# IV: The Reckoning of Heaven explained — Behind That Curtain

> Chapter companion for Behind That Curtain by Earl Derr Biggers.

## What happens

Barry Kirk and Charlie Chan discover Sir Frederic Bruce's body in Kirk's office. Chan notes the open safe and a Cosmopolitan Club yearbook near the body, suggesting a clue. June Morrow arrives and calls Captain Flannery. Flannery investigates, questioning the butler Paradise, night-watchman Mr. Cuttle, cleaning woman Mrs. Dyke, accountant Samuel Smith, and elevator operator Grace Lane. Chan hints at the importance of the yearbook but announces his departure for Honolulu, citing a cable about his newborn son. After Chan leaves, Kirk and Morrow find a pearl from Gloria Garland's necklace under the desk.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime Detection Methods

Chan and Morrow analyze physical clues (open safe, yearbook, velvet slippers) and witness testimony, contrasting with Flannery's more conventional approach.

### The Elusive Nature of Truth

The yearbook and slippers are ambiguous clues; Chan suggests the dying man may have left a hint, but the truth remains hidden.

### Gender Roles and Professionalism

June Morrow faces skepticism from Captain Flannery but insists on her role in the investigation, challenging contemporary gender expectations.

## Character check-ins

### Barry Kirk

Discovers Sir Frederic's body, notes the open safe and the Cosmopolitan Club yearbook, and later finds a pearl from Gloria Garland's necklace.

### Sergeant Charlie Chan

Observes the scene, suggests the yearbook may be a clue, and announces his departure for Honolulu after receiving a cable about his newborn son.

### June Morrow

Arrives from the district attorney's office, calls Captain Flannery, and begins investigating the murder.

### Captain Flannery

Takes charge of the investigation, questions witnesses, and dismisses the Cosmopolitan Club book as unimportant.

### Sir Frederic Bruce

Found dead on the floor of Kirk's office, wearing only one velvet slipper, with a Cosmopolitan Club yearbook nearby.

### Paradise

Kirk's butler, reports hearing the burglar alarm and describes Sir Frederic's descent to the office.

## Key lines

> Death is the reckoning of heaven. On this occasion, a most complicated reckoning.

Chan reflects that death brings divine judgment, and this case is particularly complex.

_Chan's philosophical observation on the murder._

> If I am suiting my own taste, this time I look elsewhere.

Chan dismisses the velvet slippers as a red herring, preferring to focus on other evidence.

_Chan's skepticism about the slippers as a clue._

> You rip my heart to fragments. However, plans are set.

Chan expresses regret at leaving but insists his decision is final.

_Chan's response to June Morrow's plea for him to stay._

> The bluest hills are those farthest away. Bluest of all is Punchbowl Hill, where my little family is gathered, waiting for me.

Chan uses a metaphor to explain his longing to return home to his family in Honolulu.

_Chan's poetic justification for leaving the investigation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/iv-the-reckoning-of-heaven
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters