Continental Op Stories · Chapter
VIII: “I Hope You Swing!” explained
The Continental Op and his team interrogate Madden Dexter after knocking him out.
What happens
The Continental Op and his team interrogate Madden Dexter after knocking him out. Creda Dexter reveals she is not Madden's sister but his former partner in a con scheme targeting Leopold Gantvoort. She confesses that Madden murdered Gantvoort out of jealousy and greed, and she vows to help convict him. The chapter ends with her securing her inheritance and freedom.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Identity
Creda Dexter reveals her true identity and the elaborate con scheme, while Madden uses a double to fake his alibi.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Creda betrays Madden after he beats her and refuses to let her marry Gantvoort, leading to his downfall.
Violence and Survival
Madden's murder of Gantvoort and his physical assault on Creda highlight the violent lengths taken for control and money.
Characters to notice
- The Continental Op
Interrogates Madden Dexter and extracts the truth about the murder.
- Madden Dexter
The murderer of Leopold Gantvoort; knocked out by the Op and refuses to confess without a lawyer.
- Creda Dexter
Reveals she is not Madden's sister but his former partner; turns against him and helps convict him.
- Charles Gantvoort
The victim; killed by Madden Dexter out of jealousy and greed.
- Evan Felter
Mentioned as the man who impersonated Madden in New York to create a false alibi.
Key passages
“Now I hope you swing, you big sap!”
Creda Dexter curses Madden Dexter, expressing her desire to see him executed.
Creda's fury and betrayal are fully unleashed as she turns against her former partner.
“Put the screws on him and he’ll spill all he knows—he’s a weak sister!”
Creda advises the Op to pressure Evan Felter, who will confess easily.
She identifies Felter as the weak link in Madden's alibi scheme.
“I’m going to spend every minute of my time from now until they pop you off helping them pop you!”
Creda vows to dedicate herself to ensuring Madden is convicted and executed.
Her determination to see justice done is absolute.