# A Vigil in the Dark explained — Behind That Curtain

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

## What happens

Captain Flannery confronts Charlie Chan after a mistaken identification of Grace Lane as Eve Durand, leading to humiliation and a renewed determination to solve the case. Chan persuades Flannery to join him at the Cosmopolitan Club, where a patient vigil culminates in Chan's dramatic accusation that Major Eric Durand is the murderer of Sir Frederic Bruce, pointing to the recovered briefcase as evidence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime Detection Methods

Chan uses patient observation and the 'essential clue' of the club yearbook to identify the murderer, contrasting with Flannery's impulsive approach.

### Suspicion and Trust

Flannery's distrust of Chan after the mistaken identity is overcome by Chan's confident prediction, leading to a tense collaboration.

## Character check-ins

### Captain Flannery

Humiliated by the mistaken identity of Grace Lane, he reluctantly agrees to follow Chan's lead to the Cosmopolitan Club.

### Sergeant Charlie Chan

Convinces Flannery to trust him one last time, leading the vigil and ultimately accusing Major Durand of murder.

### Major Eric Durand

Initially a grieving husband, he is later revealed as the suspect when Chan orders his arrest at the club.

### Grace Lane

Mistaken for Eve Durand, she is released and invited to stay with June Morrow.

### Barry Kirk

Offers Grace Lane her old job back and joins Chan at the Cosmopolitan Club.

### Inspector Duff

Supports Chan's request for Flannery to listen, and participates in the vigil.

## Key lines

> In time the grass becomes milk.

Patience will bring results.

_Chan uses this Chinese proverb to encourage Flannery to wait during the vigil._

> It is always darkest underneath the lamp.

The truth is often hidden in plain sight.

_Chan hints that the solution to the case is closer than Flannery thinks._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xix-a-vigil-in-the-dark
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters