The Dain Curse · Chapter
XV: I've Killed Him explained
The investigation into Eric Collinson's death intensifies as local officials, including Sheriff Feeney and district attorney Vernon, conclude that Gabrielle Collinson is the killer.
What happens
The investigation into Eric Collinson's death intensifies as local officials, including Sheriff Feeney and district attorney Vernon, conclude that Gabrielle Collinson is the killer. The narrator argues that the death is murder, not suicide or accident, and insists there are hidden links between the deaths of Gabrielle's parents, Doctor Riese, and now her husband. Fitzstephan reveals a cryptic phone call and a ransom note, suggesting a possible kidnapping plot. The search for Gabrielle continues with no results.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Detection
The chapter focuses on the investigation of Collinson's death, with officials and the narrator analyzing evidence and motives.
Deception and Illusion
Fitzstephan's cryptic phone call and ransom note introduce elements of deception, questioning the true nature of events.
The Curse and Fate
The narrator insists on a hidden link between the deaths, suggesting a programmed fate targeting Gabrielle's close associates.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Investigates Collinson's death, argues it's murder, and coordinates with Fitzstephan.
- Owen Fitzstephan
Provides a cryptic phone call and ransom note, linking to the case.
- Gabrielle Leggett
Suspected of killing her husband; her whereabouts are unknown.
- Eric Collinson
Found dead; the narrator believes he was murdered.
- Madison Andrews
Discusses the case with the narrator, offers a reward for Gabrielle's discovery.
- Hubert Collinson
Eric's father, offers a reward for the murderer's conviction.
Key passages
“I've Killed Him”
A mysterious caller tells Fitzstephan that he has killed someone.
This cryptic message is a key clue in the chapter.
“He was murdered. He was murdered by—I told you two weeks ago that we weren't through with that damned curse, and that the only way to get through with it was to have the Temple business sifted to the bottom.”
The narrator insists Collinson was murdered and that the curse from the Temple cult is still active.
Highlights the narrator's belief in a connected series of events.
“Anybody that wants Mrs. Carter can have same by paying $10,000–”
A ransom note demands $10,000 for information about Gabrielle, addressed to Fitzstephan.
Suggests a possible kidnapping or extortion plot.