Murder in the Gunroom · Chapter
XII explained
Stephen Gresham retains Jeff Rand to investigate the murder of Arnold Rivers, fearing public involvement due to his visit to Rivers's shop on the night of the murder.
What happens
Stephen Gresham retains Jeff Rand to investigate the murder of Arnold Rivers, fearing public involvement due to his visit to Rivers's shop on the night of the murder. Rand learns about the cigar ashes, drink setup, and destroyed record cards, and begins to connect the case to the Fleming collection theft. Gresham, Rand, and Pierre Jarrett plan to inspect the Fleming collection for missing items.
Themes in this chapter
Murder and Justice
The chapter revolves around the murder of Arnold Rivers and the efforts to clear Gresham's name while finding the true killer.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Gresham's innocence is questioned based on circumstantial evidence; the killer's identity is obscured by false clues and rumors.
Expertise and Authority
Gresham's bayonet expertise makes him a suspect; Rand's reputation as a detective is defended by McKenna.
Characters to notice
- Jeff Rand
Retained by Stephen Gresham to investigate Rivers's murder; discusses case details and plans to inspect Fleming collection.
- Stephen Gresham
Retains Rand, admits visiting Rivers's shop, and fears being implicated due to his bayonet expertise and prior conflict with Rivers.
- Mick McKenna
State Police officer in charge of the murder investigation; defends Rand's integrity and argues with Olsen about Gresham's involvement.
- Gus Olsen
Police officer who suspects Gresham of the murder; argues with McKenna about the investigation.
- Pierre Jarrett
To be picked up by Gresham to assist in identifying missing items from the Fleming collection.
- Dave Ritter
Rand's office contact; Rand calls him to update on the case.
Key passages
“Gresham must have been waiting inside the door; as soon as Rand came up onto the porch, he opened it, and motioned the detective inside.”
Gresham was eagerly awaiting Rand's arrival and quickly let him in.
Shows Gresham's urgency to discuss the case.
“I’m not interested in getting anybody convicted in court; I just want the case cleared up in a hurry.”
Gresham wants the murder solved quickly without necessarily seeking a legal conviction.
Highlights Gresham's primary concern for his reputation over formal justice.
“This Rivers killing has more angles than Nude Descending a Staircase ; I don’t know how much work I’ll have to do, or even what kind.”
The murder case is complex and unpredictable, like a cubist painting.
Rand uses an artistic metaphor to describe the case's intricacy.
“I didn’t kill Arnold Rivers. I hated his guts, and I think whoever did it ought to get a medal and a testimonial dinner, but I did not kill him.”
Gresham admits his animosity toward Rivers but denies any involvement in the murder.
Reveals Gresham's strong feelings and his plea of innocence.
“If anybody hires Jeff Rand, he’s one of two things. He’s either innocent, or else he’s out of luck.”
McKenna vouches that Rand only works for innocent clients or those who will be caught.
Establishes Rand's integrity and reputation.
