather than anything related to the present family members.