# IX: The Escape explained — The Jade God

> Chapter companion for The Jade God by Alan Sullivan.

## What happens

Derrick visits the Millicents to share his findings, revealing the peddler's strange knowledge and the discovery of the kris. Jean theorizes that the peddler, Blunt, may have exerted an occult influence over Martin and Perkins, and that his death does not end that power. Sergeant Burke arrives with the shocking news that Blunt has escaped from custody, having never actually died. Derrick proposes a risky plan to recreate the murder scene at Beech Lodge in hopes of forcing a confession from Martin, and Burke reluctantly agrees.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Occult and Supernatural

Jean suggests that Blunt's occult power persists after death, and that Martin may have acted under supernatural influence.

### Fear and Paranoia

Burke's fear of professional ruin and the general unease surrounding Blunt's escape highlight the pervasive paranoia.

### Guilt and Secrecy

The plan to recreate the murder scene aims to uncover hidden guilt and break the silence surrounding the crime.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. John Derrick

Visits the Millicents to recount his discoveries and proposes a plan to recreate the murder scene.

### Jean Millicent

Listens intently to Derrick's story, theorizes about Blunt's occult influence, and removes her bangle.

### Mrs. Millicent

Agitated by the news, she leaves the room unable to bear the discussion.

### Sergeant Burke

Arrives in distress to report Blunt's escape and agrees to Derrick's plan for that night.

### Blunt

Reported to have escaped from custody after being presumed dead.

## Key lines

> It had been a cold night, and frost still sparkled on the dank grass when Derrick neared the Millicents’.

Derrick approached the Millicents' house on a frosty morning after a sleepless night.

_Sets the scene for Derrick's tense visit._

> Blunt, sir, has escaped! ... He's not dead—he never was.

Burke announces that Blunt has escaped because he was never actually dead.

_Key plot twist revealing Blunt's survival._

> I think you're right, and sometimes a man moves further ahead in ten minutes than in twenty years.

Derrick tells Burke that taking a bold risk can achieve more than years of cautious routine.

_Derrick convinces Burke to proceed with the risky plan._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jade_god_se/chapters/ix-the-escape
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jade_god_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jade_god_se/chapters