The Avenger · Chapter
XXV: The Man in the Car explained
Adele Leamington prepares for a tea meeting with Michael Brixan, but he fails to appear.
What happens
Adele Leamington prepares for a tea meeting with Michael Brixan, but he fails to appear. Later that evening, she encounters the same mysterious closed car she saw Lawley Foss speaking to the previous night. A white hand with a sparkling diamond beckons her, but she flees in terror to a policeman. Meanwhile, Michael Brixan informs Jack Knebworth of the discovery of Foss's head and discusses the possibility that Sir Gregory Penne is the Headhunter, with Mendoza as a potential key witness.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearances
Adele reflects on her own self-repression and the contrast between her inner nerves and her outward composure; the mysterious car and its occupant embody hidden identities and deceptive calm.
The Macabre and Grotesque
The discovery of Foss's head and the whispered invitation from the car contribute to a growing atmosphere of horror and the grotesque.
Characters to notice
- Adele Leamington
Waits for Michael Brixan for tea, then goes out at night and is frightened by the man in the closed car.
- Jack Knebworth
Gives Adele the afternoon off, later receives news from Michael Brixan about Foss's head and discusses the case.
- Lawley Foss
Mentioned as having been seen speaking to the occupant of the closed car; his head has been discovered.
- Mike Brixan
Fails to meet Adele for tea, later calls Jack Knebworth to report the discovery of Foss's head.
- Stella Mendoza
Mentioned as a possible key witness who may know the author of the manuscript.
- Sir Gregory Penne
Suspected by Michael Brixan of being the Headhunter and of killing Foss.
Key passages
“Life is largely made up of little things, but perspective in human affairs is not a gift common to youth.”
Youth often lacks the perspective to see that life's small details matter.
Opening reflection on Adele's youthful perspective.
“No: the moment I hear the camera turning, I feel that I am the character I’m supposed to be.”
As soon as filming starts, Adele fully inhabits her role.
Adele describes her acting process to Jack Knebworth.
“Pretty lady—come with me!”
An attractive woman, come with me!
The whispered invitation from the man in the car that frightens Adele.